Live Gig Review and Photos: DJ
It’s been a hot minute since Halestorm came to Huntsville, AL the last time was in 2009 when they played Sammy T’s in downtown Huntsville. That seems like moons ago, much has changed with the band. The guys have amassed a pretty big following since those times, a couple of top 10 hits, some really breakthrough Rocking albums like “Vicious” and “Back From The Dead” and powerhouse front lady Lzzy Hale has gone to become of the best voices we have in Rock today.
The night would have some interesting developments as we were originally scheduled to have New Year’s Day play second, but issues with their touring bus caused them to cancel on this night. Instead, we get the 3 up and comers, 3 ladies from the Mexican group The Warning opening for Halestorm on an extended set. Little known to my knowledge as we have not covered them yet, I have to say was very impressed by their stage presence, the trio rocked the joint to kick things off. A few of the tunes got the crowd warm and primed for Halestorm. A particular favorite was “Choke” and “Dull Knives (Cut Better). I would say they have been putting their names on the maps after touring for most of the year, and they have gathered a pretty large social media fan base. A band that has a point make and dedication to Rock your face off, check them out as a must-watch artist on the rise.
The groundwork has been set on this night, as Halestorm gets ready to explode on stage. The drum kit for Halestorm drummer Arejay Hale has been sitting there on what seems to be the hall of the mountain king all night, and as quick as sound techs clear the instruments, Lzzy pops on stage with her vintage Gibson and bursts into “Back From the Dead”, her resounding high powered vocals are always a royal treat to behold, and on this night her voice is flawless. A sold out Huntsville crowd is rowdy and ready to have a good time. With the second vacant slot on this night, Halestorm has promised to play a 2-hour extended set, lucky me. The guys continue to thrill with “I Miss the Misery” and “Raise Your Horns” all gloriously bringing the crowd together. The extended drum solo by Arejay is priceless, as it leads to another killer tune in “Freak Like Me”.
Is always gratifying to see the chemistry between Lzzy and guitarist Joe Hottinger, the dueling solos, and the electric live vibe between those two are immaculate. The whole band just sounds tight as hell and a 2 hour just blows by, doesn’t even feel like it. You know you are killing it out here when the night goes by so quickly. The hits keep coming with “I Get Off” and encore with classics such as “I Like It Heavy” and “Here’s To Us”. The ending to this electric Wednesday is near when “The Steeple” wraps things off.
What a great night of Hard Rock, perfect sound, electric atmosphere, and witnessing one of the best Rocks band we have in the industry just let it rip. Halestorm has certainly come a long way since the last time they played in Huntsville and judging by their performance this evening, they have tons more that will surely change when they play here again. Now having a long catalog of hits, and of the best front ladies in Rock, Lady Evil herself may be the top bill on this night, but the whole band was just fantastic. Until then, We Salute You Halestorm!!!
https://www.halestormrocks.com/tour
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