Ann Wilson had the right idea. Addressing 3,000-plus of the faithful in Victoria Monday night, she congratulated us Canucks on winning the U.S./Canada Olympic hockey game.

“It was awesome and boy, it had to go that way,” said Heart’s lead vocalist, resplendent in a purple velvet jacket, shaking her trademark mane of black curls.

And then, fittingly, the band launched into Kick It Out, a hard-driving girl-power rocker about living life to its fullest and other fun stuff.

Heart first soared to global notice back in the mid-’70s. Happily, the band led by Ann and her sister guitarist/singer Nancy Wilson (now both in their later fifties) proved they still possess oodles of power and passion.

Ann Wilson still sings well, as she showed mid-set with Mistral Wind. The song, using a galleon pushed by winds as a metaphor for fate, started off gently with Nancy’s contemplative acoustic guitar strumming. In mid-journey, Mistral Wind shifted from breeze to hurricane, with Ann nailing those treacherous high notes.

The band hit the stage running, opening the night with Barracuda, a signature hit. The hard-rock tune’s galloping drive was fully intact. And guitarist Craig Bartock tapped out those familiar harmonics-drenched riffs (a favourite refrain of classic rock radio) with aplomb.

Heart’s had a long vacation from Victoria. The concert MC said the band hasn’t played here since ’78. Ann Wilson welcomed the crowd with: “Thank you all for being here. We’re Heart. And we’re glad to be back.”

Nancy, looking youthful and sporting a military-style jacket, is more than just a pretty face; she plays both acoustic and electric guitar well. Her lead singing on Back to Avalon was a high point.

As for Ann, she was — and still is — a very fine vocalist. Her huge, passionate voice enables Heart to do full justice to crunchy rock songs and soaring power ballads. Ann sings with operatic power, sometimes tempered with a thrilling rasp.

The show included Crazy on You, These Dreams and Magic Man as well as such new tunes as WTF, Red Velvet Car and Sifonia’s Mark.

The evening opened with a strong solo performance by Shaun Verrault, singer/guitarist for Wide Mouth Mason. Verrault, accompanying himself on acoustic guitar, offered a compelling set sung with wonderful power. The crowd especially loved his cover of Prince’s When Doves Cry.

(Note: Due to deadline considerations, the reviewer left before the concert finished.)