Halestorm
- Rock Metal Machine
- 28 minutes ago
- 7 min read
Artists: Halestorm, Bloodywood, Kelsy Karter
Venue: O2 (London)
Date: 26th November 2025
"Halestorm were always going to headline arenas, it was just a matter of time. They have earned that right. They’ve dedicated themselves to their craft, stayed loyal to each other through thick and thin, and are now quite rightly getting the rewards for their relentless hard work."
Even though I had been to the O2 as a fan on countless occasions, this would be my first time there as a photographer. I had been pre-warned by some of my peers that this venue was a slightly hostile environment, but I always try to keep a sense of optimism. So, on a cold Wednesday night, I made my way to the East End of London wearing multiple layers of clothing, something that turned out to be an extremely wise decision, as I soon found out.
I arrived early, as being stuck in a queue can mean you miss shooting the first band. I picked up my photo pass but was then told that I couldn’t come inside until five minutes before the first band came on. So, along with my fellow photographers, I sat outside on the floor for about 40 mins until we were allowed in. We had a couple of minutes to set our cameras up before being escorted into the photo pit.
The opening act on this three-band bill was Kelsy Karter And The Heroines, of whom I knew absolutely nothing about. I hadn’t heard a single note, watched a video, or even seen a photograph. So with an open mind, I awaited their arrival. The sound of a gentle guitar playing some tried and tested guitar chords filled the arena, creating a mood of anticipation. Dressed in a black, I’m assuming fake leather, onesie, open to the waist, adorned with various chains, Kelsy Karter made her grand entrance. Without even opening her mouth, her star quality was obvious. The outfit and attitude reminded me of the classic Elvis 1968 comeback show. Very iconic. I was curious to see if the voice would live up to the look.
The great singers only need one line to put a knife through your heart, and Kelsy’s blade dug in deep. This is someone who was born to sing. Comparable to Amy Winehouse, Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin, you hang on her every word as she pours out of her soul. I was sold after the first line, and converted to a lifelong fan by the end of the first chorus. The opening song was entitled ‘God Knows I’ve Tried’, and I listened to it on repeat while editing her photographs, such was its lasting impression. Not only is Karter in possession of an incredible voice, she’s also a captivating stage performer. Edgy, raw and dangerous. This may have been the first song of the evening, performed by the opening artist, but already you felt like you were watching a headliner. Pure unadulterated talent.
The next song, ‘Laser To The Heart’ was considerably rockier than the opener, but still served as a showcase for her extraordinary vocal ability. She owned every inch of the stage, displaying supreme confidence, but when you’re born with that much talent, I guess there’s no reason why she wouldn’t. The third song was entitled ‘Cover You’, and seemed to be directed more towards the Pop market than the first two compositions. This isn’t said as a criticism, as I love good Pop music.
Unfortunately, I only got to see three songs, as the photographers were all then ejected from the building. I did attempt to tell the security guard that I’m meant to be reviewing the whole set and was told bluntly, “Not my problem, mate”. All I could do was laugh. So we went back outside and sat on the floor while the opening act finished their set. Once again, we were made to wait until five minutes before the second band came on before we could re-enter the building.
I saw Bloodywood perform at Download earlier this year and thoroughly enjoyed their set. That performance was early in the afternoon, in broad daylight, and I would have described it as fun and colourful. But a lot can happen during five months in the life of a Rock band. Now on an arena stage, with dramatic lighting and a much better sound, they were a completely different animal. This was now a very intense experience. The lavish colour was still there, but the fun had been replaced with power and ferocity.
For anyone who isn’t aware, Bloodywood are an Indian band from New Delhi. Their line-up consists of Karan Katiyar (guitar), Jayant Bhadula (vocals), Raoul Kerr (vocals), Vishesh Sing (drums), Roshan Roy (bass), and Sarthak Pahwa dhol (drums). There are some very obvious Nu-Metal influences on display, but I think it would be doing them a great disservice to pigeonhole them into that category. The undeniable Asian flavour to their songwriting makes them wonderfully unique. This isn’t a band just throwing in a few middle eastern scales. Their music has a high level of sophistication, made by some extremely creative minds.
They hit the stage like headliners. This is a band that know their value. They are visually stunning, with stage clothes bursting with colour, which not only makes for great viewing but also great pictures. The two rappers, Kerr & Bhudula, alternate with seamless dexterity, relentless in their attack. You get the impression that guitarist Katiyar runs the show. He seems to be overseeing everything, orchestrating the battle from the frontline. Tom Morello would be the obvious comparison. The rhythm section of Singh & Roy are phenomenal, but the additional percussion from Pawha makes them monstrous.
I had no idea what any of their songs were about, or what message they were trying to convey, but their absolute commitment to the cause was second to none. This is a band that will have global success because they are simply too good not to. Over time, their message will become more refined and succinct, which will only broaden their appeal. I will be very surprised if they are not headlining arenas within a few years.
Once again, after 3 songs, the photographers were ejected from the building and made to wait in the cold until 5 minutes before the headliner came onstage. Those extra layers were being extremely appreciated at this point.
Time for the main event; I first encountered Halestorm in 2010 at Download festival. The band I was playing in was due to perform directly after them. I’d made my way to the side of the stage to check out the atmosphere and to see how engaged the audience was. Prior to that moment I’d never actually heard any of their music, but within a few seconds of listening, two words came into mind, “Fucking hell.” A voice of biblical proportions screamed through the PA. I instantly knew that I was witnessing something special. For the next fifteen years, the voice of Lzzy Hale has repeatedly had that same effect on me. In my not so humble opinion, she is not only the greatest female singer of all time, she is also one of the greatest singers of all time, period. Only a handful of truly gifted human beings have ever reached this level of magnificence. Shoot forward a decade and a half from my first experience, and I’m taking photographs of their first ever headline show at the O2 in London. I’ve seen them perform 5 times prior to tonight’s show, but this is the first time I’ve ever seen them headline.
I wasn’t allowed to watch the introduction, as all the photographers were kept away from the stage until the front drop was removed. But even though I was far from the auditorium, you could feel the excitement and enthusiasm from the audience. The ferocious riff of ‘Fallen Star’, the opening track from their latest album ‘Everest’, reverberated around the arena. Midway through the first verse, the photographers were allowed into the photo pit. Standing centre stage, armed with a red Gibson Explorer, Lzzy Hale stood like a warrior queen majestically addressing her subjects. The lights are fantastic, the sound is crystal clear, but what hits you first is the resonance of her voice. All you can do is stand in awe of its immense power. The first chorus hits and its melody soars around the auditorium, engulfing your senses. Like standing before a tidal wave, you are helpless as it washes over and carries you away.
As dominating a force as the vocalist is, you never feel that you are watching a solo artist. Halestorm are a band. The chemistry between the singer and guitarist Joe Hottinger is undeniable. It radiates for all the world to see. Bassist Josh Smith, the most understated band member, commands his side of the stage with total authority. Completing the line-up is drummer Arejay Hale. A spectacular musician, he plays with power, precision and a huge amount of flair. This is a tight unit that have toured together for twenty-two years and recorded six albums. An incredible achievement, and that seemingly unbreakable bond can be heard in every beat and every note. They perform as one.
Next up was crowd favourite ‘I Miss The Misery’. You could hear them singing along with every word. Like all the great bands, they are able to elevate their songs to another level when they perform them live. With no pause to catch your breath, they tore into ‘Love Bites’, one of my favourite Halestorm compositions. The joint brilliance of the Hale siblings is something to behold. The drum arrangement, execution, and performance is breathtaking. You have to take into consideration that photographers get about 10 to 12 minutes to capture as much they can. You are competing with maybe 20 other photographers within those minutes, so every second is precious, but when Lzzy sang the middle 8 before the solo, I just lowered my camera out of respect to what I was witnessing. In those moments she was untouchable, I don’t think any other singer in the world could deliver those lines with that intensity. I felt privileged to be able to stand that close. In the blink of an eye, my allotted three songs were over, and I had to leave.
Halestorm were always going to headline arenas, it was just a matter of time. They have earned that right. They’ve dedicated themselves to their craft, stayed loyal to each other through thick and thin, and are now quite rightly getting the rewards for their relentless hard work. I hope that one day I get to see a headline set in its entirety
Review: Myke Gray
Photos: Myke Gray
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All photographs in this review are given for free for us to use (either in the magazine or website). We will not give them to a third party without the express permission of the rights owners. If payment is required between the rights owner and the third party, that will be decided between them, not Fireworks Rock & Metal Music Magazine.
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