Noblesville, Indiana
Photos by Laura Fox (LLFoxphotos)
Review by Dave Fox
Halestorm is one of my favorite bands, especially in concert. Laura's also a huge Halestorm fan, so we were excited when the band announced they'd be on a co-headlining tour with I Prevail, supported Hollywood Undead and Fit for a King. Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville, Indiana, was the second stop on the North American leg of the tour.
Halestorm's set opened with Lzzy dramatically singing "Raise Your Horns" a capella. It was perfect, showcasing her range, and it reminded me just how good her voice is. The band then joined her as she started wailing, "I Miss the Misery," causing the crowd to go wild.
Halestorm's 12-song set included hits from their first album, Halestorm, their latest album, Back from the Dead, and everything in between. They also played the brand-new tune, "can u see me in the dark," which is a collaboration between Halestorm and I Prevail. Vocalist Eric Eric Vanlerberghe from I Prevail joined Halestorm onstage for the live debut of this one. (Lzzy joined I Prevail onstage at the previous show in Raleigh, NC.)
Early in the set, Lzzy revealed that it had been a tough road to Noblesville from Raleigh because their tour bus broke down. But Lzzy, as well as the rest of the band, seemed totally put together and full of energy.
Side note from Laura: Lzzy's outfit was absolutely killer. Those boots, that skirt! She looked as amazing as she sounded! And she did a full back bend while playing her guitar, ending up with her back completely on the stage. It was incredible!
Lead Guitarist Joe Hottinger made playing complicated riffs seem easy. His rapport with Lzzy and with the crowd was fun to watch.
I was especially looking forward to watching Arejay Hale perform, and he did not disappoint. In addition to pounding the skins with traditional drumsticks and flipping, twirling and catching them with ease, he played with his elbows and signature 3' long drumsticks. I really enjoyed his brief drum solo, which was followed by a drum circle where he was joined by Lzzy, Joe, and Josh. It was an unexpected treat.
Just before the drum solo, Lzzy asked who in the crowd hadn't seen Halestorm live before. Two men just ahead of me raised their hands. I leaned forward and said, "Wait'll you see the drum solo." Afterward, they turned back to me and their mouths were wide open in astonishment. They were obviously blown away.
Bassist/keboardist Josh Smith stayed mostly in the shadows, but he played with passion and intensity throughout the set.
If I had to come up with one negative thing about the entire Halestorm set, it would be that it wasn't long enough. I guess they're just going to have to come back around soon!
The Halestorm/I Prevail co-headlining tour continues through August 18, 2024. Halestorm will also be kicking ass at festivals and other events before embarking on a Canadian tour October 15.
Check out this killer collaboration with Halestorm & I Prevail!
Great review and photos!