Ireland is host to more than its fair share of mythical creatures. The supernatural race, the Tuatha dé Danann. Queens and heroes possessing magical powers. The mischievous Far Darrig, with its long snout and skinny tail, is a fairy cousin of the Leprechaun. And then, of course, the Banshee. A female spirit who heralds death throughout the land, known to all by her incomparable, soul chilling wail. Incomparable, that is, until Halestorm set foot in Dublin’s 3-Olympia Theater.
Two set lists, one wardrobe change, and a plethora of Dad Jokes are just some of the ingredients in An Evening with Halestorm. Which saw every inch of the floor covered by fans, their animated enthusiasm sweeping up to the rafters like a flight of swallows. On stage, a stripped back, acoustic setup. Front and centre, a keyboard rests atop one of the flight cases, spray painted in red with the mantra “Hell Couldn’t Pull Me Down.” Downstage, the band’s logo floats in the shadows. Patiently awaiting its turn.
As lights dim, singer Lzzy Hale steps out alone, positioning herself behind the keys before playing the opening notes to “Heart of Novocaine,” easing us into the night ahead. Reminding us how Hale can take her voice to the edge of the abyss and back again. The venue accommodating the show’s intimate nature as Halestorm offer acoustic renditions and re-imaginings of fan favourites. Known classics such as “Raise Your Horns” sit alongside “Parachute”, a nugget of unreleased gold for the die-hard veterans, some attending their 99th Halestorm show. Topped off with a well received, impromptu cover of “Whiskey in the Jar” by Thin Lizzy. All the while Arejay Hale, a talented drummer and courageous comedian, unleashes one cheesy joke after another to a chorus of cringed giggles and endeared booing. And he loved every second of it.
Warmed up and rearing for a little heavier meat on the bone, a twenty-minute changeover sees the stoical logo illuminate and the house lights fall once more, igniting the already erupting crowd. The room floods with dense red, electric blue and flashing strobes as Halestorm re-emerge in force. Guitarist Joe Hottinger and Lzzy trade notes on “Loves Bites (So Do I)”, “Do Not Disturb” and their latest single “The Steeple,” an ode to the congregation standing before them. Bassist Joe Smith fleshes it all out with pitch perfect harmonies and an understated charm while Arjeay Hale brings it rhythmically together. Even during a novelty sized drum solo, Hale boasts a variety of stick tricks, throwing some so high that you couldn’t help but wonder if they would ever return to earth. The comic playfulness offset by the sheer power of Lizzy Hale’s vocals, howling with ecstasy. Enough to terrify even the most harrowing spirit.
Following their encore, the night comes to an uproarious end, with the band’s anthem, “Here’s to Us” and an extended version of “I Miss the Misery.” If nothing feels left unsaid, the absence of the seminal “It’s Not You” warrants a justifiable yearning. Even so, three years in the making and An Evening with Halestorm proves to be worth the wait. Initially trading spectacle for intimacy, both get brought to the table in the end. On a night of queens and heroes, mischievous banter, and great music making for an up close and personal experience.
