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08/07/2023

Greta Van Fleet at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum 08/05/23

by Brent Angelo //  PHOTOS AND REVIEW

Greta Van Fleet brings their 2023 Starcatcher Tour to Portland.

In late 2017, Greta Van Fleet released their first single, “Highway Tune” from their debut EP, Black Smoke Rising. The song exploded onto the rock mainstream. That successful EP release was quickly followed by their second EP, From the Fires, which won the band a Grammy for Best Rock Album. 2018 would later see the release of the band’s first full length album, Anthem of the Peaceful Army, which topped the Billboard Rock album charts. The Battle at Garden’s Gate would follow in 2021 and this year saw the release of Starcatcher. Greta Van Fleet consists of brothers, twins Josh Kiszka (vocals) and Jake Kiszka (guitars), Sam Kiszka (bass) and Danny Wagner (drums), who are currently on tour in support of the band’s third full length release.

Greta Van Fleet just played the Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum here in Portland. The sold-out crowd packed the venue to witness the band’s new album music live and the setlist would be filled with new material. After the curtain fell, the band ripped into new tracks, “The Falling Sky” and “The Indigo Streak”. The new songs already felt like long time favorites. There was a surprise acoustic performance on a small stage hidden behind the soundboard a few songs in the show. The band stripped down to the acoustics giving fans with the “cheap seats” a front row seat. The new song, “Waited All Your Life” shined here acoustic and the band took fans all the way back to their first EP with an acoustic version of “Black Smoke Rising”. The band plugged back in and played some of the night’s best music next. The new, “Fate of the Faithful” was a guitar tour de force. The band’s guitarist, Jake Kiszka, showed his impressive skills here. Even at the young age of twenty-seven, he has incredible feel and tone. With elements of rock and the blues, Jake ripped through some fiery guitar playing here. Greta Van Fleet were jamming it up on another new song, “The Archer”. There is a real love and respect for each other you can easily see when this band is playing live. These guys love to play music together and it shows. The concert ended on the new album track, “Farewell For Now”. Surprisingly, their massive hit, “Highway Tune” was missing from the setlist. As a person who saw their Dreams in Gold tour for example, that closing encore song took things to a whole other level of energy. “Highway Tune” is awesome live and was sadly missed here in Portland this time. Next time. 

Greta Van Fleet is a band that has been on the rise for years. At their early ages, they have already turned out some great rock n’ roll. In truth, it was sad to see the negative criticism especially online by some who complained saying the band sounded like Led Zeppelin. There may be some similarities in styles and sound, but this is not a band trying to copy anyone. The is literally a band of brothers who love to play together, especially on stage. Greta Van Fleet truly loves what they do and greatly respects their fans even doing special things at times like giving fans roses at the show. Come on folks these are good guys and rock needs them. When the band hit the scene, I thought they were refreshing. Popular music was getting stale and honestly bad in places. Greta Van Fleet are bringing the rock back. So, if you want to see songs sung over backing tracks in concert, this is not the band for you. On the other hand, if you want to see a fun, guitar driven, kick ass rock n roll show, go see Greta Van Fleet.

Greta Van Fleet
2023 Starcatcher World Tour
Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum here in Portland
08-05-23

Setlist
The Falling Sky
The Indigo Streak
Lover, Leaver (Taker, Believer)
Meeting the Master
Heat Above
Frozen Light
Drum Solo

(Acoustic Set - from small stage behind soundboard)
Unchained Melody (cover)
Waited All Your Life
Black Smoke Rising

Fate of the Faithful
Sacred the Thread
The Archer
Encore:
Light My Love
Farewell for Now

For information on Greta Van Fleet check out their website at https://gretavanfleet.com/

 Greta Van Fleet - Meeting The Master (Official Music Video)

Greta Van Fleet – Portland show memorable moment Right before the band started their acoustic performance on the surprise stage, Josh treated a kid at his first concert. (That same kid would also be given a pick from Jake after the set). These guys are class acts.

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