Halestorm Review 8/24/24 Alaska State Fair
Written by ChelseaJean Leppanen
Halestorm shook Palmer Alaska this Saturday evening at the Borealis Theater located in the core of the Alaska State Fair Grounds. Die hard fans and Storm virgins packed into the venue in the heart of the Matanuska Valley .
Alice with KWHL 106.5 introduced the real life Electric Mayhem! The four of them rushed on stage. Lzzy Hale claiming her center stage microphone armed with her signature style guitar. AreJay Hale (kid brother to singer & founding member) in his drum tower behind his sister. With shields of green drums, and wooden swords he brought Animal's spirit to life. (Muppet reference). Along with long time members, Josh Smith who is the master of bass guitar, keys & vocals . Plus the guitar, back up vocals and photo guru Joe Hottinger also armed with his guitar.
“Raise your horns, raise them high, let them soar” she conducted her fans through flawless notes powered with grit and grace. Horns rose all through the crowd like a wave of soldiers saluting their commander, then she pulled the pin and burst into “I Miss The Misery" .
Lzzy’s vocals soared to the mountain tops. Which for reference Pioneer Peak in direct view from stage & the Chugach mountains are well over 6,000 feet .
Snow wouldn’t be able to stick with how Lzzy delivered heat from strings to screams. Behind the microphone you can see her switch from Lzzy with here Cheshire smile to Mz Hyde and her smothering smirks that’s makes the crowd call for more. Her rendition of “Crazy On You” from her legendary female role models Heart mash up with their Hit “I Get Off”, had fans powered up for more. Their hit Apocalyptic from their 2015 Album “Into The Wildlife” was also a crowd favorite along with “Mayhem" made Alaska rock like an earthquake.
Josh on bass was flashing his smile from behind his shades. He not only plays the strings but key board as well and brings us the heart felt thumps songs can’t be without.
Joe brought an arsenal of guitars that he rotated and showed off during the almost 2 hour performance.
This was my personal 16th show and can’t say I’ve ever seen them smile so much. The love they have for each other and the passion for their work is powerful. They genuinely seemed to be enjoying the moments as much as the crowd was.
During “Familiar Taste of Poison” Lzzy brought out roses. She sings while using the rose as a wand, casting spells on the ladies reaching for the chance to receive the rose from the queen herself. It’s turned into a tradition that personally hope she continues for the years to come.
Lzzy left notes of empowerment, inspiration and gratitude throughout the evening between songs. Reminding us that for this moment right now nothing else matters but the Rock Show! And hugged the crowd verbally by reminding us that this place and space is our sanctuary and sang Steeple .
AreJay came down from the drums and delivered fist bumps and hand shakes and a set of drum sticks to two younger lads who kept their horns raised the entire show.
This family based band made the Alaskan Freak Family feel seen, appreciated and loved.
There where so many young faces in the crowd and over heard several people saying, “ this is my first rock show”, from all ages and stages.
The chatter as the crowd left was full of respect and admiration for a band that started because a brother & sister started something they believed in 20 plus years ago and never stopped working hard to make their dreams come true.
Here’s to them! Another mind blowing evening with Halestorm. Fingers crossed it’s not 12 more years before they return for another run here at the Alaska State Fair.
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