Heart‘s Nancy Wilson has revealed that she thinks it’s “embarrassing” to be an American now – see why below.
Speaking to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel recently, the guitarist reflected on politics in the United States dating back to the Vietnam War. In 1975, Heart released the iconic ‘Crazy On You’ in response to the Vietnam War, chronicling their frustration at the situation and the general state of the world on the track.
Reflecting on the track, Nancy said to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: “We were kind of embarrassed at that time to call ourselves American because of the dirty politics of the Vietnam War.”
While 1975 was a tough time being an American for those in Heart, Wilson thinks the situation’s gotten worse with time: “To be as subtle as possible, it’s more embarrassing now.”
Wilson then goes on to talk about how their 1977 hit ‘Barracuda’, which concerns “a real sleazeball with a satin jacket” is more relevant than ever in 2025 “in the salacious billionaire culture with the grab-them-by-the-pussy mentality.”
That is in reference of Donald Trump’s ongoing second Presidency, as well as his infamous 2005 quote that was only revealed to the public in 2016. The full quote, published by the Washington Post, saw Trump boast about groping a married woman: “I did try and fuck her. She was married… I am automatically attracted to beautiful women. I just start kissing them. It’s like a magnet. Just kiss, I don’t even wait… and when you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything… Grab them by the pussy. You can do anything.”
When asked by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about her thoughts on the sexism outlined in ‘Barracuda’ still being prevalent today, Nancy responded: “I think for women in the culture the pendulum will come back again, and there’ll be another renaissance in the arts to push back against the oppression of the cranky old rich white guys. I hope I am alive to see that next revolution.”
Heart are currently touring North America after the band postponed all 2024 performances in July for singer Ann Wilson to undergo cancer treatment. The tour will run until April 5 – any remaining tickets are now available for purchase via Ticketmaster.
