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Chappell Roan Delivers Electrifying “Barracuda” Cover With Heart’s Nancy Wilson at Forest Hills Stadium
READ TIME: 5 MIN.
On Sunday night, Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, New York, witnessed a moment that instantly became part of modern rock folklore. As the opening show of her four-night residency, Chappell Roan—fast-rising pop provocateur and LGBTQ+ icon—delivered a euphoric rendition of Heart’s 1977 anti-sexism classic “Barracuda.” The crowd erupted when Roan, in a bold display of intergenerational solidarity, welcomed surprise guest Nancy Wilson, Heart’s legendary guitarist and co-writer of the song, to the stage for a raucous, guitar-fueled duet .
Roan’s affinity for “Barracuda” is well known among her followers, with the song having become a mainstay of her recent tours, including headline appearances at Reading and Leeds festivals earlier this year . However, Sunday’s performance was unmatched in energy and significance. Emerging onto the stage in glittering attire, Roan launched into the song’s opening riff before Wilson strode out, guitar in hand, to the delight of thousands. The duo traded verses and harmonized on the chorus, channeling the song’s raw defiance and feminist spirit.
Fans in attendance captured the moment on video, with footage already circulating widely on social media and YouTube, showcasing the sheer joy and power of the performance .
Heart’s “Barracuda” was originally written in response to sexist music industry practices and objectification, making it a timeless anthem of resistance and self-assertion for women and marginalized communities . Nancy Wilson has spoken candidly about the song’s origins, explaining in interviews that it was a reaction to a music executive’s attempt to profit off the band’s image as “sexy chicks,” a move the Wilson sisters fiercely rejected. The song’s biting lyrics and aggressive guitar work have resonated with generations seeking to challenge entrenched power structures.
On Sunday night, Wilson reflected on the continued relevance of “Barracuda.” In a statement prior to the show, she noted, “It’s even more relevant in the salacious billionaire culture with the grab-them-by-the-pussy mentality... 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” .
Chappell Roan’s career has been defined by unapologetic queerness and a commitment to visibility, making her a beloved figure within LGBTQ+ communities. Her shows are renowned for their theatricality, inclusivity, and open celebration of gender diversity and self-expression . By joining forces with Nancy Wilson, Roan not only paid homage to a rock trailblazer but also bridged generations of feminist and queer artistry.
Roan has previously cited “Barracuda” as her favorite song, and her relationship with Wilson has grown since the two met backstage earlier this year at a Heart concert in Los Angeles. Wilson, who has informally mentored Roan and other emerging queer artists, jokingly offered to be their “rock and roll auntie” and has encouraged them to challenge industry norms .
The Sunday performance was about more than just music; it was a statement of solidarity and empowerment. For LGBTQ+ fans in attendance, seeing two women—one a queer pop star, the other a rock legend—stand together in celebration of resistance and authenticity was a potent reminder of music’s role in social change. The choice of “Barracuda,” a song with deep roots in feminist protest, underscored the ongoing struggle for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights, particularly at a time when backlash against queer and trans visibility remains a pressing issue in entertainment and society at large .
As Roan’s residency at Forest Hills continues, the energy from Sunday’s performance is expected to ripple through the remaining shows. LGBTQ+ fans and allies have taken to social media to share their excitement, with many describing the moment as “historic” and “liberating” .
The collaboration between Chappell Roan and Nancy Wilson stands as a testament to the transformative power of music and the importance of intergenerational mentorship in the fight for equality. For both longtime Heart devotees and a new generation of queer fans, Sunday’s “Barracuda” was not just a cover—it was a rallying cry, a celebration, and a promise of more revolutions to come.
