The moment Heart hit the stage of the Illinois State Fair on August 22, 2009 with the first few notes of Barracuda, The Bangles faded from memory like a Hazy Shade of Winter. Heart put on an absolutely fantastic and energetic 90 minute set of hits and covers with surprisingly good sound for a grandstand concert. Ann Wilson’s voice was in perfect form as she sang songs as expertly as decades ago, and the entire audience felt the stab of each and every one of those high notes she hit with absolute precision. Nancy Wilson’s guitar prowess was showcased beautifully throughout, and she looked like she was having a great time dancing around the stage while playing. Her lead singing on an acoustic version of “These Dreams” was a highlight and one of several sweet diversons from an loud, pulsating, ears-ringing, get-out-of-your-seat-and-dance rockfest.
The Bangles 40 minute set was good, although the unknown songs thrown in between their few hits did drag their performance down a bit. Overall, it was an amazing concert experience on an unusually cool and clear summer night in Springfield. Here is the setlist for both Heart and The Bangles and a couple videos.
Heart Setlist Illinois State Fair August 22, 2009
Barracuda
Never
Kick It Out
Straight On
Love Alive
Mistral Wind
Imigrant Song (Led Zeppelin)
Back to Avalon
These Dreams
What About Love
Alone
Love, Reign O’er Me (The Who)
Crazy on You
Encore:
Sand
Going to California (Led Zeppelin)
Magic Man
The Bangles Setlist Illinois State Fair August 22, 2009
Hazy Shade of Winter
Manic Monday
If She Knew What She Wants
Some Dreams Come True
September Gurls
Going Down to Liverpool
Eternal Flame
Ride the Ride
In Your Room
Walk Like an Eqyptian
Photo courtesy the State Journal Register, find newspaper review here: http://www.sj-r.com/news/x1373197806/Review-Heart-pounds-through-set-strong-as-it-ever-was
