Halestorm // Waterfront - 6th March 2013
They launch into the mega sing-along Freak Like Me, the highlight being Lzzy's falsetto high note at the end, executed with Beyonce-style power.
I first saw Halestorm at Download last year, inhabiting that odd ‘2 in the afternoon’ make or break slot on the 2nd Stage, where the weary ‘n’ hung-over rockers either love you or can’t be arsed with you. Of course, they triumphed, with front woman Lzzy Hale all massive blond hair, stilettos, Ray Bans, Gibson Les Paul and RAAAAWK attitude.
This ability to turn heads against waves of apathy has served them very well indeed, as they bagged a Grammy last month for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance - not too shabby indeed. So fast forward to the longest queue I’ve ever seen at The Waterfront and there’s a palpable feeling of excitement that we’re in for a real treat at this SOLD OUT show.
First up on the bill are Sacred Mother Tongue, a very tidy grungey metal band featuring 6-string widdle wizard Andy James, who frankly makes impossible metal riffs look like child’s play. Darrin South’s excellent vocal range lifts them from being a mere exhibition band so check them out if you get the chance.
Next up, suddenly a platform has appeared onstage and In This Moment’s singer Maria Brink is on top of it in her stockings and suspenders, bellowing into her headset microphone “ARE YOU HAVING A GOOOOOOD TIIIIIME?!”, all done whilst being blown about by some well positioned fans and fondling the skulls on her three mic stands, while changing hats / capes / dresses between every song… phew! The crazy Manson/Gaga mash up of a set is so ridiculous to witness but due the pounding awesomeness of the music, you just can’t help being swept up into the over-the-top gusto-metal spectacular-ness of it all!
Of course, it turns out to be a genius choice of support bands because it creates the perfect foil for Halestorm to strip down the stage, and let everyone focus on what they do. And Ladies and Gentlemen, they do KICK ASS ROCK.
Arriving onstage with the mother of all drum intros and Maiden style guitar harmonies, they instantly announce their intent by smashing into a euphoric I Miss The Misery. Front-woman Lzzy’s ditched the massive blond hair and Ray Bans, replaced with a tight bun, darkened locks and stilettoed boots. She sings every note with so much grit and determination like the anti-sugarsweet Hayley Williams, channelling Stevie Nicks having a dust up with Skin from Skunk Anansie. She gleefully announces that it’s the opening night of the tour as they false start a new song, the drummers fault of course... it always is!
Songs like the massive sing-along Rock Show make the first part of the set nothing short of breathtaking, and midway through the set we’re treated to a solo piano performance of the exquisite ballad Break In. The shift of gears is absolutely perfect, and ensures that the whole crowd are totally mesmerised. After another slowie played with full band, they ignite the crowd once more by kicking straight into high octane bangers Love Bites and Mz Hyde.
This band clearly loves what they do, love their fans, and are having a whale of a time. After a comedic exchange between Lzzy and Joe (Guitar) about the correct pronunciation of “Norwich” and not the usual American “Nor-witch” they launch into the mega sing-along Freak Like Me, the highlight being Lzzy's falsetto high note at the end, executed with Beyonce-style power. With shows as genuinely exciting as this, Halestorm may well be inhabiting stages like that of a certain Mrs. Knowles soon, not to mention grabbing more of those Grammys.
Gav Thomas
I first saw Halestorm at Download last year, inhabiting that odd ‘2 in the afternoon’ make or break slot on the 2nd Stage, where the weary ‘n’ hung-over rockers either love you or can’t be arsed with you. Of course, they triumphed, with front woman Lzzy Hale all massive blond hair, stilettos, Ray Bans, Gibson Les Paul and RAAAAWK attitude.
This ability to turn heads against waves of apathy has served them very well indeed, as they bagged a Grammy last month for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance - not too shabby indeed. So fast forward to the longest queue I’ve ever seen at The Waterfront and there’s a palpable feeling of excitement that we’re in for a real treat at this SOLD OUT show.
First up on the bill are Sacred Mother Tongue, a very tidy grungey metal band featuring 6-string widdle wizard Andy James, who frankly makes impossible metal riffs look like child’s play. Darrin South’s excellent vocal range lifts them from being a mere exhibition band so check them out if you get the chance.
Next up, suddenly a platform has appeared onstage and In This Moment’s singer Maria Brink is on top of it in her stockings and suspenders, bellowing into her headset microphone “ARE YOU HAVING A GOOOOOOD TIIIIIME?!”, all done whilst being blown about by some well positioned fans and fondling the skulls on her three mic stands, while changing hats / capes / dresses between every song… phew! The crazy Manson/Gaga mash up of a set is so ridiculous to witness but due the pounding awesomeness of the music, you just can’t help being swept up into the over-the-top gusto-metal spectacular-ness of it all!
Of course, it turns out to be a genius choice of support bands because it creates the perfect foil for Halestorm to strip down the stage, and let everyone focus on what they do. And Ladies and Gentlemen, they do KICK ASS ROCK.
Arriving onstage with the mother of all drum intros and Maiden style guitar harmonies, they instantly announce their intent by smashing into a euphoric I Miss The Misery. Front-woman Lzzy’s ditched the massive blond hair and Ray Bans, replaced with a tight bun, darkened locks and stilettoed boots. She sings every note with so much grit and determination like the anti-sugarsweet Hayley Williams, channelling Stevie Nicks having a dust up with Skin from Skunk Anansie. She gleefully announces that it’s the opening night of the tour as they false start a new song, the drummers fault of course... it always is!
Songs like the massive sing-along Rock Show make the first part of the set nothing short of breathtaking, and midway through the set we’re treated to a solo piano performance of the exquisite ballad Break In. The shift of gears is absolutely perfect, and ensures that the whole crowd are totally mesmerised. After another slowie played with full band, they ignite the crowd once more by kicking straight into high octane bangers Love Bites and Mz Hyde.
This band clearly loves what they do, love their fans, and are having a whale of a time. After a comedic exchange between Lzzy and Joe (Guitar) about the correct pronunciation of “Norwich” and not the usual American “Nor-witch” they launch into the mega sing-along Freak Like Me, the highlight being Lzzy's falsetto high note at the end, executed with Beyonce-style power. With shows as genuinely exciting as this, Halestorm may well be inhabiting stages like that of a certain Mrs. Knowles soon, not to mention grabbing more of those Grammys.
Gav Thomas
