GalleryDitch This MagazineAugust 29, 2024gallery, live, melbourne, Gallery, Margaret Court Arena, Greta Van Fleet, The Velveteers

Greta Van Fleet + The Velveteers @ Margaret Court Arena 27-08-24

GalleryDitch This MagazineAugust 29, 2024gallery, live, melbourne, Gallery, Margaret Court Arena, Greta Van Fleet, The Velveteers

photos and words: Lucas Hackett @lucas_packett_photography

Hot on the heels of their 2023 release, ‘Starcatcher’ & the third full length release for Greta Van Fleet, saw the band hit Melbourne’s Margaret Court Arena for an exceptional night of rootsy rock ’n roll on their ‘Starcatcher Wold Tour’.

Opening the evening are Colorado rock trio The Velveteers, consisting of singer/guitarist Demi Demitro & drummers Jonny Fig & Baby Pottersmith - playing together on a conjoined drum kit, almost as one drummer with four arms. Tearing through a set of 70’s psychedelia meshed with east coast hard rock, they engaged the growing crowd from the outset. Demitro was energetic, matched only by the double drum combo, not letting up until their set was done.

Great Van Fleet, made up of the Kiszka brothers: Josh (vocals) & Jake (guitar), sam (bass/keyboards) & Danny Wagner (drums) entered the arena high on the large stage to rapturous applause & nearly full house.

Wearing a bedazzled custom made (I assume) outfit, Josh Kiszka roams the stage in full voice engaging the warm crowd, flanked by his brothers in equally glittering outfits, made for quite the spectacle.

Dividing the night up into four sets saw the band play a host of their hits including Black Smoke Rising, Highway Tune, Safari Sing & The Weight of dreams - which included an extended guitar solo, preceded by a drum solo on a few songs previously.

So great to have GVF back in town & look forward to their return.