Greta Van Fleet stormed Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Monday September 23rd with opening act Shannon & The Clams. They also performed a 2nd show on Tuesday September 24th. Both shows were sold-out and both highlighted why vintage rock and roll is alive and well in the USA.

Oakland’s Shannon & the Clams immediately drew in the crowd with their catchy and playful vintage sound and matching all-white glam & glitter wardrobe. Their musicianship was stellar, and livened up the mood of the crowd anxiously awaiting the headliner, and matching nicely with a throwback vibe that fit right in.  Shannon Shaw leads the group on bass, backed by Cody Blanchard on guitar/vocals, Will Sprott on keys/vocals, and Nate Mahan on drums.

If you haven’t heard of Greta Van Fleet, it’s time that you did. Without even releasing their first album, the band was catapulted to fame by their hit single “Highway Tune”, numerous sold-out shows, and plenty of critical comparisons to Robert Plant & Led Zeppelin. Touring their 2nd album, March of the Peaceful Army,  Greta Van Fleet is leading the charge in the resurgence of arena rock & roll with a stellar line-up and a young frontman who could easily hang with the greats.

From the moment they walked on stage, Greta Van Fleet had the audience in the palm of their hand, blasting the crowd with their 70s-style bluesey rock & roll. They played a variety of tunes including “Black Smoke Rising” & “Highway Tune” along with one of my current favorites, "When the Curtain Falls".  GVF also threw in a soulful cover of the John Denver standard, “The Music Is You”,  which showcased the amazing talent that each band member has individually (as well as collectively).  This is one special group of musicians.

Frontman Josh Kiszka's voice soared high and far, captivating the crowd with his power and range. Danny Wagner slammed out an impressive drum solo just a few songs in. Sam Kiszka  jumped back & forth between bass & keys, shining bright on the organ, as his feet danced across the bass pedals. Lead guitarist Jake Kiszka shredded time and time again, coming out front center to rip his solos into the crowd.

Fully recovered from his respiratory issues earlier in the  year, Josh’s voice was strong & powerful, hitting the highest of notes with ease, lightly floating around the stage in his star-spangled jumpsuit and bare feet. His bright spirit & big curly hair makes him a dead ringer for Peter Pan himself. Following a psychedelic jam, Josh emerged from the darkness with a big smile, throwing roses into the crowd, further adding to the magical space the boys had created. He truly is the world's newest rockstar.

Young Greta Van Fleet is well on its way to not just making rock history, but helping swing the pendulum long overdue from the synthetic pop of today back towards the real and the raw.

Article written by Aaron Hart and photography courtesy of Susie Wolcott