Throwback Tuesday: Greta Van Fleet in Wizink Center, 05/12/23 (Gallery)

There are few things that evoke in people of all ages, from twenty-somethings to gray-haired elders accompanied by a walker, the feeling of euphoria, of being alive, of wanting to take over the world like rock and roll does.

And like Greta Van Fleet does.

The Michigan group comprised of the three Kiszka brothers – Josh, Jake and Sam – and Daniel Wagner, a childhood friend, has carried the nickname “The New Led Zeppelin” since the beginning of their musical career in 2012. No wonder. Just by listening to the single that launched them to fame, Highway Tune, we appreciate the exciting ring of Josh Kizska's voice and the energy that Jake's guitar riffs give off. One would think that a group made up of young people in their twenties cannot be compared to the classics. Anyone who lived through that time, I mean.

Well, they are wrong. And how they are wrong.

A CHRONICLE OF A CONCERT

After two years listening to the band, I was lucky enough to attend the penultimate concert of the tour held on December 5 at the WiZink Center, Madrid, with Hannah Wicklund and Black Honey as the opening act. Hannah did a good job setting the tone for the concert: her almost magical, dreamlike aura, accompanied by a powerful voice and lyrics reminiscent of Janis Joplin were the perfect prelude to what Greta Van Fleet would bring us moments later. But, before the main rockstars came out, Black Honey offered us a different flavor: a mix between alternative and modern rock led by its vocalist, Izzy Baxter, who undoubtedly raised the punk and revolutionary spirit of all the attendees shouting “ “This song is for everyone who identifies as a woman.”

Greta Van Fleet took the stage minutes before nine at night, to the rhythm of a melodic orchestrated version of her songs. The anticipation was palpable as the lights dimmed and the stage came alive with a burst of energy. The four members appeared on a platform when the curtain that covered the stage fell, an epic entrance worthy of heroes... and followed by The Falling Sky, their opening song in which they did not skimp on pyrotechnics.

Bringing their unique blend of old-school rock and modern flair to the stage, they followed with some of their biggest hits, like Highway Tune, which made everyone scream from the top of their lungs, and Broken Bells, a slower song, and perhaps a rendition to classics like Stairway to Heaven. The band's raw talent and undeniable chemistry were evident, proving themselves with a showy spectacle of commanding vocals, soulful solos and a charismatic stage presence that left no one indifferent, judging by the screams, tears of joy, and audible gasps around me.

They finished the show with Light My Love, a song Josh Kiszka preceded with a powerful speech about loving and growing, and the stage lit up with pride flag colours as the audience waved their lanterns. They closed off with Farewell For Now, a fitting note considering they will return to Europe soon enough.

Gallery:

Images by The Aux Magazine