Nancy Wilson appeared on January 7’s episode of the 100 Guitarist podcast, recounting her experience meeting Led Zeppelin live for the first time. She first heard the band’s music, specifically “Whole Lotta Love,” as a high school girl when she attended a party in her friend’s basement.
Nancy said the gathering felt like a den of iniquity as there was alcohol and a lot of making out going on as the music blasted from a turntable and speakers. She would later watch “Whole Lotta Love” get performed live in 1977 at the Seattle World Fair opening ceremony.
Nancy Wilson of Heart says Jimmy Page was being scandalous on stage, causing her to leave
Nancy considered Jimmy Page suggestive because he showed off his bare chest and moved in a sultry manner as she and her sister Ann Wilson watched. As soon as Page started to sing “Squeeze My Lemon,” it was their cue to leave the Green Aqua Lake Theater.
In their defense, Nancy said she and Ann were square little hippie chicks with little exposure at the time. They felt scandalized watching Page and his bandmates perform their lineup; however, they returned to see 5th Dimension do their number after grabbing corndogs outside of the concert venue.
Nancy Wilson’s band had a comeback after Led Zeppelin’s performance
Nancy Wilson and Ann Wilson were up-and-coming musicians when they first watched Led Zeppelin play live, and a few years later, Heart became more popular with hits like “What About Love” and “Never” and chart toppers “These Dreams” and “Alone.”
The group disbanded in the late ‘90s but continued to collaborate on several occasions. They are set to begin their Royal Flush Tour this February as Ann recovers after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous growth. Their concerts will feature the likes of Cheap Trick, Def Leppard, Journey, and Squeeze as they perform across cities until April.