Photo of Joe Hottinger and Lzzy Hale of Halestorm by Erica Vining
w/ Apocalyptica
Authenticity. It’s something often missing in modern rock, clouded by backtracking and vocal manipulation, but it’s always alive at a Halestorm show. Lzzy Hale stands as the queen of live vocals; pair this with her unmatched energy and commanding stage presence and she reigns supreme in my book as a true legend in female rock. the nEVEREST tour made it’s stop in St Louis at Hollywood Casino Ampitheater this week and those in attendance were treated to Halestorm alongside Lindsey Stirling and Apocolyptica for a night of instrumental and vocal bliss.
I was hesitant about an instrumental opener, but boy did Lindsey Stirling show me how fun music can be, even without vocals. The outfit changes rivaled Taylor Swift, and the show felt more like musical theater than a concert. Stirling worked the stage with her feet rarely staying on the ground for more than a few seconds, doing kicks and dancing while flawlessly playing medleys that she has made her own. “Sandstorm,” originally performed by Darude, had the audience on their feet and her violin suddenly sounding more like an electric guitar. Stirling slowed things down with “Foreverglow,” a track about lost loved ones, before immediately picking it back up with Eiffel 65’s cult hit “Blue (Da Ba Dee).” Late in the set, a wheel was brought out and a quick spin determined the next song which landed on “The Arena,” performed live for the first time on this tour. Swordfights ensued with bows and dancers draped in beautiful cloaks adorned the stage, making this set a visual masterpiece.
The rain picked up a bit after Stirling’s set, but lightning held off and the show continued on. Halestorm chose to setup behind a white curtain, and while it’s not something I see often, the curtain drop always adds an air of excitement. The band took the stage silhouetted to the crowd, with backlights creating a glitch like effect for those in the audience. After the drop it was all hands on deck so the photographers could traverse the ninja course (did I mention we had to dodge, duck, dip, and dive to get to the pit that night?) with a strict warning to avoid the confetti canons because it was going to get spicy in the second song. Hale chose to open the night with “Fallen Star” off their recently released album Everest, with heavy drum beats courtesy of Arejay Hale. “I Miss the Misery” followed in a flurry of confetti and fog. Lzzy harmonizes beautifully with guitarist Joe Hottinger; their chemistry on stage is undeniable. The night’s setlist was a healthy blend of old hits and new tracks off Everest, and St. Louis was treated to the tour debut of “Uncomfortable.” Stirling rejoined Hale during the encore for “Shatter Me” which was a beautiful send off for the night. | Erica Vining
