Charlotte, NC – The genre of Hard Rock has a youthful torch being carried by rising Michigan-based rockers, Greta Van Fleet, and on May 15th the band was at the Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre to bring their March of the Peaceful Army tour to North Carolina.
Charlotte’s downtown skyline glowed in the distance, as a sold-out crowd packed the venue grounds and soaked in a delightful evening. Vocalist Josh Kiszka, guitarist Jake Kiszka, bassist/keyboardist Sam Kiszka, and drummer Danny Wagner are out supporting their 2018 debut full-length album, Anthem of the Peaceful Army. Still relatively new on the scene, many fans were first introduced to the band in March 2017 with the release of the single “Highway Tune”.
As the band’s popularity grew, so did the myriad of comparisons to classic hard-rock staples and a mixed bag of radiant accolades and harsh criticism. Be that as it may, predecessors are often influencers. Greta Van Fleet may be blooming from a classic rock root with a shape that seems similar to familiar legends, although it is through that glory a revived expression is developing and it contains talents all their own. Tonight, the audience in Charlotte were made up of a wide array of characteristics, represented by youthful bloomers, classic rockers, and everything in-between. This range is an affirmation to the reach and buzz Greta Van Fleet has created.
After a brief, but beautifully-done set from Ida Mae (UK transplants Chris Turpin and Stephanie Jean), the audience soon began to chant “GRET-A” in anticipation of the main event. When Greta Van Fleet took the stage, their level of confidence and connection was striking. Josh’s colorful vocals and full-body cymbal play, Jake’s electrifying guitar riffs and solos, Sam’s arresting bass groove and dynamite work on the keys, and Danny’s thunderous layers of beats delivered a captivating experience of skillfully carried out melodies.
Greta Van Fleet has described their shared message as spreading “peace, love and unity” with their music and the collective goal to have people walk out of their live shows feeling invigorated, energized and exhilarated, to then take that feeling out into the world. A final scan of the crowd tonight at The Metro reflected that goal and revealed faces of joy and contentment. Well Done, Greta Van Fleet.
With only a few dates left in North America before the band heads overseas to tour Europe, do yourself a favor and catch some of their live energy. For more information on Tour Dates, visit HERE.
GRETA VAN FLEET Photo Gallery
Greta Van Fleet Set List
The Cold Wind
Highway Tune
Black Smoke Rising
Edge of Darkness
Flower Power
You’re the One
Age of Man
Black Flag Exposition
Watching Over
When the Curtain Falls
Encore:
Safari Song
Show Date: 5/15/2019
