In an interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (transcribed by Ultimate Classic Rock ), guitarist and singer Nancy Wilson of the band Heart made some comments about what she calls the "lewd culture of billionaires," stating that she feels ashamed to be American, a feeling that, according to her, is not recent.
During the interview, Wilson was asked about the 1975 single “Crazy On You,” which her sister, Ann Wilson , wrote in response to the United States' involvement in Vietnam. “Back then, we felt a certain shame in calling ourselves Americans because of the dirty politics of the Vietnam War; to put it mildly, it’s even more shameful now.”
The relevance of "Barracuda" today
Nancy Wilson
's perspective isn't limited to politics. She also sees widespread sexism and misogyny in current culture, which echoes in another of Heart's most famous songs, " Barracuda " :
"It's even more relevant in the lecherous culture of billionaires, with the Grab 'em by the pussy ' mentality," referencing a leaked 2005 recording where Donald Trump made vulgar statements about women during a conversation with Billy Bush , host of Access Hollywood .
When asked if she finds it revolting that the sexism portrayed in “Barracuda ” is still so prevalent today, Wilson replies: “I think that, for women in culture, the pendulum will eventually swing back, and there will be a new renaissance in the arts to react against the oppression of these grumpy, rich, white old men. I hope to be alive to see that next revolution.”
Currently touring the US with Cheap Trick , Heart has overcome the differences that separated the Wilson sisters at the beginning of the decade. “It’s sweeter than ever,” says Wilson. “No matter the noise or drama swirling around us like a hurricane, we are the center, the calm eye of this story. We have this beautiful space that we occupy, just the two of us at the center.”
READ ALSO: Bruce Dickinson chooses Ann Wilson, from Heart, as his favorite vocalist.
