Heart guitarist Nancy Wilson isn’t holding back when it comes to her feelings about the state of America today. In a new interview with the Milwaukee Sentinel Journal, she admitted that she currently finds it “embarrassing” to be an American, comparing today’s political climate to the turmoil of the Vietnam War era.
Wilson reflected on Heart’s 1975 hit Crazy on You, which was written during a time of widespread protests against the war.
“We were kind of embarrassed at that time to call ourselves American because of the dirty politics of the Vietnam War,” she explained.
However, despite the upheaval of the 1970s, she believes things have only worsened in recent years, adding, “To be as subtle as possible, it’s more embarrassing [to be American] now.”
She also pointed to Barracuda, another Heart classic, as an example of a song that has taken on even greater relevance in today’s world.
“It’s even more relevant in the salacious billionaire culture with the grab-them-by-the-pussy mentality,” she remarked, alluding to the political and social climate under former President Donald Trump.
This isn’t the first time Wilson has criticized political figures using her band’s music. In 2008, she was outraged when Republican candidates John McCain and Sarah Palin used Barracuda at their campaign rallies, calling it “completely unfair to be so misrepresented” and saying she felt “completely fucked over.”
Despite her frustrations, Wilson remains hopeful for the future. She believes that change is inevitable, especially when it comes to gender equality and artistic expression.
“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,” she said. “I hope I am alive to see that next revolution.”
Heart is currently back on the road, embarking on an extensive North American arena tour that will run through the summer, wrapping up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, at the end of August.
