Songs that I've heard ring through amphitheaters and arenas alike, now vibrate and lift up the walls of one of Nashville's most well loved and community driven venues, The Basement East. Closing out 3 dates on October 17th, Greta Van Fleet celebrates the release of their 5th full length album, Palace for the People, with their people. While only being released for a little over a week, every lyric was perfectly echoed by the crowd. Accompanied with passionate tears and hands shot to the sky, releasing the night before. A true testament to the mystical world the band has built for, and with their fans.

Hushed anticipation and emotionally charged classic tunes filled the 575 capacity room just before Highway Tune rang out amongst the frenzied wails of the crowd. In all my experience attending shows, the artist will typically play their biggest hit last in the setlist, to you know, build anticipation. Choosing to do it first, felt like a complete rush to the head. Hearing the song that has lived with you for the last decade, to now being fleshed out before you in the most intimate of settings felt absolutely thrilling. After that beautifully unexpected start, they then moved through 3 more of their most loved tunes from their first album, From the Fires. The rest of the setlist was a great back and forth of handpicked songs from all of their previous albums. Beautifully sandwiched in between with words from the band, spoken like conversation with an old friend. Spanning the 3 nights of this residency, newly released songs were sprinkled in, leaving each evening unique. Nearing the end of the night, Greta finished with a live debut of Touch Again from the new album. Applause and pure love rang out beyond the silence after the stage was empty. “GRETA! GRETA! GRETA!” Fans began to anticipate the beloved tradition of the encore when another surprise song, “Edge of Darkness”, rings out, which audiences haven’t heard for 7 years. Throughout the evening, every member gave something personal, almost as a promise. Jake Kiszka (Guitar) coated the senses in intentional conversation, Sam Kiszka (Keys, Bass) took you softly to the edges of your mind and Daniel Wagner (Drums) spoke right to the heart of it all, like glue. Words of gratitude to the crowd weren’t quite enough to give for Josh Kiszka (vocals), as he rushed off stage only to come back with a full bouquet of white roses, to anoint the people of their palace. 1000 hands up across the room, reaching out with the intent to feel closer. Josh handed out the whole bouquet to the many with admiration and stars in their eyes.

The nature of what locals call “the Beast” (The Basement East), is perfectly suited for nights like this. A true rock n roll church in the middle of East Nashville. A true ebb and flow in a sea of love, connection and music. It’s a space I look forward to existing in for a long time.