Lzzy Hale joins a very short list of female performers who can perfectly perform hard rock songs. Prior to tonight’s performance I was looking at a list of one – Courtney Love.
Lzzy Hale has expanded that list with aplomb.
Halestorm burst onto the stage with streamers, flames and a thunderous sound. From the opening chords of Fallen Star the audience was with them. Halestorm know how to put on a show and tonight didn’t disappoint.
Songs linked seamlessly with new offerings from their Everest album being well received. Of course fan favourites loomed large; ‘I Miss the Misery’, ‘Love Bites’ and ‘Freak Like Me’ elated the audience.
Throughout the two hours set Halestorm never let up from their high energy delivery. Musicianship was of the highest order, slick and self assured. Lzzy Hale’s vocals are both powerful yet melodic and she hits every note with simple perfection. She pulls off the impossible by creating an intimate atmosphere in such a large expanse as the AO Arena and her adoring fans loved every moment, being engaged and enthused in equal measure. ‘Watch Out!’ from the Everest album showcased Lzzy’s versatility on vocals with its heavy riffs which she proved were there to be enjoyed and complimented, never strained or forced. Quite a feat for a song that borders on metal.
‘I Get Off’ and ‘Familiar Taste of Poison’ had the audience singing/screaming along and enjoying every minute.
As always we were treated to an Arejay drum solo, performed with an equal mix of skill and humour.
The show rose to a crescendo with ‘K-I-L-L-I-N-G’, ‘Everest’ and the anthemic ‘I Gave You Everything’.
Halestorm returned for a well received encore which included their tribute to Ozzy with their interpretation of ‘Perry Mason’.
Halestorm are a tour de force of all that’s good in rock music. They never disappoint.
Words by Andrew Goodlad
Photos by Philip Goddard
