Greta Van Fleet has always been more than just a band to me—they’re the soundtrack to my life, guiding me through highs and lows with their powerful music. So, when the opportunity arose to celebrate my 23rd birthday by attending not one, but two of their shows in a single week, I knew it would be an experience I’d never forget. Surrounded by my best friends and immersed in the music I love most, it was truly a celebration like no other.
After three months of being away from my closest friends, I was found reunited with them to experience these two magical shows together.
The journey began at the WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, Oklahoma, on August 8th, 2024. As we made our way to the venue, the excitement was palpable. The night kicked off with the electrifying opener, “The Falling Sky,” instantly setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable evening, that song brings chills every single time I have experienced it live. Each song reverberated through the crowd with an intensity that only Greta Van Fleet can deliver, and I found myself completely lost in the music.
The highlight of the night, however, was when Josh Kiszka, during his signature rose-tossing ritual, made his way to my side of the stage and handed me a rose. I held a sign that wrote, “I love you” in three different languages, Arabic, Spanish, and English. In that moment, time seemed to stop, he read my sign, looked at me and tossed me the rose—it was surreal, magical, and made my birthday feel all the more special.
The setlist in Thackerville was a perfect blend of their powerful anthems and mesmerizing new tracks. “Heat Above” filled the room with an ethereal energy, while “The Archer” showcased the band’s evolution. They closed with the epic “Farewell for Now,” the energy in the room was palpable, leaving everyone in awe of what we had just witnessed.
Three days later, I found myself at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, ready to relive the magic. The outdoor fairground setting provided a completely different atmosphere, yet the moment the band launched into “Meeting the Master,” it felt like I was right back in the midst of that electric energy from Oklahoma. But what truly set this show apart was the surprise performance of an electric version of “Black Smoke Rising,” a song that holds a special place in the hearts of long-time fans. Adding to the thrill, they also performed “Runway Blues,” a gritty, bluesy number that had the crowd buzzing, which crosses off experiencing the entirety of the album ‘Starcatcher’ live.
This time, my luck continued as I caught not one, but two guitar picks—one from Sam Kiszka and the other from Jake Kiszka—and managed to snag a setlist as well. As if that weren’t enough, seeing Josh Kiszka’s elaborate stage outfits up close was a treat in itself, adding a visual spectacle that complemented the music perfectly.
Celebrating my 23rd birthday with Greta Van Fleet and my best friends was beyond anything I could have imagined—a week of memories that I’ll cherish forever. These two nights, in two very different settings, were a testament to the power of live music and the joy it brings. Greta Van Fleet isn’t just my favorite band—they’re a part of my life, and these shows were a reminder of why their music means so much to me.
They were a very emotional few days, when the final event came to an end, it was very bittersweet. Experiencing the final Starcatcher US shows with the people I adore most is something I will never ever forget.
I'm a Houston/Texas based photographer and Palestinian artist. I am currently attending the University of Houston pursuing a bachelors in Psychology with a Studio Arts minor! Away from the camera lense, I'm documenting captivating moments at a show.. I like to spend my time with friends, reading, visiting antique stores, or spending time with my puppy! I am super passionate about all things art and music and cannot wait to continue sharing that with the world.
