Greta Van Fleet + The Pretty Reckless @ Bell Centre▪

When I woke up Thursday morning, the first thing that appeared on my newsfeed was the photo of smiling young women who had been camping outside the Bell Centre. The college students who are all from the U.S. met online and are hardcore Greta Van Fleet fans. That image spoke volumes.

The entire city of Montreal was buzzing and rightfully so. Ever since Highway Tune hit the airwaves in 2017, there has been an invigorating revival of rock. GVF burst onto the scene, rattling the cages of the old “rock is dead” geezers and igniting the fire of younger generations who needed something to claim for their own.

The last concert I attended of this magnitude at the Bell Centre was Paul McCartney in 2018, so it was profoundly joyous to be part of such a magical night. There was a feeling of nostalgia and hope in the air as people of all ages, ethnicities, genders and backgrounds gathered together to rock like we used to.

First up was South Carolina-born Hannah Wickland, who, at 24, sounds like Joss Stone, plays like Gary Clark Jr. and writes her own songs. With her luxurious, long curls and flowy golden robe, she glided like a goddess in her bare feet across the stage. As her hips gyrated against her guitar, she alternated between strumming softly and shredding hard. She was everything that I wanted to be when I grew up.

When Hannah performed the acoustic “Song Bird Sing” alone, all the lights were turned down, and the entire room went silent. As her delicate voice floated through the air, the crowd all flashed their cellphone lights like stars in the sky, creating a truly memorable moment.

It was “Mama Said” that really sealed the deal for me.

The Pretty Reckless wasted no time grabbing our attention and opened their set with “Death by Rock and Roll.” Taylor was gorgeous and full of fiery energy as she ran from one side of the stage to the other with her long platinum hair flying wildly. Dressed all in black with shiny combat boots, a short strappy dress and biker jacket (that flew off after the 2nd song), she struck some dramatic poses as she belted out fan favourites in her signature raspy voice.

The crowd went wild when she sang “Make Me Wanna Die” and “Going To Hell”, pumping their fists and singing along.

She kept telling us that “it feels so fucken good to be here tonight” cause the band hasn’t been to Canada in 5 years. When she ordered us to sing at the top of our lungs to “Heaven Knows,” you better believe we did. When Cindy Lou Who tells you what to do, you do it.

1. Death by Rock and Roll
2. Since You’re Gone
3. Only Love Can Save Me Now
4. Make Me Wanna Die
5. Just Tonight
6. Going To Hell
7. Heaven Knows
8. Take Me Down

By the time the second act performed, it was after nine, and I had been there for over two hours. Both bands were so exciting and talented that I would have been content to call it a night. That buzz, however, was getting stronger and everybody at the Bell Centre could feel it.

As the curtain, painted with the esoteric symbols from “The Battle At Garden’s Gate” album cover, dramatically crashed to the ground, four mythical creatures appeared, making sounds that immediately aroused and captivated approximately 20,000 people. Between the shrieking of fans and Josh’s insane vocals, I felt like I had just dropped acid and wondered how I would write a review when I wasn’t even sure of where I was anymore and what exactly was happening. Then I heard Jake’s Les Paul SG and it all made sense.

Childhood flashbacks of listening to “Zeppelin 2” on vinyl, driving fast in my cousin’s car while he blasted “Back In Black” on cassette and all the fantastic bands I saw at the Montreal Forum played in my head as the sound of GVF triggered these magical memories.

The past and present became intertwined in a timeless state of euphoria. I was ageless, floating on a cloud of sound, feeling every riff, beat and vibrato. It was a phantasmagorical sensory overload.

The boys came to play and they were ready. Josh sang like he was channelling the spirit of every great frontman that came before him. Barefoot in a yellow velour jumpsuit with embroidered flowers, a deep v-neck exposing gold medallions and a long organza robe with puffy sleeves, his crazy Afro and thin moustache, he appeared more like a 70’s magician than a hard rock singer. Lifting his arms and grinning wildly, he cast us under his spell as flames would shoot out of cauldrons that encircled the stage. There were no distracting props or graphics, so the pyrotechnics really popped.

When Josh got onto a security guard’s shoulders and entered the crowd to hand out roses, everyone around the stage lost their minds, screaming even louder than before.

If I were a teenager, I would definitely have a poster of Jake on my bedroom wall. In his groovy violet suit with white flowers, jacket open, no shirt, his long shiny hair bouncing around his face, he encapsulated the perfect formula of a guitar god; youth, charisma and skill.

Sam didn’t get much spotlight on the bass until the end, but he really impressed me on the keyboard on ”Heat Above” and “Light My Love.” Also barefoot, his slim shirtless frame smoothly shifted from bass to keys, quick and agile like a dancer.

Not to be overshadowed by the Kiszka brothers, who clearly have potent musical DNA, Danny on drums was phenomenal. He played hard and fast like he was auditioning for a supergroup. Which raises the question; When have I ever seen a drum solo, 3rd song in? Never!

They really took their time with each track, especially on “Age of Machine,” which made it feel fresh and unrehearsed even though the band was tight and the vocals were strong and on point.

The band fed off the crowd’s energy, which was next level, high voltage. When Josh said;

“I would ask you how you’re doing, but I have a pretty good idea!”

We all cheered, smiling at each other as strangers become friends when vibing at the concert. I had the pleasure of sitting next to a lovely woman who was also alone. She kept looking at me in awe every time something exciting happened, which was practically the whole night. It was too loud to hear each other so she would occasionally thrust her forearm into my face and I would nod…goosebumps.

A wise old woman once said, “Music makes the people come together.” (Ok, it was Madonna, but she’s not wrong).

The encore felt like an impromptu jam session where the boys really let loose. Josh wrapped feather boas around his band mates and pranced around in Elton John-style glasses like it was New Year’s Eve. Ending the night on a high note and leaving us all recharged and hopeful.

“In an age of darkness, light appears” (Age of Man)

1. Built By Nations
2. Safari Song
3. Drum Solo
4. Black Smoke Rising
5. Caravel
6. Heat Above
7. Light My Love
8. Age of Machine
9. The Weight of Dreams

Encore
10. Age of Man
11. Highway Tune
12. Roll and Tumble Blues