Theatrical, brilliant and instrumental. For two nights only, American family band Greta Van Fleet, known for their outrageous outfits and glitter makeup, took to O2 Apollo to tumultuous applause showcasing their outrageous talent.
The Kiszka brothers and Danny Wagner are touring their 2021 album: The Battle at Garden’s Gate and played at the Apollo on Tuesday June 28. They are also performing tonight so If tickets are still available, this show will not disappoint.
The support, Marcus King got the party started with some country rock, blues vibes sound but some became a frenzied explosion of talent as the musicians all gave it their all. The sax player also impressed with the bongos and the trumpeter multi-tasked with a tambourine.
Marcus King’s voice was only matched by his incredible skill at the guitar, offering wild solos all while donning a cowboy hat and excellent boots.
After a short break, the black stage filled with smoke. A voice over told a story of dreams and hope. White light: Greta Van Fleet took to the stage.
Glitters shined out from the, now, red light the band were being bathed in.
Lead singer, Josh Kiszka. wore a yellow kimono over glittery velvet jumpsuit, barefoot. Meanwhile the rest of the band dazzled in black sequins and embellished jackets. Sam Kiszka, on bass, was also barefoot.
Built by Nations opened the show with a spectacular light show. Black Smoke Rising got the crowd screaming lyrics to powerful white lighting.
The set continued without an introduction or break. Song three was Safari Song, complete with elegant spotlighting. Song four became an intense drum solo by Danny Wagner in his glittery black and gold vest.
The backdrop, shrouded in white fabric above lit up, futuristic tree-like structures allowed for a frantic light show to accompany the show. The audience swayed and cheered, but the packed out crowd didn't leave much room for dancing.
However, the drum show was punctuated by the band returning to play Cavarel, the kimono was gone. For the first time this evening, Josh addressed the crowd saying: “Everybody good? Champagne, caviar anyone?"
Following Heat Above, leader singer Josh took a disposable camera from the audience and took some quick pics before jumping to Light My Love, with the audience singing along.
Josh Kiszka’s exceptional vocal range is one of the things that sets Greta Van Fleet apart, and Light My Love truly showcases this band’s talent as musicians.
“It is one of our most important songs I think.” Josh said before the band slammed their instruments into The Weight of Dreams, complete with rock tambourine; which was subsequently thrown into the audience during the insane instrumental. Throughout the rest of the night there were more flowers, drumsticks, plectrums and three pairs of sunglasses thrown into the crowd.
The band gave all they’ve got, both physically and mentally but left the stage to ear splitting applause.
They returned for encore, and guitarist Jake Kiszka took to the front of the stage for an impressive solo. This was followed by Sam Kiszka getting a solo on bass and another moment for guitarist Jake.
The crowd erupted once again for the last tune: My Way, Soon. Josh Kiszka and Danny Wagner gained sunglasses and the audience sway, wave and film.
The instrumental outlasted the song in a final, impressive show of talent before lead singer Josh shouted: “The night’s still young, there’s still plenty of time to get into trouble, we’ll see you!”
Set list:
Built By Nations
Black Smoke Rising
Safari Song
Cavarel
Heat Above
Light My Love
Broken Bells
The Weight of Dreams
Encore :
Age of Man
Highway Tune
My Way, Soon
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