Concert Review: Halestorm – Powerstation March 13, 2019

Who knew 1000 people could make so much noise? Halestorm may be loud, but their fans are even louder.

The American hard rock quartet made their way into Auckland for the fourth time yesterday, playing to a very vocal crowd at The Powerstation.

Standing back by the mixing desk, I thought I was closer to a jet engine taking off as the crowd roared when Lzzy Hale and the band took the stage at 9:30, launching the set with a menacing Black Vultures.

“Who wants to party?”, Lzzy shouted, with more than a little help from younger brother Arejay Hale, behind her on the drum kit.

Again, the eardrums were ringing as the fans answered. Then they all sang along to Love Bites (So Do I).

Much has been made of the sense of community Halestorm has built up with their fans, particularly the females, but until you see it in action, its hard to imagine.

Women of all shapes, sizes and ages were pumping fists, throwing horns and singing at the top of their lungs throughout the 90 minute set.

Sure, there were plenty of guys there too. And everyone seemed to be having the time of their lives.

Lzzy Hale is the visual focus of the band, but there is plenty more here. Her brother, Arejay, seemed to be battling for the spotlight during most of the night, showboating by twirling his sticks, tossing them in the air and generally drawing attention to himself.(No wonder they referred to him as “Tommy Lee Roth” during this 13th Floor interview) He finally got to show off during his drum solo, where he was joined by Devilskin drummer Nick Martin for a rather impressive percussive display, especially if they hadn’t rehearsed as he claimed.

Guitarist Joe Hottinger took his opportunity to let loose during Amen, his solo becoming the musical highlight of the evening.

Meanwhile bass player Josh Smith, remained as unassuming as his name, anchoring the sound.

And hardcore fans would’ve been thrilled to hear a new song, Tokyo, being performed for the first time ever.

These four musicians have been playing together since 2004 and it shows. Not only are they tight, but they obviously love to jam. The extended version of I Miss The Misery, during the encore, felt spontaneous and made it that much more exciting.

The encore began with one of the few quitter moments of the show when Lzzy performed solo with an electric piano. The aural respite was appreciated, but then the power of the full band returned with Misery, followed by another singalong in the form of Here’s To Us, which included their friends from Devilskin joining them on stage.

They may have been here four times, but this was my introduction to the Halestorm live show, and I was impressed.

Marty Duda

Click on any image to view a photo gallery by Rachel Webb:

Halestorm set list:

1. Black Vultures
2. Love Bites (So Do I)
3. I Am The Fire
4. Do Not Disturb
5. Amen
6. Skulls
7. Vicious
8. Tokyo
9. Drum Solo
10. Freak Like Me
11. Uncomfortable
12. Killing Ourselves To Live
13. Dear Daughter
14. I Miss The Misery
15. Here’s To Us