SEATTLE — Michael Fisher, a founding member and guitarist of the iconic Seattle rock band Heart, has passed away. His brother, Roger Fisher, confirmed the news Tuesday in a heartfelt post on social media.
“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that our family has experienced the loss of the incredible spirit Michael Fisher was to all of us,” Roger wrote on Facebook.
Early Years and Formation of Heart
Heart traces its origins back to 1967, when Michael Fisher, his brother Roger, and bassist Steve Fossen came together to form a band. In its earliest years, the group went through several names — including Army, Hocus Pocus, and White Heart — before finally settling on the name Heart.
The band’s lineup solidified in the 1970s with the arrival of sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, who would go on to become the driving creative force of the group. Ann joined in 1970, followed by Nancy in 1974.
Rise to Fame
Heart’s big break came with the release of their debut album, Dreamboat Annie, in 1976. The record, featuring hits such as Crazy on You and Magic Man, went double platinum and climbed to No. 7 on the Billboard 200 chart.
The Fisher brothers remained with the band through its early successes, contributing to albums such as Little Queen (1977) and Dog & Butterfly (1978). These records cemented Heart’s reputation as one of the leading rock bands of the decade, blending hard rock, folk, and acoustic sounds into a unique style that won fans worldwide.
Band Relationships and Changes
The dynamic within the band extended beyond music. Michael Fisher was romantically involved with Ann Wilson, while his brother Roger dated Nancy Wilson. These inner-band romances added another layer to the group’s story during its rise.
By the late 1970s, however, relationships within the band began to fracture. Roger and Nancy ended their relationship in 1978, and Roger left Heart the following year. Michael and Ann’s relationship also ended soon after, leaving the Wilson sisters at the helm of the band moving forward.
Legacy and Family
Despite stepping away from Heart, Michael Fisher remained a beloved figure within the band’s history and Seattle’s rock legacy. Heart went on to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, honoring the contributions of both the Wilson sisters and the Fisher brothers in shaping the band’s sound and success.
In his tribute, Roger Fisher shared that Michael passed peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones. “Michael passed in the comfort of his home, surrounded by close family — his wife, Dani, brother Roger, and sister Kay, and his cherished 11 children, which is just what Mike would’ve wanted,” Roger wrote.
“Michael will forever be loved and missed by all of us.”
A Lasting Impact
Michael Fisher’s role in helping launch Heart stands as a testament to his artistry and influence. While the band evolved under the leadership of Ann and Nancy Wilson, the Fisher brothers’ early vision laid the foundation for a group that continues to inspire musicians and fans nearly five decades later.
Michael’s passing marks the loss of a pioneer in Seattle’s rock history — one remembered not just for his music, but for the deep love and family ties that defined his life.
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