Greta Van Fleet are heading to Australia and New Zealand this August, for their long-awaited first visit since 2019. After selling out Brisbane’s Fortitude Music Hall on August 21, they’ve added a second show at the same venue on August 22. From there, they’ll hit Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on August 24, followed by Melbourne’s Margaret Court Arena on August 27. The final stop is Auckland’s Spark Arena on August 30, where they’ll be joined by Colorado’s primal rock trio, the Velveteers.
Natives of Frankenmuth, Michigan, the three brothers—Josh, Jake, and Sam Kiszka—along with their friend Danny Wagner, tapped into something raw and electric when they formed Greta Van Fleet in 2012. It wasn’t long before the world took notice. Their breakout came in 2017 with the EP ‘From the Fires’, a work that felt like a lightning bolt of classic rock energy shot through with the intensity of youth. The EP earned them the Grammy for Best Rock Album at the 61st Grammy Awards, signalling their arrival as torchbearers for a new generation of rock.
Here are 5 of our top Greta van Fleet tracks.
‘Highway Tune’ is a raw, high-energy rock anthem that catapults listeners back to the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll. The track, released in 2017, showcases the band’s deep-rooted influences while carving out a distinctive sound that resonates with contemporary audiences.
‘Safari Song’ stands out as a potent reminder of the band’s classic rock roots and their capacity to deliver a powerhouse performance. It’s clear that Greta Van Fleet is channelling the spirit of the 70s. The riff-heavy intro, driven by Jake Kiszka’s gritty guitar work, grabs the listener’s attention and doesn’t let go. His guitar tone is both vintage and vibrant, delivering a riff that feels as timeless as it does electrifying. Sam Kiszka’s bass line complements this perfectly, providing a groove that propels the track forward with a relentless drive.
‘Light My Love’ is a song that stands out with its emotive depth and powerful instrumentation. The band, often compared to 70’s rock legends continue to carve out their own niche with this track from their 2021 album, ‘The Battle at Garden’s Gate.’
‘Black Smoke Rising’ is a thunderous testament to the band’s ability to channel the raw, unadulterated energy of classic rock into a modern context it grips listeners with its powerful, riff-heavy introduction. The song’s instrumental prowess is immediately evident, with Josh Kiszka’s sizzling vocals cutting through the mix like a bolt of lightning and brings an urgent, primal energy to the track, while the instrumental backing is a blend of gritty guitar riffs, thunderous drumming by Danny Wagner, and a driving bassline courtesy of Sam Kiszka that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
‘Heat Above’ from their 2021 album ‘The Battle at Garden’s Gate’ showcases the band’s evolution and maturation. They took a significant leap with this track, blending their classic influences with a more expansive, ambitious approach.
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