It’s no surprise that Nashville’s Broadway attracts flocks of people every day from far and wide. If you walked the street on July 24th, it would seem like any other Monday, but with a closer look you would begin to recognize something different was brewing. People are seen wearing shirts with the same name and one of a kind outfits with everything from DIY pearl headpieces to handmade silver fringe jumpsuits. There could only be one reason: Greta Van Fleet was in town. The Bridgestone arena swarmed with rock and roll fans of all ages in anticipation of opening night of the Starcatcher World Tour.

As the doors opened, people flooded into a lobby decorated with a neon sign that read “GVF,” providing the perfect opportunity for a photo-op to document such a monumental evening. On this night in particular, there was much cause for celebration. Not only was it opening night of the Starcatcher World Tour, but also the band’s much anticipated Bridgestone arena debut. Their new album Starcatcher had just been released four days prior, so it was fresh on everyone’s minds. Bridgestone Arena sits at an impressive capacity of around 20,000 people, so I was thrilled to be one of many that were eager to witness the new songs as they fill the arena for the first time. 

As the lights dimmed, the giant curtain covering the stage was lit up revealing a shimmering Starcatcher logo. Melodies from string instruments began to fill the air. It didn’t take fans long to realize they were playing the instrumental string versions of each song off the new album. As the melodies played, people were singing their rendition of the songs while swaying anxiously, awaiting Greta Van Fleet’s arrival. Everyone held their phones high above their heads to capture the moment the curtain would fall.

All of a sudden, the arena became dim and as the music got quiet, the screams grew louder. The curtain plummeted to the ground revealing the band standing on a platform that was elevated above the stage. The four of them were greeted with a loud, welcoming applause that erupted through the arena. All the anticipation had lead up to this moment. The show had begun.

As soon as they began the first song, it was clear we were in for a night of electrifying rock and roll through a cosmic journey into the world of Starcatcher. Their energy was contagious. They even threw in an oldie of their’s within the first 3 songs to which the lead singer, Josh Kiszka introduced with “let’s do a banger.” The banger he was referring to was none other than “Lover, Leaver.” Near the middle of the third song of the night, Josh disappeared behind stage, leaving guitarist Jake Kiszka, drummer Daniel Wagner, and bassist/keys Sam Kiszka to their own devices to carry on the show in his absence. Jake Kiszka, gladly took the lead and showcased his impressive guitar skills. He joined Sam and Danny at the middle of the stage as they battled it out with their instruments. After a few moments Josh appeared on stage once again, only this time sporting a velvet blue jumpsuit with silver stars. Throughout the night he had as many as 5 outfit changes, cycling through jumpsuits from each stop on the 2021 Strange Horizons Tour. This provoked a strong and undeniable sense of nostalgia from those who happened to see a show during that tour a few years back. 

They sang three more songs including “Meeting the Master,” “Heat Above,” and “Frozen Light.” Then as Jake, Josh, and Sam all left the stage, it quickly became clear what was about happen. It was Danny’s time to shine with a drum solo. The crowd roared as Danny gave his all with a spectacular, improvised drum solo.

Immediately following the show-stopping drum solo, Josh and Sam suddenly appeared on the smaller B-Stage at the other end of the arena. As everyone waited for Danny and Jake to make it to the stage, Josh and Sam took matters into their own hands with a beautiful piano cover of “Unchained Melody,” sending the arena into a frenzied eruption of elated cheers.

Jake and Danny arrived at the stage and the crowd cheered as the four of them all sat down in front of microphones. The jaws of people around the stage had dropped to the floor as the drummer, Danny Wagner, grabbed a guitar as they began an acoustic set. They sang “Waited All Your Life,” “Anthem,” and even a stunning cover of “Woyaya” by Osibisa. They all lended their voices to these songs, a rather rare and special occasion to be able to hear all of them so clearly. After spending a few moments feeling like we were hanging with friends around a bonfire, the band made their way back up to the main stage, this time wandering through the crowd to get there, high-fiving excited fans and even handing out white roses to a few lucky enough to catch their eye. When they made it up to the stage, they continued to share the sounds of the new album song after song. They sang “Fate Of The Faithful,” “Sacred The Thread,” and “The Archer.” Jake took the lead once again with a masterfully drawn out solo, as Josh pranced across the catwalk tossing white roses into the crowd.

As the song ended, the arena was flooded with anticipation for what would come next. When Sam played the first few keys, the crowd exploded into cheers. It was time for “Light My Love.” This was a particularly memorable moment of the show because a devoted fan had put together a project where they handed out little colored slips of paper to as many different sections and people as possible to hold up to your phone flashlight during “Light My Love” and “Farewell For Now.” This resulted in a beautiful rainbow of colors shining throughout the arena. The moment the crowd lit up, you could tell Josh was overwhelmed with emotions. He nearly made it to the end of the song before coming to tears. As the arena went dark, he paced back and forth and covered his eyes as to wipe the tears away. With a choked up voice he told the crowd, “Well, I usually hold it together for that one.”

As cheers of welcoming admiration filled the air, Josh pulled himself together and began to sing “Farewell For Now.” We soon realized this was going to be the last song of the night. Jake and Josh joined forces for a twin moment as they both leaned into the mic to sing the chorus. The crowd appeared to be singing the loudest they had all evening, in hopes that somehow it would magically prolong the night for just a bit longer. No matter how hard they tried, the song and the evening were coming to a bittersweet end. Everyone there seemed to be soaking up every last bit of this musical journey of cosmic proportions.

The group walked up to the same platform they came out on, shared exchanges of waves and gratitude as they took a bow, and disappeared behind the stage. The lights came on and people began the trek out of the arena, excited chatter among friends and families echoing off the walls as they processed all they had just witnessed.

People left the show with attitudes of celebration and songs ringing in their ears. Shirts with “Greta Van Fleet” printed on the front were draped across the arms of many. Joyful memories, that will be turned into stories for years to come, danced through their minds. Reflecting on this night, it is no doubt that history was made in many forms as rock and roll continues to live on through Greta Van Fleet. One thing is for certain, their unique sound and authenticity prove to bring people together time and time again. This night marked the beginning of a new era, a celebration of sound and storytelling within the mighty and vast world of Starcatcher. As time marches on, so does rock and roll, and followed closely behind by a sea of devout fans, you will find Greta Van Fleet leading the way.