It’s hard to image a scenario where I could possibly find more love for Lzzy Hale, Joe Hottinger, and Halestorm, but it happened Tuesday at District Live on an cold icy night in Savannah, GA. Fans like myself were treated to an intimate acoustic set of hard-hitting tracks that included top songs from past albums, personal favorites from the duo, and room rocking covers. I’ve long held Halestorm as one of the best bands of this generation, and somehow, 16 years after their first album, 13 years after their first Grammy, they continue to find ways to elevate their presence in the industry. The duo has said that this tour is meant to be a love letter from them to their fans, giving us a glimpse of their musical life off-stage, on-stage. And to put it simply, they delivered. Tuesday night was raw, vulnerable, touching, and empowering all at once.
I was fortunate enough to meet Lzzy and Joe before the show as part of a meet-and-greet experience (thanks to my family for the birthday gift!). We spoke about their time in Savannah, Joe’s photography, and stargazing in New Zealand. They made me feel as if we were friends, and even if the night had ended in that moment, I could have left happy. But thankfully, a diverse set of amazing rock would follow, leaving a resonance of hope and strength that so many of us need in times like these. There’s just something special about seeing a Grammy award winning artist perform five feet away among a few hundred people; it’s an experience I may never have again, but thanks to Lzzy and Joe, it was possible.
A deep purple sectional took center stage; dressed with furry plum-colored pillows and flanked by metallic-drip coffee tables, the setting felt both cozy and entirely rock-n-roll all at the same time. As a bit of pre-show entertainment, Joe would occasionally pop-in to change the vinyl on the record player that served as the opening soundtrack. I especially enjoyed having The Darkness album on rotation – an oft underappreciated band and as I learned on Tuesday, one of Lzzy’s favorites.
Lzzy started the night with a message: that this show was a safe space. A place to be yourself, entirely and completely, without judgement. It was a theme that permeated the evening and resonated through each song. Both Lzzy and Joe were thoroughly welcoming, warm, and genuine. They often gave the spotlight to the crowd, paying tribute to people who had traveled for the show, and even dedicating a song (Break In) to a couple who was celebrating their wedding anniversary. It was surreal to be watching one of my favorite artists perform, while also feeling like we were casually hanging out as buds.
The duo paid homage to rock legends Stevie Nicks and Skid Row with immersive renditions of Gold Dust Woman and I Remember You, respectively. Perennial Halestorm favorites such as Love Bites (So Do I), Mz. Hyde, and I Miss the Misery were seamlessly woven into the set list, interspersed with stories of inspiration and growth from each song. Brandi Carlile and Lady Gaga were also beautifully represented – here’s to hoping Lzzy and Mother Monster can collab on a song in the future! When the evening slowed down, Lzzy found her way onto the keys for Break In, among others, that could bring tears to the most hardened of hard rock fans. The night concluded with an encore featuring Here’s to Us. A fitting celebration of everyone who was there, and everyone who needs space to be themselves. I don’t personally subscribe to any religion, but it’s safe to say that if there is a god, she is a woman, and for at least a few songs on Tuesday night, she spoke through Lzzy Hale.
Stay tuned for Halestorm’s next album, which is scheduled to release this year and was recorded right here in Savannah, GA! 2025 is off to an amazing start, and we can’t wait for what’s in store. Here’s to us indeed!
