Concert Reviews
GRETA VAN FLEET: Pittsburgh Show Review
With a name like the Starcatcher Tour, one can only assume that it would be nothing short of celestial and magical, and I am here to confirm that it was exactly that. The tour, made up of bands Mirador, Geese, and Greta Van Fleet, brought the visual, auditory, and all-around good time. The crowd dressed to the nines, signs for all occasions, and I definitely felt temporarily welcome into the fan club, but enough of that, on to the review.
Mirador kicked off the night, as they should since one half of the band’s frontmen is none other than Jake Kiszka—yes, the same guitarist from our headliner Greta Van Fleet. Alongside Kiszka is Chris Turpin of Surfburst. A newer found project, the duo leans towards the folk rock end of genres, highlighting not only their guitar skills but hints of vocal talent as well. Of course, being a new project makes for a short set list, but it was just the right amount to hype up the crowd up from the beginning. I am excited to see where this group goes, but for now, let’s
move on to Geese.
The Brooklyn-based band Geese takes the stage. Fitting right in with GVF, the band had a decent year for releases last year, releasing their album 3D Country in June of 2023. Followed later by their EP 4D Country in October, adding an additional four songs to the previous album. The band is fronted by Cameron Winter, who led this merry band of musicians through an awesome setlist consisting of some fan favorites, including “Cowboy Nudes” and “2122.” Needless to say, he led a setlist fit for our main act, Greta Van Fleet.
Hailing from Frankenmuth, Michigan, we find Greta Van Fleet. A progressive rock band consisting of three brothers, Josh, Jake, and Sam Kiszka, and close friend Daniel Wagner, who people have said could be this generation’s Rolling Stones or Led Zeppelin. From their fabulous wardrobe of rhinestone suits to their incredible pyrotechnics, the band was certainly able to deliver a spectacular performance. Josh definitely took the lead; from handing out single white roses to taking props and even a shooter of Fireball from a fan, he was definitely made to be a lead vocalist.
Halfway through the performance, we received an absolutely incredible solo drum performance from Wagner, which lasted for at least 5 incredible minutes. This gave the rest of the band time to get out to their satellite stage for the acoustic portion of the show, which included a cover of “Unchained Melody” with a small snippet of “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” to pay homage to Mister Rogers.
The guys closed out their performance with a three-song encore, which included the well known “Light My Love” and, in true fashion, ended with “Farewell For Now.”
Overall, the night was fun for all and certainly a top tour so far in my book.
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Marty Friedman is on tour right now with his Live Drama 2025 and he brought Patrick Kennison and Nikki Stringfield on tour with them.
Nikki and Patrick opened up the show with an amazing acoustic set, I’ve got to see both of them many times with their other bands but this was the first time seeing them perform together and it was magical. I loved the way they not only complemented each other vocally with harmonies and more but just the feeling of love on the stage as well. We got to hear some great songs like “Where Demons Lie” and “Numbered” which is about addiction issues and dedicated to Layne Staley. We also got to hear an Iron Maiden cover “Aces High”.
Marty and his band came out on stage and if you’re into high energy and some mind blowing shreds, this is a tour for you. I love that Marty’s band is backed by some amazing Japanese musicians and probably one of my favorite drummers Chargeee, (he’s Insane while playing the drums: he’s like the live action version of Animal from the muppets)
I loved that Marty is from the area and was talking to his band mates about it and the laurel area. There was one time when Marty’s guitar player Naoki played the lead that Marty was supposed to play then they had an argument all in Japanese (the one time I wish subtitles was a real thing) the other band mates gave him the finger then Marty started to shred.
I just the energy that’s on the stage it doesn’t stop and it’s so infectious. The crowd at rams head on the stage were in full capacity for the show and ready to rock and roll with Marty.
We got to hear some of the softer more romantic side of Marty and the band when they played a few songs off the “Drama” album which was fun as well.
It’s insane to watch someone like Marty shred in a small intimate venue, you really get to see how amazing he really is and the passion he has for his craft.
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Apocalyptica is on tour now with Nita Strauss on their PLAYS METALLICA VOL 2.
Nita opened the show and as always put on an amazing show, it’s fun to see Nita on these solo tour when she’s not touring with Alice Cooper. You get to see her shine even more and just put a clinic on with shredding on the guitar. I’ve seen Nita a few times but this night was a little extra special, she brought out Kasey Karlsen of the band Deadlands out to sing a few songs which was great cause normally there’s no vocals at her shows.
This was my first time being able to not only see Apocalyptica but also photograph them. I’ve always been a huge fan of their music and loved the 2 Metallica albums as well. I figured this was more than likely the only way I’ll get to hear Metallica play is with Apocalyptica playing them.
We got to hear an amazing mix of songs throughout Metallica’s career. Opening up with “Ride the Lightning” and “Enter Sandman” you knew you were gonna rock out.
The band is amazing, such awesome and jaw dropping skills on those Cellos. There’s something magical about musicians that come from Helsinki and the Finland area. Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lotjonen and Perttu Kivilaakso are insanely talented but also demand the stage so well and bring in that comedy as well.
We also got to hear songs like “Creeping Death”, “The Call of Ktulu” “St Anger”, “Blackened” “Master of Puppets”, “Nothing else Matters” and ending the night with “Seek and Destroy” and “One”. This was such a great night in a cool setting at Warner Theater in DC. I loved the atmosphere and the blending of not only music with classical and metal but also the crowd was as diverse as well.
If you get a chance to go out and see this tour, you must you won’t be disappointed.
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ITS THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN WHEN THE POWERS TO BE GATHER FOR THE MOST BAD ASS OF TIME. YES ITS THAT TIME FOR ANOTHER NIGHTMARE AFTER XMAS.
OF COURSE YOU HAVE SPELLBOOK AND WRATH OF TYPHON ON THE BILL, AND HEADLINING PRINCE DIAMOND (This year doing an all Mercyful Fate set) WE ALSO GOT SABBATH WARLOCK AND ZAUBEREI AS WELL.
EMPIRE EXTREME also did another interview with Wrath of Typhon and also an interview with Nate of Spellbook.
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