photography and words by Jamie B.

Deep in the heart of Detroit sits Little Caesars Arena, housing some 15-22,000 fans on any given night of a booked tour. Friday, September 8, 2023 saw Greta Van Fleet return home for their Starcatcher World Tour. With Surf Curse getting the show started, fans were sure to be in for a treat when the main act took the stage. 

As the overture began, created by Kristin Wilkinson and other incredibly talented musicians using a string orchestra and harp, fans began cheering and singing along to the songs they readily recognized. Voices filled the sold out arena, a chorus loudly sung in unison to greet their favorite band. As the lights went out, more cheering could be heard as lights and music alike came to a culmination to see the curtain fall, ultimately revealing all four members of Greta Van Fleet pose on a platform behind drummer Danny Wagners drum set. In a move that was reminiscent of rock royalty, such as Motley Crue, the band accepted applause and a rallying chorus of screams before jumping into The Falling Sky, a fan favorite from New album Starcatcher. Though talk of lead singer, Josh Kiszka, being sick had been making rounds in recent days the vocalists voice was in top form as he soared through each note flawlessly and seemingly with little effort. Hitting the stage in a white satin suit, decorated in rhinestones and embroidery embellishment, Kiszka sounded and looked at his best. 

As the band delved into The Indigo Streak, heavy on the pyrotechnics, fans could be heard repeating the lyrics back to the band. If you’ve never seen this band live before, it would quickly become apparent how dedicated their fan base is, and not just because they show up in masses clad in mirroring outfits to the band and their past looks. The setlist quickly moved into the bands self proclaimed “banger” Lover, Leaver (Taker, Believer). Barely three songs deep, this number housed a guitar and bass jam session, harmonica solo performed by guitarist Jake Kiszka, and a slide technique that drove fans wild. One night in the same venue with the Greta Van Fleet guitarist will have you salivating for more. Like thread weaving through fabric, Kiszkas licks and riffs marry the bands sound with their lyrics, creating a cloak of magical energy to envelope their fans. Perhaps one reason they attend dozens of shows per tour, heeding Josh’s words of “buy the ticket, take the ride”, can be credited to the way their music moves through you. Each member, an artist in their own rights, can be felt through the music they play. For instance, when bassist and keys extraordinaire Sam Kiszka is tickling the ivories, he can take you from the highest of highs before plummeting you into the depths of a lower register; beautifully taking you on an emotional ride of high and low. Each note reverberating through your chest as it rings out. Danny, for his part, seems to don the strength of seven men as he pounds and beats his drums, an array of beats filling the air. Josh, oldest twin and vocalist, fills his voice with emotion, each note rising higher than the last. Each run smoother than the last, making it clear he has dedicated time to perfecting his craft. And then there is guitarist Jake, equipped with a plethora of guitars-including his “beloved” 1961 model Gibson Les Paul SG Standard. One might say that Jake is a talented guitarist, but spend the night experiencing a Greta Van Fleet show and it will be obvious Jake carries so much more than talent. Each riff, each lick, each chord progression made is felt through the guitarist. Crouching, winding, throwing his arm or kicking his leg, Jake let’s loose on his guitar in an animalistic rage of passion and lust, fire and sex. Bringing back a style of guitar playing rarely seen these days, Jake pairs his natural talent and skill with his absolute passion for his instrument and profession as he gives his all each performance. 

The night progresses through a number of songs and outfit changes by lead singer Josh, showing off velvet jumpsuits and a satin cloak he walks the stage covered in the piece during ‘Sacred The Thread’, a song that has been described as ‘being your own hero’ and “finding oneself”, respectively ending the song by baring himself and stripping the cloak off to dive deep into The Archer, another fan favorite from Starcatcher. As they intertwine their version of Melanie’s “Candles (Lay Down)” within the middle of the song, The Archer is truly a song of passion and romance, violently wielding lyrics such as “devil at the door standing with his right arm extended” and “final blow, my heaviness of breath has been lifted”. Mid song, Josh finds himself singing to fans on barricade before turning to twin brother and guitarist, Jake, as he belts out “torn, I turn to my bow-Sara”. This move, a new addition over the last few shows, ends in fans hugging Kiszka as a chorus of “Josh, I love you” rings out, the singer returning the sentiment with nothing but pure unadulterated love exuding from his energy. 

Other highlights include an acoustic B stage at the back of the arena, where Josh and Sam perform a rendition of Unchained Melody before being joined by Danny and Jake for acoustic versions of Waited All Your Life and Black Smoke Rising. All four band members walking through the crowd and passing out white roses, a Greta Van Fleet tradition at most shows where lucky fans are given a rose. Though not everyone will leave with a rose, a handshake or a hug, they will all leave knowing they’ve attended a great rock show. They will leave knowing they witnessed history, night after night, as the Michigan natives shoot to levels of popularity that could be dizzying for some. These guys take it in stride, thanking their fans and loving on them just as much as their fans want to do with the band. A fact that was made obvious prior to the show when 3/4 of the band surprised fans outside of the arena for pictures and hugs, passing out drumsticks and picks, and greeting their fans as if they were life long friends. Friends, it seems, is the theme of this band to fan relationship, a chosen family of sorts as a community has been built among their fans, making friends they will choose as family and show up for through thick and thin, thus proving the bands message of Peace, Love and Equality has been taken to heart. An anthem, as the bands song Heat Above goes, loudly sung where they stand-it appears a Greta Van Fleet show is just as much about friends and family, love and happiness and support, as it is about seeing the band perform.