Before Halestorm’s performance at Stage AE, I can’t say that I understood what all the fuss was about. Lzzy Hale has been making headlines and filling up the pages of rock zines and blogs since they broke the scene around 2005. Not being one for Halestorm’s style of rock, but also not one to discount others love for it, I kept an open mind as to what I would witness Wednesday night, December 11, 2013 at Pittsburgh’s Stage AE. And now I can say I get what others see in the highly talented band.
All one had to do was look around at the packed house and enthusiastic faces to feel the excitement. As I took photos in the pit, many of the audience members were singing the lyrics almost as loud as Lzzy, and it looked like she was having just as much of a great time as her fans were. With a solid band including her brother, Arejay, on drums, Joe Hottinger on guitar, and Josh Smith on bass, Halestorm is very tight and put on one heck of a show. But let’s not forget who everyone comes to see which of course is Lzzy. She lives up to the billing folks. Amazing voice, beautiful looks, great personality and fan interaction, guitar chops…it was all coming together as I snapped away and as I took it all in afterwards.
Although Halestorm may not be my particular cup of tea, it’s nice to appreciate a different brand once in awhile, especially ones with subtle and beautiful flavor. I especially appreciated the Judas Priest, Guns N’ Roses, and Fleetwood Mac covers…Daft Punk, well, not my tea either, but the girls in the crowd sure did love it. The package with Redlight King and Stars in Stereo is perfect for fans of the genre and is a killer deal for the money.
Setlist: below pix
All photos ©2013 AWeldingphoto and Pittsburgh Music Magazine
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(Guns N’ Roses cover)
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(Fleetwood Mac cover)
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(Judas Priest cover)
- Encore:
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(Daft Punk cover)
- Here’s to Us