Photos and Review by Greg Hamil for MPM
The days are getting shorter as the summer is inching closer to fall. The destination this night is the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL. A 16,000-seat venue that sits just on the outskirts of Chicago.
Also, a nice location just off the Interstate and far enough out that the normal Chicago traffic isn’t much of a factor in getting there.
Tonight’s show features headliners, Greta Van Fleet with special guests Surf Curse. Both are very different bands, but both have a lot of talent. Surf Curse’s music is more garage rock inspired, while Greta Van Fleet is more classic rock inspired. But both bands are known for their energetic love performances and catchy songs.
Surf Curse is a surf punk band out of Reno, Nevada. Formed in 2012, the band is a duo consisting of Nick Rattigan on drums/vocals and Jacob Rubeck on guitars. They are joined by Noah Kohll on guitars and Henry Dillon on bass.
A buzz goes through the crowd as the lights go down and Surf Curse takes the stage. Many in the crowd know the band well and show their excitement by jumping out of their seats and screaming. Others who aren’t familiar with the band, stand as well to see what is in store.
They immediately launched into Arrow which brought a roar from the crowd. Rattigan and Rubeck wasted no time in engaging the crowd with their energy and catchy tunes.
They also played a few new songs of their new album, Magic Hour. Songs from the album included Cathy, Heathers, and Bury 99. All of the songs were well-received, and the crowd showed their appreciation.
Overall, Surf Curse’s set was a big success. They warmed up the crowd perfectly for Greta Van Fleet and left the fans wanting more.
Surf Curse Setlist: Arrow – Cathy – Heathers – Bury 99 – Midnight Cowboy – TVI – Lost Honor – Self Portrait – Freaks – Disco – Sugar
After a short intermission to clear the stage, it was time for Greta Van Fleet! The band originated in Frankenmuth, Michigan in 2012. They are known for the hard/blues rock sound, often being compared to Led Zeppelin. The band members include brothers Josh Kiszka on vocals, Jake Kiszka on guitars, Sam Kiszka on bass/keyboards, and friend Danny Wagner on drums.
Greta Van Fleet took the stage bringing the nearly capacity crowd to their feet. The opening song, The Falling Sky instantly energized the crowd. Josh’s vocals were soaring, and Jake’s guitar playing mesmerized everyone.
Through the first part of the set, the band played songs from all three of their albums, including the recent release, Starcatcher. Some of those songs included Lover, Leaver (Taker, Believer), Meeting the Master, and Highway Tune. Still on their feet since the beginning, the crowd danced and sang along with every song.
After an incredible drum solo by Danny, the three brothers appeared on a small stage by the sound board for a short acoustic set. The first song was a cover of Unchained Melody. This was one of the highlights of the night as their performance was both beautiful and haunting. This was followed by incredible acoustic versions of Waited All Your Life and Black Smoke Rising; the latter of which the entire crowd sang along with.
The band returned to the main stage and performed Fate of the Faithful before the rest of the band left, leaving Jake Kiszka to perform and amazing guitar solo that had everyone on their feet and left them screaming for more.
They closed out the set with Sacred the Thread and The Archer which included and extended ending. After a short break, the band returned to the stage to close out the show with Light of my Love and Farewell for Now. Throughout both songs the crowd was on their feet with phones and lighters held high above their heads while singing along loudly with both songs.
Greta Van Fleet’s performance was nothing short of electrifying! They play with an incredible amount of energy and their stage presence is amazing. They clearly love playing music and adore their fans. The crowd was also amazing. They stood through the entire show and sang along with every song.
One of the things that makes Greta Van Fleet so special is the way they connect with the audience. The band is great at engaging the crowd and they have a great sense of humor, which certainly comes out when interacting with the crowd.
Overall, Greta Van Fleet’s show at the Allstate Arena was fantastic. It was a great show that everyone thoroughly enjoyed. If you have a chance to see them live, you won’t be disappointed.
