SEPTEMBER 3RD, 2021
HUNTINGTON BEACH PAVILION | CHICAGO ILLINOIS
By Angel Evans
Time stood still as the audience awaited Greta Van Fleet to make their way to the stage. Loud and eager chanting began to travel all throughout the pavilion, “GRETA! GRETA! GRETA!” The anticipation almost becoming unbearable for all of the music lovers to handle. Musically kindred spirits of all ages embraced one another and allowed the present moment to fully sink in. As the clock struck 9 pm, the first 10 seconds of their original opener, ‘My Whole World Ended’ by David Ruffin began to play. If you listened close enough, you could hear “veteran fans” (people who’ve been to their fair share of Greta gigs) losing their minds. I was indeed one of the fans having a heart attack on the rail (because who doesn’t love hints of nostalgia and a good ol’ blast from the past). Within a matter of seconds, ‘My Whole World Ended’ seamlessly transitioned into their NEW intro song, ‘Reasons For Waiting’ by Jethro Tull. Although the original opener came on as a mistake, I couldn’t help but feel like it happened for a reason. We’ve stepped into a completely new era. The "Strange Horizons" era. Long gone are the days of the past. As bittersweet as that sounds, being on this invigorating journey with Greta is something I wouldn’t trade for the world. As they continue to blossom and take this world by storm, we’re all growing along with them. It’s beautiful. As Reasons For Waiting continued to play, I closed my eyes and absorbed the lyrics.
“Came a thousand miles just to catch you while your smiling.”
As my stomach filled up with butterflies, I couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear. The magic in the air was potent and I opened myself up for whatever the universe had in store. As the song concluded, I thought to myself, "let the games begin." Isolated vocals of Josh’s voice began to shake the venue.
“CRASH AGAINST WAVE UPON WAVE. TO STRANGE HORIZONS.”
Their new intro video that includes the select voicemails of a handful of lucky fans began to play on the big screens, and each member of the band began to walk on stage.
Jake came out with a big ol’ grin on his face as he headed to his amp to plug into his beloved 61' Les Paul. Soon after, Danny and Sam both made their way onto the stage. Sam picked up his Bass and Danny sat proudly in front of his drum kit (knowing damn well he’s about to beat the living hell out of it). As the video concluded, Josh ran onto the stage with his arms extended to the sky. His high vibrational energy transferring into the crowd.
“Welcome to Strange Horizons, Chicago.”
“I have a feeling we’re going to get out of our minds.”
“You ready?”
The answer was a definite yes as the crowd began to go absolutely feral and let loose.
The night began with ‘My Way, Soon’. A song that Josh likes to call, “An invitation for an adventure.” As Jake's guitar riff began to fill everyone's senses, the entire venue went from 0-100. Kicking off the show with ‘My Way, Soon’ felt quite fitting since hundreds have traveled from near and far to be one with the music. The entire pit began to jump up and down while shouting at the top of their lungs,
“I’ve packed my bags and I’ve got my freedom.
I’ve sacked the rules so I don’t have to heed them.
I’ll bet on a chance if I’ve just got one.
I’ll throw out the plans and live with no burdens.”
My Way, Soon will cause any vagabond’s heart to soar and eyes to fill up with tears. Especially when you are living out what the song is describing. It’s an anthem that set the tone for the entirety of the evening. Greta Van Fleet had the crowd in the palm of their hands, and they knew it. Song after song, the cosmic energy was sensational. The love, adoration, and elation that traveled throughout the crowd was breathtaking. There was a darling glimmer that shined in the eyes of all their devoted fans. The energy exchange between the band and the audience felt damn near spiritual. The connection Greta Van Fleet has with their fanbase is something I have never seen before. The undying passion they have for their music intertwined with their love for the Peaceful Army comes from such a deep and genuine place. In Chicago, I tangibly felt the love and it brought me to tears. It was a night full of love and celebration. For two hours, the “real world” didn’t exist.
For two hours, I was able to detach from the aches and pains that were weighing me down. I allowed myself to fully immerse into the music and be in the moment. Something that I’ve struggled with for a long while.
(SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NIGHT)
1.THE RETURN OF FLOWER POWER
For a good year and a half, I’ve been yearning to hear Flower Power live again. If you know me, you know that Flower Power greatly impacted my life and (to be 100% transparent) saved my life. Flower Power is most certainly a crowd favorite and holds a sentimental value for many. So once the intro began, THE TEARS RUSHED LIKE A WATERFALL.
“She’s a lady comes from all around.
She’s many places but she’s homeward bound.”
The sweet familiarity of hearing Danny bang on those drums, gazing upon Sammy entering a trance-like state on the keys, playing air guitar whilst Jake shreds for the gods and to proudly sing along with Josh ---- it all felt like a warm homecoming.
You know in Almost Famous when Penny Lane says to William, “You ARE home.”? That’s what those 8 minutes of Flower Power felt like. We all came home and unified as one.
Even though it’s been a year and a half, in a strange way it's felt like no time had passed. I will never take hearing ‘Flower Power’ live for granted ever again. To be honest, I don’t think anyone will. I took some time to turn around and look at the crowd behind me. Some eyes were closed and some eyes were open with tears brimming. Not only could you feel the audience's love for Flower Power, but you could just see how much hearing it live again meant to people. As the song concluded, Josh sang the famous lyrics:
“As the years pass by my mind
Are the wrong, the right, you are my sunshine.
And as the night begins to die
We are the morning birds that sing against the sky.”
When he switched the lyric from days to years, I felt my heart burst out of my chest. Whenever I’d listen to Flower Power on Youtube, I would specifically listen to the version where he would say years instead of days. It has always tugged at my heartstrings. There are 365 days in a year, and when you begin to realize how much change can occur during that time and the inner growth that takes place. You cannot help but nose dive into a deeply reflective state of mind. That's what that moment of the show felt for to me. As I glanced at Josh and then the band as a whole. I couldn't help but feel extraordinarily proud of them. I also couldn't help but wonder if all of their memories over the years began to come to mind.
Long live Flower Power. The timeless gem that I hope stays on the setlist for years to come.
2. THE BARBARIANS THE BARBARIANS THE BARBARIANS
How do I describe ‘The Barbarians’ live in the most dramatic way humanly possible? Well, for starters it was an absolute out-of-body experience. I’m more than certain that I astral projected and then came back a completely different human being. When I overheard them play it during soundcheck, I had to mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually prepare myself for what was in store. Absolutely no one was ready for it. The howls that emerged from the audience was otherworldly. The first twenty seconds of ‘The Barbarians’ made you feel like you’ve stepped into a battle scene in a major motion picture.
My eyes bugged out of my skull as I watched Jake press his foot on his wah pedal for dear life. Throughout the entirety of the song, Daniel's drumming began to rumble inside of my chest and I had to catch my breath from the intensity of it all.
Covered in chills from head to toe, all I could do was gaze upon the four of them in absolute awe.
3. 9 MINUTES OF PURE ECSTASY = THE WEIGHT OF DREAMS
What once was called ‘Black Flag Exposition’ is now known as ‘The Weight of Dreams’. Another crowd favorite that takes everyone on a Rock N’ Roll thrill ride. A ride that once you’re on it, you have no desire to get off. ‘The Weight of Dreams’ is a song that I suggest to basically every person who’s interested in exploring Greta Van Fleet’s discography. If you have an everlasting love for Rock N’ Roll, The Weight of Dreams leaves you at a loss for words.
I will say, hearing the album version versus actually witnessing it with your own two eyes are completely different experiences. Nothing and I mean absolutely nothing can prepare you for ‘The Weight of Dreams‘ live. Greta Van Fleet isn't the type of band to ever give a half-ass live performance. From beginning to end, their shows are spectacular. Whenever they perform ‘The Weight of Dreams’, there's an atmosphere shift. All eyes were on Jake as he played the intoxicating riff we all know and love. Heads began to bang and bodies began to sway from side to side. The music engulfed every open vessel that had ears to listen.
"All across the west, we traveled wayward for
Find the weight of dreams in gold
Heaven sent us here to meet the hallowed shore
To claim the wealth that we had sold."
"Gold mines melting many men's sunshine
Spoiled wine tastes so sweet we have gone blind
Gold mines melting many men's sunshine
Spoiled wine tastes so sweet we have gone blind.”
Those are lyrics that Josh sang as he led the audience into the first half of the performance.
What came next was the real treat. When Danny began to mercilessly pummel his drum kit and Josh approached the microphone wailing from the inner depths of his soul... THAT'S when everything turned up a notch. For the next couple of minutes, Greta Van Fleet gave the performance of their lives. It's during that specific part of the show where I have no idea where to look. Josh continued to interact with the crowd as he got into his "Mr. Tambourine Man" element. Sam began to rise onto his feet and proceed to sit back down as his hands traveled throughout the keys. The Weight of Dreams absolutely changed the way I viewed live music. The transcendental sounds that come from Jake's electric guitar haunt me but in the best way. ‘The Weight of Dreams’ is a mystical experience unlike anything I have ever been through, and just writing this all out is sending shivers down my spine. It's euphoria. It's heavy Rock N' Roll euphoria that I'll never get over and to be honest, I'm addicted.
4. THE ENCORE
Once we reached the encore, it began to dawn on everyone that the night was close to coming to an end. The band reappeared on stage after a few minutes, and Sam began to play the opening of ‘Heat Above’. In the midst of it all, Josh took some time to converse with the audience.
"Who's up for a really perfect moment? To letting go of anything that's been bothering you at all. It's really funny sometimes trouble presents itself, it seems so real sometimes. In this very strange cosmic way, it's just a little bit of an illusion. We just free ourselves from that. We just take a moment to explore that space where there are no worries. We can come back turning around. It's better that way."
As he spoke those words into the microphone, I felt tears begin to roll down my cheeks. All I could think to myself was, "how does this man know?" "how does he know exactly what to say at the most divine time?" The Universe was really speaking through him that night. The entirety of the encore felt cathartic and it was a significant time of emotional release. Early on, I mentioned how there was an abundance of love in the air. However, as it continued to sprinkle and the mist was coming in from the shore, an avalanche of love just poured out. A healing took place. What astonishes me about Greta Van Fleet is how healing and nourishing to the soul their music is. How their words and their musical gifts greatly impact hundreds upon thousands of people.
Photos courtesy of Greta Van Fleet
The show concluded with ‘Black Smoke Rising’ and ‘Highway Tune’. Two throwback jams that never fail to get the crowd amped up. Josh came down the steps and sprinted down the rail. He lightly touched the hands of the fans with a huge smile on his face. Soaking in those final minutes of being in their presence was truly remarkable. From every corner of the pit, you could sense the desire fans had to potentially receive some concert memorabilia. Sam traded necklaces with a fan, Jake threw picks into the crowd and Danny threw his drumsticks into the audience as well. There's such pure gratitude that consumes a fan when their heart's desire comes true. It's something I'll never get tired of seeing and I know they feel the same exact way.
Traveling for live music is a big part of my life. When it comes to Greta Van Fleet, whenever the Universe opens up doors of opportunity I will always choose the road.
Greta, thank you for blessing this world with your musical gifts. You truly know how to put on a stellar show.
Till' next time, The Velvet Honey.
By Ayris Ouderkirk
As soon as Greta Van Fleet announced their Strange Horizons tour and I saw Chicago was one of the stops, I just knew I had to go. I was supposed to go to their Chicago show back in 2018 but I wasn’t able to make it so this made up for it BIG time.
My trip was planned very far ahead but unfortunately my entire house caught covid in August and I canceled the trip because I was scared I wouldn’t be better in time. Deep down I was still hoping I would be able to go and my wishes came true when, after quarantining for two weeks, I tested negative. I pulled $200 out of nowhere for a last minute plane ticket and took myself to the airport.
On the day of the show me and my friend, whom I met through Greta almost four years ago, went to the meetup in Grank Park and ended up getting our picture taken and getting interviewed for something the band has up their sleeves. There were so many people there and the whole park was just surrounded by these big beautiful buildings. It was truly a welcome home from the band and the windy city.
By this time the concert was only a few hours away and the pre-show jitters were coming on super strong. We got ready and headed off to the venue. As soon as we got there, we headed straight to the back of the pit which may seem unusual for some but I wanted to dance and not worry about people pressing up against me to get closer. I was content back there. It was so satisfying to watch as all the people began to crowd in. Everyone from all different walks of life joining together to see the same band and enjoy the same music. I even got to meet some of my other friends I’ve met through the band which made this night even more special.
If you’ve ever been to a Greta Van Fleet concert you know that there is always such intense energy before they go onstage. You listen to the playlist and wait to hear that song you know they play right before they walk out. As soon as the crowd heard Jethro Tull’s ‘Reasons for Waiting’ people became so frantic and excited.
When they finally walked out on that stage, the wind began to blow and the sky opened up just a bit to let a sprinkle of rain fall onto the audience; that was Mother Earth preparing us for what was to come.
Now of course at any concert you feel the drums in your chest, the guitar in your veins and the bass in your feet. Well, at their concerts, that is amplified times ten. Their instruments are so loud and proud which truly transports to whatever world their music lives in. You have no choice but to let them take you on a journey.
During this particular show I was just so excited to be there and in awe of everything that I couldn’t even believe it was happening or that I was there. Broken Bells started and the more it was playing the more I regained consciousness. Jake began that guitar part right before the solo and I just froze. I became truly present in that moment. I could feel the wind through my hair and the rain drops on my skin. I could see everyone in front of me tuned into the music and Jake Kiszka standing on the edge of the stage ready to blow us all away. In that moment I began to tear up (actually I was bawling my eyes out but shh don’t tell them) It was such an emotional experience for me that I will never forget.
This show seemed to be the longest one they’ve played on this tour and everyone who went to other shows kept saying how jealous they were of those who got to experience the set list they put together for Chicago. I’ve only been to two of their shows but I have watched countless hours of concert, livestream, and festival footage from them over the years and I think it’s safe to say that this show was one of their best shows in such a long time. Only thing missing was "‘Lover Leaver’ but it’s okay. They will hear my prayers soon enough and put it back on the set list.
Going to this concert was one of the best decisions I think I’ve ever made. This trip will always hold such a special place in my heart. I danced and screamed the night away with my best friend in the whole world and nothing can beat that feeling. That’s all that matters.
Adding in a personal story real quick…
As I mentioned, my entire household had covid which included my 74 year old grandfather with cancer. He had to go to the hospital shortly after we all tested positive and he was moved into a hospice facility within one week. One of the main reasons my mom wanted me to go on this trip so badly was so I could have some fun before the sad reality of everything overtook me. 20 minutes after I left to go to the airport, my grandfather passed away. My mom didn’t tell me because she wanted me to enjoy my time away from home.
Photo Courtesy of Greta Van Fleet
One thing about my grandpa was he loved birds so much. He would feed them every morning and just watch them. When he was in the hospital no birds came until the day he died. My mom went outside to see two red cardinals sitting on the fence just staring at her. The spiritual sign of seeing a red cardinal is that those we have lost will live on forever so long as we keep their memory alive in our hearts. Well it just so happens that Sam wore a suit with a red cardinal on it for the Chicago show and I didn’t even realize until a couple days ago when my friend pointed it out to me. Granted, Sam has been wearing state birds on his suits for this tour but this seemed like too much of a coincidence and coincidences just don’t exist.
I truly feel like my grandpa spoke to me through them that night. He was telling me that he’s okay now and assuring me that I was in the right place at the right time.
This band has changed my life in so many ways and will always mean so much to me. This just shows how connected we truly are and I think they would agree. To Jake, Josh, Sam, and Danny, thank you for all you do. I miss you dearly and can’t wait to see you again.