Are They Just A Sh*tty Tribute Band?!

Greta Van Fleet were one of the first bands I reviewed on my channel. I was worried that they were a little one-dimensional, so I'm excited to listen to their latest song to see how or if they've evolved.
Today I'm reacting to the song Meeting the Master.
You can watch it here: • Greta Van Fleet - Meet...
#gretavanfleet #meetingthemaster #musicreaction

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Justin Hawkins Rides Again merch is OUT NOW! thejawsofvictory.com/collections/jhra (and it includes free shipping!)

[@daniell1125]

Nice work on the video sir! I looked it up and "instinctual" is actually a word

[@eddiecovell7572]

😮

[@zackp3401]

I'm young, I'm wild, and I'm free...

[@lynn6095]

​@daniell1125 Wow. Good to know - I immediately questioned it myself! Cheers

[@tmt8425]

If you notice their audiences of their 2022-23 tour, you see teenagers to 70 year olds coming back to hear the sound they used to like.

[@billjanke72]

I actually agree with this. Growing up with a father who is a professional musician I was exposed to a lot of different styles and genres. Greta Van Fleet brings back what people loved about classic rock. They do sound like Led Zeppelin but that's fine because honestly????? Who cares? Good music is good music and unfortunately music has suffered so much in the last 10-15 years from being generic and over produced auto tuned crap. I can't remember an album I was excited about during that time. Now, I want to hear more music like Greta and am excited to see what this resurgence brings.

[@Swishy32]

i went to their show in february, next to me (15) was my friend (16), next to me, a woman that was around 60 and a guy behind me was like 50, then another lady around 30. honestly didn’t expect it to be like that

[@Warpathjak]

Total rip offs i wouldn't care if the singer didn't literally try to move and sing like Robert plant too much

[@sharonallan5465]

I saw them last fall, from the pit! And I'm 59 😀

[@alexkx8599]

@@Warpathjak You mean like Zeppelin for the first half of their catalogue?

[@kindking8009]

The first time I saw them live, 5 years ago, was at a small venue in Dallas and Josh struggled to get through a 75 min set. His voice started giving out a bit before the end of the regular set, so the encore was a 20 min. jam of Lover, Leaver, Taker, Believer and Jake carried most of it. Now Josh can get through a 2.5 hour set and still sound strong and crystal clear. Kudos to that kid for all the hard work and sacrifices he's had to make to take proper care of his voice, so that we can all get goosebumps just listening to him.

[@carmensandiego7749]

Yes, besides proper training, he gave up dairy and sugar. Except for a little honey in his hot tea and whiskey toddy before a show.

[@sunnihunny]

Goosebumps..YES! EVERY.SINGLE.TIME......

[@peterthart531]

Some elements of Uriah Heep

[@d.rowley5023]

I feel like the industry pushed them out a little too fast at the beginning. Today they are so much better

[@westerling8436]

Good Luck with that

[@armanphotos]

As a big rock n’ roll (and Led Zeppelin) fan, I went to their concert in Frankfurt last year in the middle of “The Battle at The Garden’s Gate” tour. I can't still believe having witnessed such rich live rock music in 2022. My whole life, I thought this kind of live rock concert belonged just to the ’70s and ’80s. Jake’s improvisations of each song on the album were magnificent, specially The Weight of Dreams and Broken Bells. I don't care which band they try to be like or get inspired by, but the existence of bands like theirs is crucial nowadays so that new generations can understand how Rock music tastes among all of this nonsense music that has occupied the mainstream now.

[@Loneagent006]

Growing up listening to 70's and 80's rock in the early 2000's I thought the same until I saw GVF and Crown Lands in Oklahoma City. Amazing show, amazing talents across the board. Obviously loved GVF but also left the concert a big fan of that two man power band from the North.

[@mrsmagoo5710]

@@Loneagent006 Four man power band.

[@junkyardhero5202]

Well said people have forgotten how bad ass our culture was before the internet. GVF is a little live look back.

[@GunnerCustomGuitars]

@@mrsmagoo5710referring to the Crown Lands 2 man band

[@roisinj2385]

I can't stress enough that GVF are a live band. Once you see them live, the studio recordings will never hit the same. They are incredible. ❤

[@mojeaux86]

Great live band

[@geetee2694]

Just like Primus.

[@redzwestisbest]

as long as Josh's vocals are great. i agree. the band brings it every night. With Heat Above and Light my Love..i think they turned a corner to a new set of fans. Josh's voice is the key to everything to me.

[@Samps0nite]

I can’t listen to Build By Nations without seeing the curtain drop in my head. Caravel was one of my favorites and seeing it live was just extraordinary. Nothing beats Age of Man live either. They put on an absolutely amazing show

[@davidfreiberg5637]

Saw them for the first time live this past Friday and shakey knees and my girlfriend and I were discussing the same thing. I listened to their first 2 albums as they were released but haven't followed them as heavily since then. Most of the songs that they performed on Friday were from their more recent material and we listened to some of them on they way back home yesterday. The live performances were light-years better. It was a great experience.

[@harper4601]

i’ve never understood how sounding like led zeppelin is even remotely a bad thing.

[@cadon35]

It’s one thing to take inspiration from a band or to even have some similar tones, chord progressions, etc. These guys sound like some film producer wanted to use a Led Zeppelin song in a movie but couldn’t afford the rights. So he asked them to make a song that sounds as much like the LZ song without getting sued.

[@HaveAGoodOlLaugh]

​@@cadon35yeah nah don't agree with that opinion bud but to each their own

[@alexkx8599]

@@cadon35 You mean like how Zeppelin were basically a cover's group for their entire first half of their catalogue?!

[@carl6149]

@@HaveAGoodOlLaugh To me, they seem to have captured the “essence” of Led Zeppelin. I don’t think they’re copycats at all.

[@Avator52]

@@alexkx8599well they have Grammies and nominee and worth millions and you are a nobody

[@billwren5033]

I am 56 yrs old and been to hundreds of concerts in my lifetime. I went out of my way and drove 10 hrs to go see this band in El Paso on the last dreams in gold tour and I can honestly say it ranks as one of the best concerts I have ever seen Live. Rival Sons opened and they were no slouches either. they kicked ass. Greta is special so anytime someone is special the haters will come out in full force. There following is strong so it doesn't really matter.

[@sadboi7537]

You drove 10 hrs to see Greta Van Fleet??? Holy shit man…….😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@bryonkidder6199]

Which one's dad is the President of the record label?

[@mlehook4859]

I'm 57 and have been to two live concerts of theirs. Great music, and grat fun!

[@Yyz1971]

Right on! We just saw them in Jacksonville for a make up concert that got cancelled in October. Well worth the wait!!

[@peepeepoopoo._.]

@@bryonkidder6199 To give you a very literal response that you probably did not want; the father of the three brothers is a chemist and their mother was a high school teacher. As for the drummer, you can’t even find anything about his parents online but if I recall correctly his father is a teacher too. They’re all from this shitty town in Michigan with only 5.000 residents. They had no industry connections prior to their succes.

[@arthurwakeham2916]

every old bloke complains that they don’t make music like they used to, and then a great band like greta van fleet comes along, and they say that they’re copying zeppelin. you can’t fucking win! IMO greta has a whole unique sound, yes obviously they’re heavily inspired by zeppelin and other groups, but they are far from a tribute band.

[@nortski78]

Justin, I am so glad you gave these guys another go and that you really like how much they've evolved. Josh truly has a gift of a voice that everyone needs to hear.

[@Pseudotsugaification]

@@duanefromjustice316 no one needs to hear the awfulness of Justice 316 that’s for sure Duane

[@jameshumphries5059]

@Mucho Macho you need a new brain

[@MagnumMuscle1000]

A gift like hemorrhoids are a gift.

[@cordona.sasha0216]

girl...what gift? LMAO he be soundin like he steppin on lego pieces.

[@Tityretupatulae]

They dont need him to give them another go. They are less than half his age and vastly superior to begin with.

[@jeffmcclure918]

The Battle At Garden's Gate was awesome because it shut down a lot of haters that say they can only sound like Zeppelin. Those criticisms had some validity 5 years ago, but their own sound really showed in that album, and it's outstanding.

[@Plumtree5]

The Battle At Garden’s Gate was awesome full stop. It’s 2024 and nothing better than than is in sight in this century at the moment.

[@violinmke]

The sad truth is Robert Plant can't sing like that anymore .. Real instruments , powerhouse singer, no autotune. Count me in. Live long and proper lads.

[@counterfeitmistress7140]

He sounds like Geddy Lee.

[@HavokYT]

Watched them in Manchester and i've never heard a voice so good live before, absolutely magical, can't wait for the new album

[@brettfolkerth7612]

I saw them in Leeds and was blown away by his voice....awesome

[@kyliestorm_music]

His is amazing

[@ell0.mp3]

That was an incredible show 🤘🏻

[@stephenhall9456]

Really? Have you seen Alter Bridge Myles Kennedy live. Without doubt the best rock voice

[@paulharrisonadventuregearm5457]

you haven't heard Anthony kiedis

[@glencarson2635]

I am 72... I've seen them all... you name the band and I've seen them. I drove 8 hours from my home state to see them in Edmonton, Canada back in August. They were EASILY the best live band I've seen. And, yes, I have seen the Stones, the Dead, Zepp, Queen, Bowie, Yes, Rush, ELP, Boston, U2 and many more. 16,000 people in that arena, not an empty seat that I saw. Greta will be in the stadiums in two years, maybe three.

[@Plumtree5]

The Battle At Garden’s Gate was a masterpiece. It infuriated so many KZbin ‘critics’ that have the combined age of GVF or close to that. Such a stunning gem of an album

[@cnczy1036]

It’s my favorite album of all time. It’s perfection

[@Alixxusa]

I like greta van fleet... and that album was boring

[@ebmpaiva]

It would have been good if it had like 4 or 5 songs less. It has some great songs, but it's too long, so it gets boring

[@tommibjork]

The tittle alone tells you they have not evolved far. Now they use rhinestone suits and have symbols on their backdrop. They went from Zep 1969 to 1971.

[@westerling8436]

If you're really unintelligent

[@olavjorvik94]

Been listening to them for about a week now, and they flew right into my top 10 bands of all time. And that is INSANE. What a talented bunch of guys. Can’t wait for their new album.

[@LukeDeSciscio]

Battle at Garden’s Gate is a brilliant album.

[@marmcconnell1]

So glad that as an articulate musician of credibility you see the development and the talent of all 4 members of this band! I’ve been disappointed in the dismissive opinions of other rock music fans of a certain (my) generation, who couldn’t get past comparisons to the bands we loved and give them any respect or appreciation while, ironically, being grateful they were making the kind of music we all want to hear! While never tired of breaking out my old Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, or Rush albums I’m hoping this music will grab a new generation. I can smile at the outfits and the swords- they’re young and romantic and idealistic like we all were. No auto tune, no mash-ups, no excuses. Just their own songwriting, talent, technique, and power. GVF are in their prime and I’m grateful they’re doing what they do and hope they stay with it for a long time.

[@sunshinemichele4224]

Right fucking on! Absolutely one of the best concerts I’ve ever been too. So proud of these dudes. They had big shoes to fill with all the legendary bands from the past. They are the best young band out there right now. Mad props and respect to GVF! Go see them live when they tour again Justin! You will not be disappointed, I promise! ❤

[@Captain-Obvious1]

In the 70s, this would have been an decent band, not a great one. They exist in a time of "chart" mediocrity and have been selected as the definitive retro band. Talented, no doubt at all. When they finally find out who they are, like all those old epic bands did, we may see a great band emerge.

[@Plumtree5]

@@Captain-Obvious1 they would have been vastly superior than 90% of British Invasion bands which had fame in the us.

[@kellyc2425]

​@@Captain-Obvious1 that's an impossible prediction to make. Can we stay in the real world please? We had our share of shit bands in the 70s that GVF blows the doors off. Looking at you Ramones, The Clash, and ABBA.

[@Captain-Obvious1]

@@kellyc2425 Well, thank god they blow the doors off some 50 year old bands.

[@GringosRUs]

Love Greta Van Fleet - if you are going to be influenced by anyone, what's wrong with being influenced by the likes of Led Zep, Rush, Kansas, Aerosmith, etc? They have really come into their own. ❤

[@556andy]

Greta van fleets music currently is very influenced by queen led zep blind melon and specially Aerosmith on guitar saw joe perry moves on this song during the solo part

[@davidcjupp]

This is the issue though. There's being influenced by a band and then there is literally sounding like a tribute band doing an impression. When they broke through they 100% sounded like the later. The deserved criticism for it and it was absurd they didn't admit what they were doing, it made the controversy a lot more persistent. Still, they're young and mistakes are allowed. I'm glad they didn't pack it in and they're gaining more success as they develop their own sound a bit more.

[@johns7272]

yeah just a shame theyre 50 years too late

[@evannelson4203]

There's a difference between paying tribute to your influences, and straight up ripping them off.

[@catchinglooks]

@@evannelson4203 yes, there is. and if you listen to this song and the majority of their others, they’re paying tribute, not ripping off.

[@donwarrington4916]

I don't care what anybody sounds like . The Black Crowes underwent their share of crticism for sounding like the Stones at first .If they can write,play and sing like that , they have my respect . Good music is good music and in very short supply these days ....

[@harrytrent13]

I can understand the crowes and stones thing on the first record but after that they became their on thing and they was fucking excellent I also love their first album btw

[@donwarrington4916]

@@harrytrent13 The cream always rises ...

[@mcdingus5081]

Anyone that says that good music is in short supply does not do much work to find the truly good music that is out there. These guys get tons of promotion because they are catering to the 20 year old girls and their 50 year old fathers looking to bond on Dad's nostalgia. Or maybe even good ol' gramps havin' a dandy ol' time at the picnic with the grandkids. They get criticized for very good reasons. They don't have an original thought in their heads. For those of you complaining about the lack of good music out there- you aren't looking hard enough. There are tons of good new bands that truly are breaking ground instead of walking all over Led Zeppelin's path. You can have a retro 70's sound without it sounding as contrived as GVF does.

[@donwarrington4916]

@@mcdingus5081 We didn't have to dig for good music where I come from it was abundant ..Led Zeppelin isn't exactly original either , they borrowed from alot of people including Jeff Beck ,Muddy Waters & Willie Dixon . Maybe listen to the original version of Dazed and Confused from 1967 and tell me Jimmy Page never ripped nobody off ...

[@Plumtree5]

@@mcdingus5081we dont care about the australian psych bands here. We like rock here

[@joannemays3729]

This band is phenomenal. If it’s even possible I’d say They sound even better live. They have influences for sure, but they are uniquely themselves. Loved them and can’t wait for the album.

[@ericjam6346]

Agree! GVF unfortunately got a lot of negative criticism at the start. Which turned many people away from a great band. To my ears they bring a level of musicality that so many current pop acts cant touch.

[@Plumtree5]

Jealousy is what ruined this band. Their good looks play a role too. If they were ugly, the story would be different

[@mrbrownstne1892]

Fun fact : This was recorded live so Josh just naturally sounds like that, i think thats an incredible thing to note to yourself when you listen to it

[@mcdingus5081]

What does "recorded live" mean? Are you saying the band was on stage in front of an audience and this was recorded? Because otherwise, enlighten us on what "recorded live" means as opposed to anybody recording vocals in a studio.

[@catchinglooks]

@@mcdingus5081 it means that rather than have each band member record their instrument/vocal separately in different takes like many bands do, they played and sang together in a single take to record it.

[@mcdingus5081]

@@catchinglooks That doesn't mean they don't put any effects on his vocals. It only means they decided to record it in one take. You're trying to make it sound more impressive than it really is. It's not.

[@catchinglooks]

@@mcdingus5081 lol, whatever helps you sleep at night. i never said they didn’t add effects, but i’ll add anecdotally that i’ve seen the band multiple times live and it sounds just as fantastic without them. you asked a question and i answered it. no need to be aggressive!

[@mcdingus5081]

@@catchinglooks You said it was "more natural sounding" as if to imply it was better. Otherwise, you're posting had no other point, now did it? And just because I'm calling the whole issue out doesn't mean I'm being agressive. No need for total victimhood butthurt there, buddy. I call it like I see it. You posted something online for all to see, you shouldn't expect it to always be cheery and rosy when it deserves criticism for being flat out disingenuous to the whole argument. And I'll add anecdotally that I've never seen GVF live- because they suck and I'd rather see the real Led Zeppelin play by watching the Song remains the Same movie. And by the way, if you can't see that GVF stole heavily from Zeppelin in both sound an image- all you have to do is watch this movie and you'll see it right away.

[@Badmmajmma]

Dave Cobb produced this and did an amazing job. I think this is one of Josh’s best vocal performances to date. Love it.

[@kbusby4824]

Agreed.

[@bryonkidder6199]

Which ones dad is the record company President?...lmao

[@Specket]

@@bryonkidder6199 what is that supposed to mean? Thats something you would joke about if an artist or band had no talent and blatantly sucked but still somehow made it, which is not the case here and if you think it is you are ill. These boys are incredibly and objectively talented and if you don’t agree with that you have not listened to their music or their live performances, which means you are not suitable to have an opinion.

[@margix1172]

@@bryonkidder6199 For sure their dad and them as well are more intelligent than you

[@bryonkidder6199]

@@Tityretupatulae there's more parents than "the brothers" or are they someone parents to all the other kids in the band too?...lmao

[@musiclover04428]

Saw them in France last summer and it was probably the most magical thing I ever got to experience✨!! I mean they’re just insanely good at what they’re doing, they deserve every ounce of love they get. I feel like a big part of music‘s future is theirs, whether if people are gonna like it or not. Some just hate seeing genuinely talented people win.

[@jennifersaito8354]

You're still my favorite active vocalist, Justin, but I heard Geta's "Heat Above" last week and have been wailing along to it repeatedly for every duration I've been in my car since then. Yeah- a few years ago I kinda dug them, but then went on looking or other music to chew on... but their new stuff is rocking!! I'm so glad you, my favorite, gave them a seal of approval so I KNOW I'm not crazy!

[@steftrujillo4168]

Girl, you are not crazy

[@Plumtree5]

They dont need his seal of approval. They are above him by leagues at less than half his age

[@chrishenderson420]

They are the next generation of "classic rock". It's undeniable.

[@Badmmajmma]

These guys just don’t get enough credit for the thought and effort that goes into their work, it’s clearly not just copying someone. The interviewer on Loudwire Nights (Kevin Vargas) said he heard “serious progressive rock influences, and the song reminded him of classic Yes.” Sam’s response was so thoughtful (this is my auto transcribe of it): “I mean that’s uh kind of some of the DNA that runs through our blood. Yes is a good one. I never drew that comparison until now that you say that I’m thinking about it. I’m thinking about the acoustic textures, mixed with hard-edged rock and roll and progressive rhythms. That’s all stuff that we think is really fun. Because it’s not just the more simple common denominator type stuff. We kind of like mixing it up and trying to make it sound natural but at the same time doing things that are a little more tricky and advanced.”

[@rondesrosier4160]

They are very real. They all play multiple instruments and Josh is an amazing singer.

[@NowhereMan7]

They get criticized for their generic, cliche sound but I haven't heard anyone saying they aren't real people.

[@masediggity]

@@NowhereMan7 dude exactly, they just aren't original. We've got enough bands clogging the mainstream. I'm absolutely not supporting anyone that's cosplaying. I'm just not, and none of the awkward supportive comments can make me.

[@NowhereMan7]

@@Tityretupatulae is that why every guitar magazine has tim heson on it right now and the guy from gvf is a joke among musicians? I mean he can play well but his stealing from jimi page ia so blatant its just ridiculous. There was one live solo and it was all pieces of Page solos put together and the comments sure did notice.

[@AHungryHunky]

​@@masediggity I mean, welcome to the 2020s. Nothing is original anymore and the stuff that is... Well there's a reason no one else did it. Another band I listen too incorporated a little bit of Rockabilly into their sound and the comments are filled with people saying they are poor imitations of Elvis. Not a single song sounds like Elvis, but they have that little bit of rhythm and strum in the guitar and suddenly they are trying to be the King to people meanwhile they are the only band I know thst regularly uses a theremin.

[@Tityretupatulae]

@@NowhereMan7 sure a joke among musicians who play in their parents’ house room 😂

[@marksutter182]

I’m so glad to see them developing as true artists. I could tell they had the chops immediately and it’s nice to see them branching out into less derivative territory. They’re quickly proving they have the ability to be in this for the long haul.

[@556andy]

And theyre very young too half the band is literally 23 years old

[@NowhereMan7]

They still sound 100% generic and cliche to me. Like a vehicle thats driving along tire tracks that are already on the ground. If the vehicle is driving backwards on the track already paved, that's bordering on parody. If its driving forwards on the track already paved, its just boring (like this song). Its only when it turns of the tracks completely that it becomes interesting. And becomes art.

[@556andy]

@@NowhereMan7 its just great rock, embrace the process and music of young musicians they’re doing it big even though mainstream doesn’t give a shit about gvf. My 60% love for them is that they’re exposing this type of music to the young generation I recently went to one of their concerts 80% of fans are young people

[@556andy]

@@NowhereMan7 and they’re very humble musicians I actually got an autographed album and vinyl from the whole band and a rose from the singer. I know they care for their fans

[@556andy]

@@NowhereMan7 this song is actually pretty genius been playing 10 years guitar that is and it took me 1 day to figure out what he was doing on guitar, turns out he made up his own tuning i was pretty impressed

[@acooke]

I love that this band stuck with what they do best. They didn't take the criticism go off and completely change their sound. They've matured as musicians and songwriters and that deserves the recognition I hope this record will get them.

[@Nikki-sf6bs]

They are incredibly talented. I just saw them in concert last month and it was the most amazing live show. They are even better live. WONDERFUL!

[@stereophonicsmom]

Love the sweater and this song. I introduced my boys to them when they came out and we’re all still fans. Excellent song! Thank you

[@AdamForeman]

People need to check out their LIVE renditions of their songs and hear just how amazing GVF really are. Josh's vocals are just incredible and why Elizabeth of The Charismatic Voice loved their song "Heat Above". After listening to my daughters new album from Melanie Martinez (Portals), you can tell her vocals are very limited and the songs sound very child like. We need more bands like GVF that can sing and play live so good that you desperately want to see them live.

[@kellydean3497]

Thanks for taking my suggestion Justin! You're the best! They have evolved into a more Yes-like style. Especially Steve Howe influenced riff and Josh is taking Jon Anderson's voice to another solar system >) That verbrato supreme! Next level! This so stays in my head and makes me happy. This whole album is emotionally moving to me! I even think there styles and individualism amongst the band memebers themselves is really cool. This song is an Anthem, Magnum Opus! They are very "Lord or the Rings'ish.💋💋💝😸😺

[@occhams1]

Sounds more like Geddy Lee than Robert Plant to me, but is unique and well done.

[@kellydean3497]

@@occhams1 I can agree. There’s another song that was released that is also really ingrained in my mind, Light My Love, and I think it’s more proper that my comment would refer to that song. But I’m absolutely obsessed with these guys and loving every minute of the new album.❤️

[@BigOleMatty]

@@occhams1 very true

[@kellydean3497]

@Bill Kurn ❤️

[@swesttttt]

@@occhams1 Rush is who I think of too.

[@truthbetold8233]

glad you checked them out again, they have a bunch of songs that I really enjoy, Broken bells, heat above, light my love, when the curtain falls, stardust chords, tears of rain, etc.

[@jrbracy]

Saw them in Reno 3/26/23 and it was nothing short of spectacular! I've been to many concerts in my 44 years but this show was hands down the most amazing. Josh's voice, the musicianship, the vibe, it was beautiful and uplifting. I really think these guys are a gift to us through their music!

[@Ginger_shot]

What a song. What a voice! … … and this episode is extremely colour coordinated 👌🏼

[@martyndunwell6752]

My wife and I have seen them twice and and lucky enough to have been at the royal Albert hall recently, they were incredible. Great band great songs great live

[@basking_in_it]

Musically I hear Zepp, but vocally I hear Jon Anderson (Yes) and Geddy Lee (Rush). Rival Sons opened for them on their tour that just ended. What a ticket of great music!!

[@margix1172]

Check Pavlov's dog and you will hear Josh

[@NowhereMan7]

@@margix1172 Not Jon Anderson. Like everyone said from the beginning, hes a mix of Geddy Lee and Robert Plant. Its so dead on accurate its really quite uncanny.

[@margix1172]

@@NowhereMan7 I said Pavolv's dog not jon anderson or geddy lee

[@elaineparker6171]

I must admit I heard Yes (Jon Anderson) but this is so much more

[@basking_in_it]

@@elaineparker6171 He definitely has some damn good vocal skills! I'm new to their music. I had heard of them before, but hadn't actually listened to them. They're very good! Reminds me of the old Prog Rock from the 70's.

[@BottIsNotABot]

Great review Justin. Just ordered StarCatcher on Vinyl.

[@HectorMurrieta]

His voice reminds me of older bands - Yes, Supertramp, a lil’ bit of Rush, etc… They are keeping the tradition around - just saw Beato’s new Top 10 music chart video & well…this band is carrying the torch. Good job!

[@michaelodonnell3793]

I totally agree with you sounding a bit like rush that's Just what I thought

[@goldenturdZeniru]

In their later album, Yes, for sure!

[@georgerobartes2008]

From Led Zep to Rush . Nice to have been around when these bands were at their pinnacles and pleased that bands are following in their footsteps .

[@margix1172]

Pavlov's dog is another BIG influence

[@annemiekevandenbelt2971]

So excited for their new upcoming album! I saw them last summer live in Cologne and they were very very good. Love their energy and musiciality 👌🙏❤️

[@benicedarnit]

I’m so happy you’re just as jazzed as I am about them, Greta Van Fleet really deserve to be appreciated. True artists!

[@mcdingus5081]

Yeah, man- they are one of the greatest tribute bands ever. I'd hire them for a wedding or bah mitzvah any day.

[@kellyc2425]

​@@mcdingus5081 show the nice cop on the doll where daddy hurt you.

[@mcdingus5081]

@@kellyc2425 He hurt me in my gretavanfleets!

[@Tityretupatulae]

@@mcdingus5081 they are great, aren’t they? And on top of that, they are not dirty jews like you

[@kirbyjakescarborough4515]

"And Oh how they daaaanced... " Stonehenge! LOL! Spinal Tap classic! Made my day man. Cheers Justin! Theses cats are super talented. The vocal is righteous.

[@Wilrik65]

Ha Ha yes, I loved the little nod to Spinal Tap too :)

[@pattinsonstaging]

A great and fair review Justin. Not forgetting Josh and Jake will only be 27 this month. 😲 I'm really looking forward to the new album and where the digital direction is taking Greta. I love this record. 🤘

[@davidcomlay2460]

They really are a a superb band. I stumbled across them on planet rock radio and was hooked straightaway. I was excited to see them live in London last year and boy they didn’t disappoint. I really hope they now really take off and get the plaudits they deserve. Not one song is a filler on their first two albums. Everyone is ruddy great in its own different way. This new release,amongst the die hard fans, has been eagerly anticipated.and it doesn’t disappoint. Great positive review fella. See you in Hyde Park with G’n’R.

[@Leaving_Orbit]

They’re undeniable at this point. It seemed like when I first heard them it felt a little obvious but yeah, the commitment they have shown to their sound is creating something quite unique and innovative.

[@mcdingus5081]

Yeah, nobody has copied Led Zeppelin so thoroughly and creatively as they have. True pioneers in ripping off a genre.

[@miguelthekewlkid272]

​@@mcdingus5081 Wait till bro finds out every single artist does this to an extent 💀

[@BVLDGVNG]

We saw GVF @ Ally Pally in 2022. They completely blew the roof off. Josh’s voice is incredible live. Jake’s guitar solos are immense. Currently the best band i’ve seen live. However, i’ve never seen The Darkness 👌🏼

[@ihciuyr5146]

yessss i was there too they were so good!!!

[@BVLDGVNG]

@@ihciuyr5146 Ahh nice! Perhaps see you at Wembley too! 🙌🏼

[@BigSteveMusic]

I was massively disappointed with the sound at that gig! I was blown away regardless, just unbelievably good live, cannot wait for Wembley, hope the sound there fully does them justice!

[@pawsart]

when they talk about 'oooh, they sound like zeppelin', i think they have hints of asia, yes, rush, and zeppelin. its a lovely walk back in time, while remaining new and exciting. i lament the lack of new bands that excite me for music, but having just discovered this band, they really do. maybe its just my age, but we got spoiled rotten growing up in the 70s - we had 50 years of fantastic music. its nice to see fantastic new musicians making wonderfully fresh tunes that speak to the best of what we grew up loving.

[@louiseedwards29]

Justin, I'm in my 50s, I adore both The Darkness and Greta Van Fleet. Meeting The Master is insanely good. ❤

[@francescodomenichetti3787]

That's a nice song. For the first two minutes, he almost sounded like Jon Anderson. This guy is incredible.

[@han36solo]

They have won me over for sure. Fantastic band and brilliant vocalist.

[@lauriewhitecloud9460]

Jussy, I'm so happy you gave my other fave band another chance! ❤️ Thank you for this!

[@Bigdyl85]

They're freaking awesome. I'm 66 years old. This is talent.

[@rogerwelsh2335]

I’m an 56 year old classic rock fanatic I was an average Led Zepp fan. BUT, I’m a HUGE fan of Greta VanFleet. They “sonically” sound like Zep, but there songs do not at all melodically I get mad when they say the copied Zep. Because there is not band who literally stole as many songs as Zep did. Greta sounds way better

[@witch_haunts_ghost]

My hairdresser's favourite band is Led Zepplin and we were talking about Greta Van Fleet and I directed her to your channel and the critique you did previously and she was on board, loving your analysis. This song was pretty amazing. PS: Your jumper is so snazzy!! Excellent video, Justin!

[@Tityretupatulae]

Well if a hairdresser is onboard, I raise my hands

[@shine2sols]

Awesome review, thanks for explaining the subtleties (I'm not a musician so I like to watch your reactions). YES I agree! Best new-ish band!!!

[@dperk001]

I'm 56 I actually bought tickets and saw them GVF recently in Jacksonville. Another top notch band just played Shinedown Brent Smith who is phenomenal vocalist too. These two bands I really dig!

[@justpassinthru1191]

I'm 67 years old and lived the 70;s dream. Played in a band for 7 years and got so close to the big time it still hurts. We at least were fortunate enough to front a few popular bands in Dallas and New Orleans we even played a Colosseum with 4000+ people and it is something that never gets out of your blood. I relate with Greta Van Fleet immensely and when I first heard them I was not impressed but giving them a second ear tweaked my interest. Then the live videos started and they plated the Red Rocks stage, they killed it, fantastic. With their experience now they have broken through that glass barrier! They command the stage and their music has elevated unbelievably!! The Master is an incredible piece of work as is the album, I am so glad to see a young working garage band defy the odds. They will be very, very huge one day!

[@JAY61ish]

63 yr old Brit and i just bought 2of their albums.. they make me feel 14/15 again 😊😊 that's a good thing ..in my book..

[@justdamnlucky]

As soon as I heard the opening phrasing on "Meeting the Master", it immediately reminded me of Jon Anderson from Yes. Josh's vocal styling has changed since the first album and has matured considerably. Just an awesome band all around.

[@thomasmacmanus9913]

They mentioned this whole album is done in live studio session recordings. That is impressive I think. The album that came out before this one has some tremendous songs.

[@spacecat673]

that means they record it all as a band at once right? that’s sick

[@mlehook4859]

Seen them in concert twice. It's crazy, but they are actually better live than on the records.

[@thomasmacmanus9913]

@@spacecat673 Yes, that's right. Live performance capture in the studio, all together at once.

[@Plumtree5]

That’s sick and it opens up the question who did they hire to play in studio with them? Someone has got to do rhythm guitar for Jake. In this song there are at least 3 guitars at some point. I also wonder if they hired someone to do Sam’s parts on keys while he is on bass and other way around. One thing is to play the bass pedals live while he is on keys, another is on the record.

[@NinStardust]

How is “sounding too much like Led Zeppelin” a criticism? It’s not like Zeppelin are still putting out new music. What’s wrong with Greta Van Fleet picking up where they left off? They’re essentially filling a hole in the market. Besides, just because one band makes a “sound” iconic, it doesn’t mean that other bands can’t follow suit. Nor does it mean that they are taking away from the original band, particularly when that band is a household name. If anything GVF is just exposing Zep’s style of music to a new and wider audience and that can’t be a bad thing. 🥰

[@thaiadam]

There are countless bands who have admitted that they have genuinely tried to sound like a more successful band. It’s influence and inspiration. It’s absolutely necessary and unavoidable when making music, in my opinion.

[@westingband]

👀

[@jon4715]

They sound like the best cover band of all time. That’s fine, but it’s not exciting to me.

[@LiliWhiteWorld]

Great review.:) I was lucky enough to see Greta Van Fleet in concert in Montreal last year and was blown away by everyone in the band.

[@BarbaraAntoinetteVeronica]

Justin! I love The Darkness & Zep just as much, but superior rock marches on & that is thrilling.

[@gustavvader2207]

We went to their concert in Fort Lauderdale last month. Being a big fan, I was actually nervous. Could they perform? Could they keep up with a album that I thought was heavily produced? Could he come close to singing as great live as the recording? Could Jake hold the audience as a one man guitarist?Was his brother on the organ able to make it sound like the orchestra that we all hear? Totally blown away. Live absolutely destroys the albums. We found ourselves laughing as hard as we have ever laughed because we couldn’t believe what we were experiencing. They were far more than we could have imagined, and we are old (48). We left feeling so lucky to witness their show, that’s the truth. We were astonished. We have to go again, we both (wife and I) felt we spent the entire time being so amazed we lost the real reason of being there, and that was the music and not just their talent. It’s a must see show and a performance that is mind blowing.

[@TractControlOff]

I couldn't agree more, Battle at Garden's Gate was a masterpiece, so many tremendous tracks, and looks like this album is off to a brilliant start. GVF is evolving quickly, and like you said, who's doing it better today?!

[@paulharrisonadventuregearm5457]

Red Hot chili Peppers are still ahead, they are unbelievably great live and are all musical virtuosos

[@botchick]

That's one of the slickest Spinal Tap references I've ever heard someone lay down. Period.

[@helenespaulding7562]

Missed it. Which one?

[@botchick]

Stonehenge. “No one knows who they were or what they were doing.” Although to be honest, the kid in the band nearly said it himself!

[@alexemery8975]

I've loved all of their stuff from the day I first heard Highway Tune not long after it was released. Honestly, it was suggested to me as "have you heard of this band, they sound like Led Zeppelin!". I don't understand why anyone wouldn't be excited by that. A lot of bands sound like other bands and have consistently been compared to them throughout their careers, including Justin's. It's not a bad thing, it's just how our musical ears are inclined to work. I think they've evolved massively and in an incredible way. Their third record is so slept on in the UK because people are over the buzz of them being this Led Zep junior thing, but it's fucking incredible. There are some huge, ambitious and glorious soundscapes throughout the record as well as some incredibly rocking tracks. The use of the keys has given it such a massive sound, and the singing is fucking incredible. I'd definitely go so far as to say that he has way more tricks up his sleeve than Plant ever did in Zep (whom I also love to bits). I think there's also so much more to enjoying a band than what comes through your earholes. They're such charming and funny individuals, and you get the sense that they have a real feeling of brotherhood and fun between them. As a kid growing up listening to them, we all wanted to be these guys, and/or sleep with them. It's been so exciting to be a fan as they've evolved, and they are absolutely one of my favorite bands, no question about it. Can't wait for Starcatcher!

[@simonk337]

I've been aware of them for years, listened to the previous two albums on and off but I'm absolutely hyped for this 3rd album, these two songs are nothing short of masterpieces. I hope the rest of the album lives up to it.

[@sciencejim3260]

I saw GvF at Ally Pally on their last tour and they were hands-down the best live band I've ever seen (presumably because I'm yet to see The Darkess in concert, OBVIOUSLY). Their lighting arrangements were very much a contributory part of the production, particularly when the drummer had a 10-min triplet-filled solo on his 2ft riser whilst wearing a sequined vest. They smashed out two hours of joyful and flawless rock then came back on for a two-song encore. Timelessly brilliant.

[@lilyannasparrow97]

I was at that gig too! My first time seeing GVF and it was a spiritual and cinematic experience.

[@archiearsenal29]

Shame they didn’t use the screens at the side of the stage. I was at the back the sound is terrible in there unless you are at the front. They were much better at Kentish Town IMO 👍🏻

[@becca__west]

​@@archiearsenal29 completely agree, Ally Pally is not all it's cracked up to be 😂 the Kentish Town gig was way better and the venue played a huge part in that!

[@tmt8425]

They are perhaps the only new band that is real blues based rock. You no longer hear guitar solos and a lot of songs today that chart are hip-hop based and don’t even have a chorus or hook. And are only 3 to 3 1/2 minutes long. I found out about the band 5 years ago when watching an interview with Robert Plant. He was asked if there was anything new he liked He said there is a band in Michigan called Greta Van Fleet that he thought was good. He did not think they were ripping off Zeppelin. He said the kid’s voice is the kid’s voice. It sounds similar to mine, but he thought they were the real deal. Plant said that they were being criticized about sounding like Led Zeppelin so much that when they were asked about their influences they said Boston, Aerosmith and others but left out Led Zeppelin. Plant seemed it was ridiculous not to mention Zeppelin but he understood they were trying to escape the criticism of cover band and being compared to one of the greatest bands of an era even before they released a full LP. I then saw a live performance of them covering a Zepplin tune-that is when I noticed a significant difference in the voices. The cover was just ok, I was expecting something great. Josh has his own voice and own style. For instanceI Josh’s yodeling his voice, at times aggressive distortion during a Plant-like scream that Plant didn’t use. I no longer think the voices are as similar as many say. But prime Plant could sing Greta Van Fleet, but Josh couldn’t sing for Zeppelin. In another more recent interview Plant again commented on them saying they were like Zeppelin 1.0. I think he meant 2.0. But it was not a negative comment, he was saying that they were the rebirth of good blues based rock for a new generation. I think the music itself has Zeppelin influence-some songs more than others, but in general they fit in with all the hard rock (non metal) bands of the 1970s.

[@philstrauss6515]

They played this and 3 other new songs at their last stop on the tour (Sacramento). The others were definitely more bluesy (Jake played a harmonica!). Can’t wait for the full album release.

[@aasigraa]

They're coming to Brussels in November and I can't wait one bit. So looking forward to it

[@ParkaMonkey1994]

I liked their first album and always said "I'll go and see them when they tour" but never got around to it. I tried to get tickets for their 2022 show at the Manchester Apollo, which holds about 3,500. Unfortunately, they sold out both shows real quick so I couldn't go. In 2023 they announced a date at the Manchester Arena, which holds about 22,000. I couldn't believe they'd gathered enough interest to sell out an arena. I was really happy because after the Led Zeppelin comparisons I thought it would hold them back. Me and my friend went and we spent the entire 2 hours mesmerised by the entire thing. It was so refreshing to go to a gig that went back to the basics - guitar, bass, drums, vocal, pyrotechnics, over-the-top wardrobe, guitar AND drum solos. It was everything you'd want from a rock concert.

[@He.knows.nothing]

I saw them live and it totally ruined their streaming releases for me. Age of machine was an out of this world experience and the transcendence in listening to heat above and light my love in concert filled me with pure hope. I know Zep would also weave new melodies into their songs, and surely there is a heavy influence on their techniques, but these beautiful young lads are standing on the shoulders of the giants, not the shadows. Each member brings an intimate relationship with their instrument to their ensemble and that just can't be explained by treating them as a tribute band. Let's be honest, shall we? Josh Kiszka's voice is better than Robert Plants'. The man should be honored that they are his legacy and that they are really the only pariahs keeping a marriage between blues, rock, metal, and soul alive! Let's hope they release some live albums!

[@varunagrawal7036]

They do have live albums, check out the strange horizons records.

[@varunagrawal7036]

@@Tityretupatulae They're on youtube, although pitched up slightly to avoid copyright

[@Specket]

Well said, exactly what I felt like when I saw them live. And I agree, Josh’s voice is better now at his young age than Plant’s ever was, Plant sang out of tune a lot. No hate towards him, I love what Plant did for rock and music, but Josh is clearly more skillful.

[@He.knows.nothing]

@@varunagrawal7036 I do actually appreciate their KZbin stuff. The coverage of the red rocks concert was phenomenal on there. Im going to have to splurge on one of the cheaper ones for 300

[@He.knows.nothing]

@@Specket I'm glad you experienced it too! They put guitar solos in almost every song, a keyboard/piano solo, two drum solos, a harmonica solo and josh was harmonizing with his voice at higher octaves than I've ever heard him in their studio album releases. That might just have been the acoustics and the amps, but god damn was it better. I once saw Metallica and Avenged Sevenfold live and Greta Van Fleet was louder! I thought I was even going to develop epilepsy like twice lmao such a unique experience and their music is so uplifting and positive. Truly a transcendent experience

[@gracelutheranchurchofnauga791]

You and Josh Kiszka would do an amazing duet!

[@garyj2796]

Saw them in Manchester last year………absolutely brilliant!!! Instead of suggesting they’re mimicking Led Zep how about suggesting they’re just as good as Led Zep.

[@Tityretupatulae]

That’s the hard truth for many

[@FatGuntah]

Really? Compare them to the skill and innovation of Page, Bonham and Jones?

[@redlabel9294]

Been wearing this song out for the past week or so. LOVE IT! And love that Justin is grooving on it. And his quoting of Spinal Tap was epic!!! 😂

[@fearhunger3983]

I kind of got Blind Melon vibes from this song. Maybe it's the 90's esque stuff you mention? Excited for their upcoming album for sure. Their last album convinced me already that they got something cool going on.

[@javierk2143]

But it sounds more whimsical than Blind Melon, who were more melancholic

[@peterivan22]

Really outstanding tbh, the vocals are solid and sound amazing, as does the rest of the band! Everyone starts somewhere and with this album you can see how much more they have grown as a band. I can definitely set this on repeat and listen to it a few dozen or so times! I MIGHT BE WRONG, but the tuning on the guitar sounds distinctly like it could be opened tuned or DADGAD tuning! Either way, sounds freaking brilliant!✌️

[@andrewdoak1008]

Saw them live on this last tour, they have truly come into their own. From being a fun band to a truly impressive powerhouse. I agree, hard to find someone doing better right now!

[@SuziQ.]

Wolf Van Halen is rocking the world with his Mammoth WVH album from June 2021. His second album will drop in August. I got to see him last year, at a House of Blues gig. Now he’s playing stadiums. Dude has massive talent. He Grohled the first album, then hired a touring band. Definitely worth a listen, as there are no skip songs, and Wolf’s voice is beautiful.

[@SuziQ.]

@Anvandarnamn , Andrew didn’t say “new”. He said “it’s hard to find someone doing better right now”. Wolf is doing better than GvF. He’s doing better than most touring bands. He’s doing his own music, not the VH catalogue of music, and he rocks!

[@Tityretupatulae]

@@SuziQ.nepotism

[@SuziQ.]

@@Tityretupatulae , I’ve seen him twice now. It has nothing to do with nepotism (look up the definition of nepotism). Wolf wrote every song, played every instrument, sang the vocals, mixed it, produced it and distributed it on his own. Then he hired a touring band. His albums don’t sound like Van Halen songs. These are all Wolf. He deserves respect for what he’s done.

[@beckykoptiszellers3356]

These youngters are great"! They will more famous as times goes by" I LOVE them""

[@HeidiKH26]

I saw them at one of those festivals and was wowed by his vocals. You are so amazing with your analysis, and I love hearing your views on music.

[@isabellarickey4501]

Geddy Lee once said that originality is pulling inspiration from so many different ppl and styles of music that u can’t see one specific derivative thing. As a fan, it makes me proud to see them attempting this and I can’t wait for the new album. P.S. ur reviews are the only ones I watch bc you’re really good at objective criticism. Much love 🤍

[@MountainBlade]

I still only hear a derivative zeppelin rip off..

[@martinheath5947]

The singer sounds a lot more of a cross between Jon Anderson and Geddy Lee than anything like Robert Plant. Great passion is key!

[@margix1172]

check pavlov's dog to hear Josh before he was born

[@debrabell2391]

I grew up in the 60's - great music, great concerts. That being said I think this singer has a fabulous voice, one of the best I've heard in a long time. Kind of reminds me of Jon Anderson of Yes fame.

[@tinaells8869]

This seems to be less Led Zeppelin, and maybe some Yes, and some Rush thrown in there. Josh's voice is amazing, and the rest of the band are very good. They are just a well rounded very talented band! This song is everything!

[@jadziamerryweather77888]

It's like getting new old music, and it makes me very happy. 🥰

[@rallabhandiprabhakar4750]

Fame is a tricky thing . GVF certainly sounded like LZ when they started . That got them a lot of fans and haters too . But with over 90 million views for their Highway Song , it’s safe to assume there are more fans than haters . Then the snooty Pitchfork gave them a very low lopsided rating for their first bonafide album which enraged the fans . Their next two albums proved that they have many influences ( LZ , Rush , Queen and others but developed their own GVF sound . Now the haters are mostly silent and the band will earn its place in history soon . That’s quite tough since Rock as a popular genre is no longer on the top

[@cranklabexplosion-labcentr8245]

They’re doing to Zep like what Zep did to American blues

[@Honethite]

They are just incredible and it's very exciting to see what they do next. Meeting the Master blew me away the first time I heard it and is easily one of my fave songs, love it.

[@TeeBagGee]

I dont know if you have, but if you get a chance to check out Broken Bells (the candle light sessions) it really showcases their musicianship and Josh's vocals. Very beautiful with a gorgeous little guitar solo. Very different than the highway tune vibes.

[@thomasmacmanus9913]

Sound the Broken Bells, the priestess amongst us heeds.....

[@robg5640]

I first heard High Tune on the radio and thought it was a lost Zeppelin tune, but loved it from the get-go. The first album def had a lot of the Zep influence (and early Rush) but I enjoyed it. Loved most of the songs. They have evolved with each album and GVF is one of my favorite bands - period. I don't care that people want to hate on them, I love their music and am thankful for them. Saw them live recently and, although I didn't like their set list and thought they should have done more than 14 songs in two hours, they were great live and the show was awesome. Meeting the Masters instantly shot to one of my top 5 GVF tunes.

[@haroldmerewether1224]

Its refreshing to hear old style recording, I cant say how it was done but nothing seems over compressed like todays music.

[@michaelsmith5021]

Tribute bands play the Artist their mimicking music. End if Story! These guy's frickin Rock. Its their songs, their style. Haters Get over it! I lived the late 60s and 70s. Name one band that never borrowed a riff, a theme. These guys rock and they have single handedly made real Rock and Roll Relevant again. After the barrage of hair bands in the 80s, what a welcome to hear GVF. YOU REALIZE JIMMY PAGE DOESNT HOLD A PATENT ON 12 STRING GUITARS! Thei drumming isnt like John Bonham! Gee, bass doesn't sound like John Paul Jones and Josh's tamber, high range is nothing like Robert Plant.

[@yelnats8509]

I agree they derived some of their stuff from previous artists (like all artists do, of course), but they are developing and are already unique, as you pointed out. I like to think of them as the Hobbits of Rock and Roll. They also have a charming personal story. Probably number one band right now, I'd say.

[@Angi-no-e]

Personally, it never bothered me that they sounded like Led Zepplin. I mean, Zepplin wasn't using the sound anymore and it's a good sound.

[@ann2012]

I have been a Darkling since 2003, but GVF are blowing me away at the moment. You are always so fair with your analysis Mr Hawkins. I too, cannot wait until their new album is released.🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻