Nancy Wilson recently addressed long-standing rumors about her relationship with her sister Ann Wilson. She clarified the controversy in a statement shared on Louder Sound.
The Heart guitarist spoke about a controversial headline that had sparked offense within the band and their circle. Wilson explained the nature of the misunderstanding and how it affected the sisters at the time.
“The insinuation was really sexual, that we were lesbians. And of course we were not. So we were really offended,” Nancy Wilson said. “One of the publicity people around the record company probably came up with it.”
Wilson went on to describe a specific incident that occurred during a party for the band’s album Dreamboat Annie. This incident further illustrated the impact of the rumor.
“At a party for Dreamboat Annie, this guy comes up to Ann and says: ‘How’s your lover, Annie?’ She goes: ‘Well Mike Fisher’s right over there. He’s fine.’ And he goes: ‘No, I mean your sister!’ Ann turned on her boot heel and huffed out of the room, then wrote the words for Barracuda up in her hotel room.”
The anecdote reveals how deeply the rumor had affected Ann Wilson. She channeled this impact into songwriting during that period.
The inspiration for “Barracuda” came directly from a sleazy individual who approached Ann Wilson following a show. Anti Music reports that this person made a crude, sexualized comment about her and her sister Nancy, implying they were involved in an incestuous lesbian relationship. Ann Wilson transformed this moment of violation into a powerful statement. She wrote the lyrics for “Barracuda” as a direct response to the objectification she faced.
Heart’s record label, Mushroom Records, deliberately fueled the rumors through a publicity stunt. American Songwriter revealed that the label placed an advertisement in Rolling Stone magazine insinuating Ann and Nancy Wilson were sexual partners. This was a complete fabrication designed to generate attention and controversy. The tactic deeply upset the Wilson sisters, who felt it was a disrespectful and misogynistic attempt to sexualize them and distract from their music and message.
Ultimate Classic Rock documented how Ann Wilson spoke out about these rumors and the broader culture of misogyny in the music industry. Both sisters were affected by this hostile environment. She emphasized that “Barracuda” was a direct response to the objectification and sexualization they faced. The song remains a powerful statement against the exploitation of women in rock music.
Despite these challenges and the relentless scrutiny they faced during their early career, Ann and Nancy Wilson continued to break barriers. They paved the way for women in rock and earned respect and admiration from their peers and fans alike. Their legacy stands as a testament to their resilience in a male-dominated industry.
