Seattle rock pioneer Michael Fisher, founding member of Heart, passes away

Michael Fisher, founding member and guitarist of Seattle rock band Heart, has passed away. Michael’s brother, Roger, confirmed his passing on social media Tuesday.

“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.

Heart founding member Michael Fisher passes away

Heart formed their band in 1967, with bassist Steve Fossen and brothers Michael and Roger Fisher. The group had a few name changes before landing on Heart, including Army, Hocus Pocus, and White Heart.

Heart’s debut album, “Dreamboat Annie, released in 1976, went double platinum and peaked at No. seven on the Billboard 200. Heart went on to release two more albums with the Roger brothers: “Little Queen” and “Dog & Butterfly.”

Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson joined the band in the early and mid-70s. Ann joined in 1970, and Nancy followed four years later in 1974.

The Fisher brothers and Wilson sisters started an inner-band romance shortly after the sisters joined. Michael dated Ann, and Roger dated Nancy.

A few years later, following the release of Heart’s third album, “Dog & Butterfly,” Roger and Nancy broke up in 1978. Later in October 1979, Roger quit the band.

Michael and Ann broke up soon after, and Heart was left to be fully taken over by the Wilson sisters.

“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 stated. “Michael will forever be loved and missed by all of us.”

Heart was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.

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