Black Dog (Live 2003)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin the electrifying "Black Dog (Live 2003)" by Heart from their Alive in Seattle album! This track, a cover of Led Zeppelin's iconic song, was recorded during Heart's 2002 Summer of Love Tour, capturing the raw energy of their final Seattle show. One juicy tidbit from the performance is how Ann Wilson's powerhouse vocals tackled the challenging Robert Plant parts, delivering a fresh yet faithful rendition that had the crowd roaring. In a 2003 interview with Rolling Stone, Ann mentioned that covering "Black Dog" was a nod to their Seattle roots, as both Heart and Led Zeppelin drew inspiration from the Pacific Northwest's gritty rock scene. The live recording, released in 2003 as a double-CD and later a Blu-ray in 2008, showcases Heart's ability to blend their signature sound with Zeppelin's hard-rock edge, making it a fan favorite.

Digging into social media, fans on Heart's Facebook page have shared nostalgic stories about the 2002 concert, with one Zoo Freak recalling how Nancy Wilson's guitar riffs during "Black Dog" felt like "a lightning bolt through the venue." On Heart's Instagram, a throwback post from 2020 celebrated the Alive in Seattle DVD release, sparking comments about how the "Black Dog" performance captured the sisters' chemistry at its peak. Over on Heart's X account, a 2023 fan thread debated whether Ann's vocal improvisations in the live version outshone the studio original, with many praising her for adding a soulful twist. The Heart Fanatics Facebook Group is buzzing with Zoo Freaks swapping bootlegs and memories of the tour, including one user who claimed they sneaked backstage and saw Nancy tuning her guitar before the "Black Dog" set.

Now, let's rewind to how Heart got their start. Formed in 1967 in Seattle, Washington, the band began as The Army, a group of local musicians jamming in basements and bars. By 1969, they morphed into Hocus Pocus, then White Heart, before settling on Heart in 1973. Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson joined the lineup in the early '70s, with Ann's commanding voice and Nancy's versatile guitar work shaping the band's sound. According to their bio on Heart's official website, their big break came in 1975 when they signed with Mushroom Records and released their debut album, Dreamboat Annie. Hits like "Crazy on You" and "Magic Man" skyrocketed them to fame, blending folk, rock, and a touch of hippie mysticism that resonated with the era's counterculture. Their Seattle upbringing, surrounded by a vibrant music scene, gave them the grit and creativity to carve out a unique space in rock history.

For more Heart goodness, Zoo Freaks can connect with the band on their official website, where you'll find tour dates, merch, and exclusive content. Follow them on Facebook for live updates and fan interactions, or check out Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos and throwbacks. On X, Heart shares quick updates and engages with fans, often retweeting Zoo Freak love. Join the Heart Fanatics Facebook Group to swap stories and trivia with fellow fans, or visit Heartmongers, a dedicated fan site packed with discographies, rare photos, and tour archives. Keep rocking, Zoo Crew, and let "Black Dog" howl through the airwaves!