2 February 2023 – The Tivoli, Brisbane – words by Gabrielle Ross – pictures by Justin Gittins
It was a hot and muggy February evening and the air was thick with excitement as punters were eager to witness hard rock icons Halestorm with special guests Theory of a Deadman at one of Brisbane’s most iconic venues The Tivoli.
Opening the show for the evening was Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman, bringing their unique flavour of rock n roll with their first song ‘Lowlife’. With lots of energy and gusto both the crowd and band were “lovin’ it”! Crowd favourites, ‘The Bitch Came Back’ and ‘Rx (Medicate)’ had Tyler Connolly (lead vocals/guitar) commanding the stage with a dynamic presence, leaning over to the crowd as he flexed his strong drawling vocals while the audience chanted along with every word. Theory of a Deadman performed an exciting and fun set, with Dean Back (bass) bringing energetic grooves, Dave Brenner (guitar/backing vocals) plucking fantastic riffs and Joey Dandeneau (drums) detonating impressive drum rolls. Finishing their set with their electric rock n roll slammer ‘Bad Girlfriend’, ‘Theory of a Deadman’ left the stage in a cascade of crashing rock and hectic cheers from fans!
Lzzy Hale’s (Lead Vocalist/guitarist) insane vocals flooded The Tivoli soundscape in a fantastic and hearty display of talent “MY KINGDOOMM!” an impressive build up to the main event Halestorm launched into their first hard rock anthem ‘Steeple’ with a bang!’ Songs ‘Love Bites (So Do I)’, ‘Wicked Ways’ and ‘I Get Off ’ followed suit and Halestorm’s set was off to a strong start, catchy lyrics had punters singing along with every word.
Joe Hottinger flexed his musical talents with a cacophony of guitar riffs throughout the set while Lzzy joined, their musical chemistry electric and Josh Smith’s bass thundered with smooth grooves.
This was a Rock Show. The energy turbulent, the songs heavy and the talent magnetic.
‘Bombshell’ and ‘Amen’ followed before Lzzy brought a softer tone to the evening, performing solo with keys. Promising to try to not get emotional, Lzzy’s beautiful vocals shone strong as she performed haunting renditions of ‘Break In/Dear Daughter’ and ‘Raise Your Horns’. Hottinger joined Hale once again on stage for a sultry beginning to the song ‘Familiar Taste of Poison’ as Hale grabbed a rose from a devoted fan in the front row.
A turbulent flurry of a drum solo was then performed by Arejay Hale, before the crowd chanted “Big Sticks! Big Sticks!” and Arejay Hale continued his boisterous solo with oversize drum sticks!! ‘Back from The Dead’, ‘Pyscho Crazy’ and ‘Mine’ followed before the band closed their set with ‘Here’s To Us’. Hands waved as the crowd swayed to the feel-good anthem, sad to see Halestorm leave the stage so soon.
But not before they returned for their encore! Shots in hand, the whole band took a shot on stage with enthusiastic crowd encouragement before bidding Brisbane farewell with ‘Brightside’ and ‘Uncomfortable’. Standing centre stage Lzzy Hale had punters raising their horns before letting loose the awe-inspiring scream to ‘I Miss The Misery’! The whole venue erupted into a frenzy! Guitars wailed and drums crashed as Halestorm finished their set with explosive energy!
It’s been a long time for fans to wait to see Halestorm cross the pond and punters left The Tivoli that evening exhilarated, but craving more!
