Heartless (Live 1978)

The Zoo Crew is spinning Heart's electrifying "Heartless (Live 1978)" from the album Live in Pittsburgh, a track that captures the raw energy of sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson at their peak. This live rendition, drawn from their 1978 Pittsburgh performance, showcases Ann’s powerhouse vocals and the band’s tight instrumentation, amplifying the studio version’s hard rock edge. According to a post on X, the song hails from Heart’s second studio album, Magazine, which hit shelves on April 22, 1978, and earned platinum status in both the U.S. and Canada. The live version, however, adds a gritty, unpolished intensity, with Ann’s vocal delivery described by Cash Box as a standout, paired with stellar bass work. Trivia from the Magazine era reveals a chaotic backstory: the album faced delays due to a legal dispute with Mushroom Records, who released an unfinished version in 1977 without the band’s consent. Heart fought back, re-recording tracks like "Heartless" for the 1978 release, with Ann tweaking vocals to sing “doctor” instead of “doc” in the iconic line, adding a subtle but deliberate polish.

Digging deeper, "Heartless" itself is a scorned lover’s anthem, its lyrics painting a vivid picture of emotional entrapment. Ann Wilson shared in a 2013 WEBE 108 FM interview with original bassist Steve Fossen that the song’s intensity came from real-life frustrations, channeling personal betrayal into its searing delivery. The live 1978 performance, as fans on the Classic Rock Forum recall, was a high point of Heart’s early tours, where Ann’s flute-playing—a rare treat—often surprised audiences. The Pittsburgh recording captures this era perfectly, with Nancy’s scorching guitar riffs and the rhythm section’s relentless drive. A fan on the Heartmongers Facebook group noted how the live cut feels “like Heart grabbing you by the collar and not letting go,” a sentiment echoed across fan sites like Heart By Heart, which celebrates the band’s 1970s legacy.

Heart began in Seattle’s vibrant 1960s music scene, evolving from a cover band called The Army to the iconic lineup that stormed the charts. Founded in 1967 by bassist Steve Fossen and brothers Roger and Mike Fisher, the group became Heart in 1973 when Ann Wilson joined as lead vocalist. Her commanding voice, inspired by soul and folk, transformed their sound. Nancy Wilson, Ann’s younger sister, hopped aboard in 1974, adding her virtuosic guitar and harmonies, cementing the band’s signature blend of hard rock and acoustic finesse. As detailed on their official bio, Heart’s big break came with their 1975 debut, Dreamboat Annie, featuring hits like “Crazy on You” and “Magic Man.” The album, recorded in Vancouver, skyrocketed them to fame, though their battle with Mushroom Records soon followed. Despite early struggles, Heart’s trailblazing presence—led by two women in a male-dominated genre—earned them a 2013 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Stay connected with Heart through their official website, where you can find tour dates and merch. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on new music and throwback posts celebrating their legacy. Fans can dive into the community at the Heartmongers Facebook group, a hub for Zoo Freaks and diehards sharing concert memories and rare vinyl finds. For a taste of Heart’s early magic, check out Heart By Heart, a tribute band led by original members Fossen and drummer Michael Derosier, keeping the 1970s spirit alive.