PAM WHISENHUNT | Go Venue Magazine
Halestorm played to a packed house at The Astro Amphitheater in La Vista, Nebraska on July 17, 2026. Thanks to local radio station 89.7 The River, Halestorm has a long history of playing Nebraska, dating back to their early days and Rockfest 2010. They were back that August for the Uproar Festival just across the river in Council Bluffs, IA, and I still remember Lzzy with her short hair signing autographs at the merch tent, a long line of new fans stretching behind her, like it was yesterday. Since then, Halestorm has toured the world over and filled arenas. It was great to have them back outdoors at The Astro.
Kurt Deimer opened the night with a ton of energy, working the stage and quickly shedding his jacket. It was blazing hot that night. He also made his way off the stage and through the crowd, engaging people as he went. Deimer introduced guitarist Marco Pera as his brother and the one who hits the high notes. I don’t know if Pera really is his brother, but he knew how to shred, laying out several solos, and yes, he could hit those notes. All in all, a great start to the night.
Halestorm took the stage at 8:15 p.m. I’m not gonna lie, the early start was great. It’s a little strange watching the headliner while there’s still light out, but we got to see everything happening on stage. Lzzy Hale is a talented powerhouse, and her vocals are unmatched. I watched her move between guitars, keyboard, and mic, listening in awe. When she hits those screams and high notes, it gives you goosebumps.
The set list felt fresh, and it seems to change every night. It was great experiencing the new tracks from Everest live: “Fallen Star,” which Lzzy has called a love letter to Halestorm fans, “WATCH OUT!,” “Like a Woman Can,” “Darkness Always Wins,” and “Rain Your Blood on Me.” And of course the hits got heads nodding and fists pumping: “Mz. Hyde,” “Love Bites (So Do I),” “I Miss the Misery,” “Freak Like Me,” “I Get Off,” and “Back From the Dead.”
Lzzy slowed the tempo mid-set, stood at the keyboard, and mentioned missing her friend Amy Lee before leading into “Break In.” Bassist and keyboardist Josh Smith held down stage left, Joe Hottinger shredded his solos, and little brother Arejay Hale delivered his traditional drum solo, gigantic drumsticks and all. The set ended perfectly with the band doing shots and thanking the crowd before closing with “Here’s to Us.”
Overall, a great night of rock music. Thanks to 89.7 The River for making it happen and to The Astro for hosting and keeping everyone hydrated and safe. And thanks to Halestorm for coming back to Nebraska. Don’t stay away so long next time.
Halestorm
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Kurt Deimer
[See image gallery at www.govenuemagazine.com] All images © Pam Whisenhunt
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