Halestorm-I Prevail Co-Headline Concert Review Arizona Financial Theater Phoenix AZ 8-16-24

Review and Photos By Roc Boyum

Hard rock legends Halestorm delivered a thrilling performance at the Arizona Financial Theater in Phoenix on 8-16-24.

Halestorm and I Prevail set off on an exciting co-headlining summer tour that matched the scorching heat of an Arizona summer day. On this, their second-to-last show of the tour, they exceeded all anticipated expectations. The lineup also featured additional support from two great bands, Hollywood Undead and Fit for a King.

I Prevail:

After the impressive sets by Hollywood Undead and Fit for a King, I Prevail took over the stage with a spectacular light show, delivering a high-energy performance featuring fan favorites and an intriguing rendition of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space.” Throughout their set, lead vocalists Brian Burkheiser and Eric Vanlerberghe captivated the audience with their engaging monologues.

Burkheiser once shared his personal experiences, discussing the challenges he encountered with chronic pain and the surgery that made him question his career’s future. He encouraged others to seek assistance for chronic pain or depression, emphasizing that they are not alone. Just like him, seeking help can help navigate difficult times.

Brian Burkheiser

Later, Vanlerberghe observed that this specific show attracted one of the tour’s largest audiences and felt that two small circle pits were insufficient. As a result, he asked for the two smaller pits to combine into one colossal, unforgettable pit. The audience enthusiastically agreed, transforming most of the standing area in front of the stage into a lively circle pit while the band’s photographer captured the scene from the center of the pit.

Eric Vanlerberghe

I Prevail unloaded a mega-heavy set of fourteen songs that left a lasting impression on the Phoenix audience with their crushing performance.

Get Into I Prevail here!

Halestorm:

Fearless hard rock veterans Halestorm were up next and they came out of the gate as bold as ever kicking things off with a powerful start that showcased why Lzzy Hale is renowned as one of the greatest female rock vocalists of all time.

When Lzzy Hale took the stage, the audience greeted her with a resounding standing ovation, a typical response for this band. Instead of beginning with a grand introduction, she opted to stand solo at the microphone and passionately deliver, acappella, a snippet of the lyrics from the final track of their latest album, “Back From The Dead,” titled “Raise Your Horns.” Even though it was only a snippet of “Raise Your Horns,” it made a powerful and memorable vocal and lyrical impact, especially given the song’s focus on mental awareness. They seamlessly transitioned into a captivating performance of “I Miss the Misery,” maintaining a high level of intensity until the end of the show.

 The band presented a powerful twelve-song set with four encore songs and a few surprises along the way. For their fourth song, Lzzy screamed out…are you a freak like me? Apparently; there are a lot of freaks in Phoenix as the audience responded with a roar. During the song “Familiar Taste of Poison,” guitarist Joe Hottinger delivered an impressive extended solo showcasing his exceptional skills.

Another highlight of this night was when, I Prevail singer Eric Vanlerberghe joined the band for a brilliant version of their collaborative song “Can You See Me In The Dark.”

A Halestorm performance is incomplete without drummer Arejay Hale’s captivating solo. Arejay impressed the audience in Phoenix with his exceptional talent and entertaining stage presence, incorporating stick twirls, tosses, and even oversized drumsticks. Midway into his solo, Arejay stepped out to the front of the stage to join his bandmates in an entertaining drum line display with everyone banging away at their own floor tom; quite fun! AreJay then jumped back up behind his drum kit for another display of his mad skills. To finish things off, Arejay brought out his club-sized sticks and demonstrated his proficiency in handling drumsticks that are larger than a Louisville Slugger, highlighting his remarkable skills in handling any sized sticks. His solo culminated with some impressive twirls and powerful cymbal crashes that displayed his versatility and dramatic flair as a musician.

Arejay Hale

Halestorm concluded their performance just as they started, closing with a song from “Back From The Dead” called “Steeple.” It’s an ideal choice to wrap up a show, as the song captures the essence of fans coming together to enjoy their favorite band, letting loose as the music fills the venue.

Halestorm is a remarkable band that is preserving the heritage of Hard Rock music for the upcoming generations. With masterful screaming rock vocals, skilled musicians, and an electrifying stage presence, they promise an enjoyable and motivating experience for all spectators. Dive into their new CD Back From The Dead and become a part of their community, engage in the adventure, and immerse yourself in a different realm that will offer an escape from the everyday routine!

Get Into Halestorm Here!

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