Live Review and Photos: Myglobalmind/Screaming Digital Productions
Attending a Halestorm concert is an electrifying experience that shows why this band from Red Lion, Pennsylvania, has achieved critical acclaim and built a dedicated fan base. Formed in 1997 by siblings Lzzy and Arejay Hale, Halestorm’s dynamic performances and powerful music have made them a significant force in the rock genre. With chart-topping albums like The Strange Case Of… and Vicious, and accolades including a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance, their influence is clear. Having had the privilege of covering Halestorm live for over a decade, both in North America and internationally, we have seen the enthusiasm of their global audience firsthand. The energy they bring to each performance is undeniable, with Lzzy Hale’s powerhouse vocals consistently commanding the stage and affirming the band’s lasting impact on rock music.
This tour presented a diverse array of bands and genres as openers. Fit For a King, the Texas metalcore outfit, has been a recurring feature in our coverage, having opened for Motionless in White and toured with The Devil Wears Prada earlier this year. Their live performances are consistently impressive. Following them were Hollywood Undead from LA, who brought their unique blend of rap and rock metal to the stage, and the seasoned veterans of the metal and metalcore scene, I Prevail, who provided a duo headliner, and intriguing lineup opening for the formidable Halestorm on this specific night. The tour offered something for everyone.
Fit For a King wasted no time on this sweltering, muggy southern evening. They launched into their set with their characteristic intensity. Lead singer Bobby Lynge delivered powerful harsh vocals, while bassist Ryan O’Leary’s dynamic performance—complete with risky guitar maneuvers—captivated the audience. Their set established the atmosphere and energized the crowd for what was to follow.
Hollywood Undead offered a more eclectic musical experience, and their performance was enjoyable. The band members brought their young children on stage, involving them in some of the songs, which added a charming touch to the show. Although I am not deeply familiar with their catalog, their laid-back and engaging set effectively got the crowd moving.
As night fell, I Prevail took the stage with impressive projection screens and launched into a powerful set featuring standout tracks such as “Body Bag,” “Visceral,” and “Bad Things.” Significant praise is due to lead vocalist Eric Vanlerberghe for energizing the crowd and encouraging the circle pit, despite the amphitheater’s seating arrangement not being ideal for large mosh pits. Despite these limitations, enthusiastic fans responded to the band’s call. Clean vocalist Brian Burkheiser also shared insights into his recent health struggles and battle with depression, providing a poignant reminder of the human side of performers. His openness was well-received, and the support from fans was very positive. I Prevail concluded their set with high-energy performances, delivering the heavy distortion and powerful performance that left the audience thoroughly satisfied.
Finally, Halestorm took the stage with an electrifying display of power and melodic excellence. Lzzy Hale showcased her powerhouse vocals on tracks like “Love Bites (So Do I)” and “I Get Off,” reaffirming the band’s reputation as a staple in the rock scene. Their performance highlighted the band’s high energy, chemistry, and ability to connect with fans of all ages, reflecting over a decade of success in the industry.
It is always a pleasure to see Lzzy Hale’s Gibson signature guitar, the Explorerbird, performed live—an impressive instrument in its own right. With numerous musician friends present in the VIP area, Halestorm, now based in Nashville, created a homecoming atmosphere for many.
Few superlatives are left to describe this remarkable band. They consistently deliver outstanding live performances, with the evident chemistry between Joe Hottinger and Lzzy Hale, Arejay’s powerful drumming, and bassist Josh Smith’s solid, longstanding support for the band.
This tour lived up to expectations, despite the evening’s heat. Although temperatures were in the 80s, it was manageable. The night delivered an excellent showcase of rock and metal, and the diverse lineup resulted in a satisfying experience for rock enthusiasts.
HALESTORM + I PREVAIL ON TOUR:
WITH HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD + FIT FOR A KING:
7/9 — Raleigh, NC — Coastal Credit Union Music Park
7/11 — Noblesville, IN — Ruoff Music Center
7/13 — Clarkston, MI — Pine Knob Music Theatre
7/15 — Gilford, NH — BankNH Pavilion
7/16 — Boston, MA — Leader Bank Pavilion
7/18 — Toronto, ON — Budweiser Stage
7/21 — Tinley Park, IL — Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
7/23 — Bridgeport, CT — Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
7/24 — Scranton, PA — Pavilion @ Montage Mountain
7/26 — Holmdel, NJ — PNC Bank Arts Center
7/27 — York, PA — York Fair^
7/30 — Mansfield, OH — Inkcarceration*
7/31 — Alpharetta, GA — Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
8/1 — Tampa, FL — MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
8/3 — Charlotte, NC — PNC Music Pavilion
8/4 — Franklin, TN — FirstBank Amphitheater
8/7 — St. Louis, MO — Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
8/8 — Rogers, AR — Walmart AMP
8/10 — Woodlands, TX — The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Presented by Huntsman
8/11 — Irving, TX — The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
8/13 — Denver, CO — Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre*^
8/14 — Albuquerque, NM — Isleta Amphitheater
8/16 — Phoenix, AZ — Arizona Financial Theater
8/17 — Las Vegas, NV — Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood Casino & Resort
*Festival
^Non-Live Nation Date
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