Greta Van Fleet deliver classic, arena rock spectacle in Pittsburgh concert

Greta Van Fleet frontman Josh Kiszka fittingly sang a brief line from “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” — the theme song from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” — in the band’s concert Saturday night at PPG Paints Arena.

For fans of classic rock, it was a beautiful day in the neighborhood as Greta Van Fleet, on their Starcatcher world tour, delivered more than two hours of bombastic rock.

Sure, a lot of the tropes of an arena rock concert were on display, like a seven-minute drum solo, the same stage banter as previous shows and wardrobe changes galore. But musically, Greta Van Fleet delivered a crowd-pleasing night that hearkened back to the days of Led Zeppelin, Rush, Heart and Queen, all bands seemingly woven into Greta Van Fleet’s DNA (whether they admit it or not).

The nearly packed arena wasn’t a far cry from their stint opening for Metallica in 2022 at PNC Park, but it was a big step up from their shows at Stage AE in 2018 or Mr. Smalls Funhouse in 2017.

With an indisputable charisma, Josh Kiszka commanded the stage, alongside his brothers Jake (guitar) and Sam (bass, keyboards) plus drummer Danny Wagner. They all looked fully comfortable and at home, with Sam Kiszka even going shoeless.

Josh Kiszka, who’s often been compared to Robert Plant or Geddy Lee, frequently got to showcase his vocal range, as he appeared to effortlessly hit high notes, wail, use a more growly voice or hold extended notes.

With their Grammy-nominated “Starcatcher” released last year, it’s only natural that they leaned heavily on that album, playing nine of the 10 songs (with only “Frozen Light” omitted). The opening two songs — “The Falling Sky” and “The Indigo Streak” — came from that album and set the tone for what was to come, with pyro, explosions and a dynamic light show.

“Meeting the Master,” which had Jake Kliszka on an acoustic guitar, finished strongly, while a rollicking “Highway Tune” — their best-known song — transitioned to “Runway Blues” and then back to “Highway Tune.” As Josh Kiszka handed out roses to the crowd, Sam Kiszka pounded out a bass solo before Jake Kiszka shredded on his guitar.

That led into Wagner’s aforementioned drum solo. Next, the band moved to a smaller stage at the far end of the arena for an intimate acoustic set. First Sam and Josh Kiszka performed a cover of “Unchained Melody” before being joined by their bandmates for “Waited All Your Life” and “Black Smoke Rising.”

“Fate of the Faithful” had another powerful guitar solo, as did “The Archer,” which was at least twice as long as the album version. While the band rocked out, with Jake Kiszka playing atop the stage with flames dancing behind him, Josh Kiszka held court in the front row of the barricade. He made his way around to dozens of people, shaking hands, high-fiving, hugging or kissing them on the cheek or forehead.

After playing “Sacred the Thread,” a song about the singer’s love of fashion, he called it his “diva song.” That led at least one audience member to grumble and make derogatory comments about the sexuality of the singer, who came out last year. “Light My Love,” played in the encore, had a rainbow-tinted background behind the band while fans in the front row waved miniature rainbow flags.

In typical Pittsburgh fashion, fans started to head for the exits with one song left, as Greta Van Fleet was preparing to say goodbye by playing “Farewell For Now.”

“We have time for one more song if you’re into it,” Josh Kiszka said. “And if you’re leaving to beat traffic, go (expletive) yourself.”

More from @GretaVanFleet in Pittsburgh pic.twitter.com/iOxhICKKOp

— Mike Palm (@MikePalmMedia) May 19, 2024

Geese, a rock band out of New York, unleashed an intense, eclectic set that featured, among other things, squealing guitars, punk-blast drumming, bongs, bells and a keytar. Geese, which drew critical acclaim for last year’s “3D Country” album followed by their “4D Country” EP, closed with the song “4D Country,” which showed off their ability to jam.

.@geese_band opening for @GretaVanFleet at @PPGPaintsArena pic.twitter.com/GoTJT4s79e

— Mike Palm (@MikePalmMedia) May 19, 2024

Opening band Mirador started with a familiar face, as Greta Van Fleet guitarist Jake Kiszka shared lead vocals with guitarist Chris Turpin of musical duo Ida Mae. Kiszka unveiled a strong, soulful voice — not nearly as utilized in Greta Van Fleet — as he harmonized with Turpin on yet-to-be released songs like “Feels Like Gold” and “Must I Go Bound.”

Mirador afforded Kiszka an opportunity to play heavier material like their closer, “Skyway Drifter.” And as Kiszka said with a straight delivery: “We’d like to thank Greta Van Fleet for having us.”

.@mirador_band featuring @GretaVanFleet guitarist Jake Kiszka opening the night at @PPGPaintsArena pic.twitter.com/DJVLsv2XfX

— Mike Palm (@MikePalmMedia) May 18, 2024