Halestorm are well on their way to becoming rock legends, and Everest is easily my album of the year. Naturally, I had to make the nEVEREST tour, and I was lucky to be allowed the opportunity. The experience as left me awestruck.
Beginning with Kelsy Karter & The Heroines, a group that I am completely new to. I do hear a good deal from the hallway, and immediately I’m drawn in a classic rock sound, accompanied by a strong, raspy vocalist.
Performance wise, the band are active, and it’s clear that Kelsey is enjoying the show, putting her heart and soul into every song. Having looked at the songs online, it seems she’s played newer songs, like Lightning in a Bottle, and older songs like Liquor Store on Mars. I am a little upset that I didn’t catch the whole set, but I did enjoy it, and I hope that I’d get another chance to see her soon.
Bloodywood I had heard about, just enough to be excited, but not overly familiar. The set was introduced with a light show, and soft music before Vishesh Singh brings in the drums, and Sarthak Pahwa brings along the dhol. Pahwa did become one of my favourite parts of the night, as when he wasn’t playing, he played the part of hype man for us all. When the rest of the band come in, the energy goes through the roof.
It’s another opener that you could convince me was the main act. I was completely blown away. Their set is a mixture of songs from their albums Rakshak and Nu Delhi, beginning with Gaddaar, finishing with Machi Bhasad (Expect a Riot) and including Bekhauf, which features Baby Metal (though, no cameo). Their set spread a message of self-empowerment and standing against hateful, divisive governments. There was singing, there was crowd interactions, circle pits. It was a set that had it all.
But could Halestorm match that?
Beginning the set with Fallen Star, it all makes sense as that’s how the album begins. However, going straight into Miss the Miserywith confetti and pyrotechnics… It’s beginning the show with the grand finale! As if there wasn’t a break in sets, everyone is up and excited. The energy just got higher and higher throughout the time. Each song fit perfectly together, and there was interaction with the crowd, and some theatrics including sparkly capes and a toast.
Being the tour for Everest, most of the songs were from that album. The translation from recording to live was flawless, especially that of Like a Woman Can. There was a good range of old tracks, with the likes of Love Bites (But So Do I), Uncomfortable, and I Am the Fire.
It really highlighted the talent, friendship and passion of the members of Halestorm. Especially the Hale siblings, with Arejay having a moment to himself where he encouraged a drum solo circle pit, before bringing out giant drum sticks to use. Lzzy on the other hand, took every opportunity to showcase her voice. The strength that it possesses, and how effortlessly she can harness it. At times, she was just showing off, and so would I, if I had her talent.
It wasn’t just celebrating the band, but the fans, their loved ones, and the people we lose. Especially the late Ozzy Osbourne, who was one of their idols. The set had multiple tributes to Ozzy, with Black Sabbath as the introduction, and a flawless cover of Perry Mason. The set ended with Here’s to Us, with the members taking a shot before it began. I appreciated the change, rather than ending with the most energetic, or most known song. It really gave the bittersweet feeling of a gig finishing.
It was one of the best shows that I’ve been to. I hope that I get to see them again soon!
