Halestorm Salutes Dubuque, Their “Rock Family” With Penultimate US Show for 2023

I'd be lying if I said rock/heavy metal were my go-to genres just as much as if I were to tell you that I could've named two or three Halestorm songs before last week. Sometimes, the best part of going to a concert is going to one where you have no idea what experience you're about to get.

Whether you were a die-hard fan who has seen them more times than you can count, or this was your first rodeo, Halestorm put on one of the loudest and most intense shows Q Casino's Back Waters Stage has seen in sometime. Seasoned rock fans probably knew what they were getting into. I was not prepared for their intense riffs, their lead singer's incalculable talent, their drummer's boundless energy, nor a show that was equal parts an adrenaline rush and a deeply moving experience.

Before Halestorm took the stage at about 9:30pm, Black Stone Cherry, the band's longtime opening act, took the stage at 8pm for an hour-long set. Black Stone Cherry could've feasibly been the headliner with the talent they brought and the crowd-participation they encouraged.

Whether it was their encore in "Lonely Train" or their live rendition of "Like I Roll," which begged even newbies like myself to sing along, the Kentucky-based band found a way to leave an impression on the crowd. Lead singer Chris Robertson was backed up by lead guitarist Ben Wells and bass player Steve Jewell Jr, who were jumping around, headbanging, and displaying an unfathomable amount of energy on-stage.

Following Black Stone Cherry's hour-long performance, Halestorm took the stage at 9:30pm for what ended up being 80-minutes of breakneck metal and hard rock sounds. Led by singer Lzzy Hale, a committed advocate for mental health, female representation in rock music, and inclusivity in the genre, the band cycled between their hits and some new cuts off their 2022 album Back from the Dead.

I'd personally like to know what kind of vocal regime Lzzy Hale has adopted after years of performing. Screaming has always been a definitive and integral part of rock music, but Hale takes it to a whole other stratosphere when it comes to testing the capabilities of an amphitheater's speakers. Even more impressively, her screams are melodic and tuneful. Beyond being impressive, they fit the chords being played and add to the songs performed.

With that, I don't think I've seen a better drummer live than Arejay Hale, who also happens to be Lzzy's brother. Sporting lime green hair that could be seen from the fences against Greyhound Park Road, Hale knows how to make drumming both an art and a spectacle.

At one point, he launched into a drum solo so intense those unprepared were liable to break a sweat. He mashed the cymbals, and eventually, broke out comically large drumsticks, and still managed to make beautiful music above all else. From the research I've done, this is a commonplace occurrence for Halestorm concerts. Hopefully the video below does some justice to Hale's incredible talents. However, you really had to be there to take in the passion and the unquantifiable energy.

Halestorm performed favorites such as "Here's to Us," which got the crowd swaying and singing along; "I Like it Heavy," an ode to those who like their music loud and thumping; "Raise Your Horns," which encouraged concertgoers to shoot the "rock on" hand gesture as high as possible; and "I Am The Fire," where Lzzy encouraged people to turn on their cell-phone flashlights or "old school lighters."

The sound, lights, and camera-crew assured that Halestorm's penultimate show for their 2023 US tour at Q Casino would be a true production as opposed to another rock concert. The aesthetics fit the mood while also cultivating an atmosphere that was intense yet welcoming. Meanwhile, Q Casino's Back Waters Stage is readying for the sold out Jelly Roll concert happening Sunday, August 20th, which is sure to be the social and musical event of the season for the Tri-States.

For more details on upcoming shows and to purchase tickets, visit the Back Waters Stage's website!