Haletorm
jBlossom Music Center
July 13, 2022
by Michelle Waters
On Wednesday, July 13th, Grammy award winning rock band Halestorm exploded
onto Cuyahoga Falls Ohioʼs Blossom Music Center stage, through a swirl of fog
and ever-changing rainbow of lights. Supporting acts were The Warning (a three
sister rock trio from Mexico) and Lilith Czar (Juliet Simmsʼ new musical project).
Despite The Pretty Reckless being down for the count due to Covid and unable to
perform their set, the night was a powerhouse of talent (and great lineup of strong
and talented women!) that entertained the large crowd for hours.
Close to the cities of Fairlawn and Akron, and just a short drive from Cleveland,
Blossom provides a beautiful concert experience with great acoustics and a great
atmosphere (especially after dark, since Blossom is surrounded by nature). Youʼll
be hard pressed to find a bad seat at Blossom Music Center, and the front section
is all covered seating (which came in handy during the eveningʼs rain).
Before Halestorm closed out the evening, I would be remiss if I didnʼt share more
about Lilith Czar and The Warning. Lilith Czar was mesmerizing to watch, and
while the lead was formerly known as pop goddess Juliet Simms, her new music
and persona are decidedly darker and more edgy, living solidly in the rock world.
The performance pulled the crowd in, including two covers (one, a Juliet Simms
cover, called 100 Little Deaths, and a cover of the Stevie Nicks tune, Edge of
Seventeen, where Simms screamed, danced and pounded on a tambourine). Also
notable was the enthusiasm of the other musicians in the band, such as drummer
Lindsay Martin, who was smiling and engaging with the audience for the entire set.
Closing out Lilith Czarʼs performance were three songs from their album Created
from Filth and Dust: Lola, King and Anarchy.
The Warning hit me “without warning”, completely impressing me with their
infectious enthusiasm, musical talents and strong vocals. It was quite an adventure
to hear singing and not know which direction to look towards, since the sisters
take turns singing the lead (and backup vocals). All three members of The Warning
slay their instruments, and growled, shouted, and energetically won over any
remaining member of the audience whoʼd yet to hear of their name or their music.
Itʼs exciting to watch a band as they make a name for themselves. Even though
The Warning has been a band for roughly 9 years, theyʼre recently (within the last
year, especially) been getting more and more attention in the states as theyʼve
ramped up the promotion of their latest album, ERROR. Songs from the eveningʼs
performance included opening with Dust to Dust, covering Metallicaʼs Enter
Sandman, title track ERROR, and a strong finale with EVOLVE.
The crowd roared with excitement when Halestorm began their first song as the
final and headlining performance of the evening. A large black curtain which had
previously left everyone guessing what was behind it, puddled to the ground,
revealing the powerful team of Halestorm standing in an excited row, surrounding
drummer AreJay Hale (whose nearly glowing green hair, outfit and drums perfectly
showcased his wild style). From song one (title track from their latest alum, Back
From the Dead), the stunning power growl force of nature that is Lzzy Hale owned
the night and the fans. You would think for a band that formed 25 years ago, they
might feel like performing would get…familiar, and maybe a bit stale. But
Halestorm continues to treat each performance, and each fan, like the very first
one(s). Each member of Halestorm (Lead Vocalist and guitar shredder, Lzzy Hale,
one of the best drummers in musical history, AreJay Hale, one of the most
understated and genuinely kind powerhouses of bass, Josh Smith, and genuinely
the nicest and most engaging, fun, mega talented guitarists, Joe Hottinger) brings
so much talent and care to their performances every single night (and they are
actually performing almost every single night of the year). Itʼs no wonder theyʼve
grown a loyal and enthusiastic following throughout the years.
Some highlights from Halestormʼs performance were guitar solos in songs like
Love Bites (So Do I), AreJayʼs drum solo, a good balance between staples like I Get
Off, Freak Like Me, and I Am the Fire, alongside newer songs Wicked Ways,
Strange Girl, Brightside and excellent closing number, The Steeple. Blossom Music
Centerʼs crowd got to witness the very first live acoustic performance of new song
Terrible Things (performed by Lzzy and Josh), which was followed by piano
performances on Break In and crowd participation song (and one of many crowd
favorites), Raise Your Horns. Although truth be told, all Halestorm songs are crowd
participation songs.
A concertgoer who sat next to me summed up the experience from the evening. It
was his first time ever seeing Halestorm live. Throughout the evening, his eyes
were wide, and he kept repeating “Wow. Just…wow.”. I couldnʼt agree more. Great
night with a great crowd, full of so much talent. Canʼt wait to see Halestorm again,
and I am absolutely a new fan of The Warning and Lilith Czar. I think Iʼll keep them
all playing on loop.
