Are They Just A Sh*tty Tribute Band?! 

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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.

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.

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. ❤

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Battle at Garden’s Gate is a brilliant album.

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.

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 ....

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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!

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

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

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

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!

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!

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

"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.

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.

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 👌🙏❤️

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

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

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!

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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

They are from Frankenmuth, Michigan which is home to the world's largest open year round Christmas Store called Bronner's. It's also a Bavarian styled town, and is also famous for its fried chicken dinners served at 2 different restaurants. Great guys, great band! Thanks! ~Be Blessed

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.

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!

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. 🤘

Long time greta fan (and even longer darkness fan), so glad to see you come around to them, no doubt they’ve evolved, looking forward to seeing them again later this year

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.

Great review Justin. Just ordered StarCatcher on Vinyl.

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.💋💋💝😸😺

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!

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!!! 😂

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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!!

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. ❤

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.

Love your channel Justin, and I'm so glad you are reviewing them again. I was waiting for this! Personally I loved their previous stuff too, and this is indeed awesome. Meeting the Master is just the beginning, I can't wait for July! Would love to see them live again. Speaking of, would love to catch you guys live too. Fingers crossed!

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.

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

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

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 🤍

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!!!

Your podcast has quickly become my favorite since discovering it. Thanks for being you.

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.

I'll be seeing them on May 5th, looking forward to it

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

Justin Hawkins. Listening to you singing along on some of the parts. Your voice and Josh’s have some cool tonal similarities. Way cool!

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

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.

I just stumbled upon this channel and it's great here lol. They've published few more songs since this video, in case you're still excited about checking their other stuff. Thanks for the vid! Was fun watching

Your videos brighten up my days 🌞. Love it

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 👌🏼

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..

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.

You and Josh Kiszka would do an amazing duet!

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

Love the channel Justin digging the Joe90 glasses too! :)

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.

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

I get so emotional and I cry when I listen to them.....❤

Justin, I’m surprised and very pleased to hear you name check PURESSENCE, one of my all time favourite bands and criminally underrated. The lead singer was James Mudriczki. What a voice. It’d be brilliant if you could do a video on one of their tunes from back in the day. ‘All I want’ or ‘I suppose’ could be good choices? Keep up the good work 👍🏻

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.🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

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.

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!

I'm so glad I came across this review! I was going to ask you to do a video on them, I must've missed your first one. I think these guys are amazing, and that voice is fantastic! Yeah sometimes he sounds like Robert Plant, that's not a bad thing, but his voice is ultimately his own and is awesome!!

I just saw them at the Bourbon and Beyond festival in Louisville KY last fall. Theres some great footage on my channel. They fuckin rocked it. Pearl Jam played directly after. It was a great bill

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.

They absolutely deserve credit..The influence is there just as all great musician are influenced, but they are fantastic! The sound of Rock n Roll is within every track..I for one am ecstatic they are part of music now. We need it ! More more more .I grew up in the 70s .I'm loving it ❤

Nice Spinal Tap reference! This is an amazing song, sort of a blend of Yes, Zepplin, Rush, and a dash of Blind Melon.

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

That tune sounds great! I really dig these guys but don't follow them that closely so I didn't realize they had a new album coming out. Just preordered it and I'm looking forward to it. The last album blew me away at how far they'd come in their songwriting and I'm sure the new one will be another banger!

Just had my 70th birthday and my wonderful daughter arranged a message from the great Mr Justin Hawkins, fantastic surprise hope to see you again soon.

Hey man! I really dig your channel and think your reviews are great! I was quite impressed when I first heard Greta a couple of years back and honestly my first reaction was "yes! rocks not dead". I think those big bands from the '70s and '80s have made such a big impact, of course inevitably someone will sound similar one way or another. With Greta obviously it's the guy's voice and we've not had a voice like that since Plant. So I don't know what the big deal is. Rock is about freedom and doing what you love so if they love doing what they do, hell yeah! Maybe it's just me but instead of going "uh oh they're trying to mimic Led Zeppelin" I go "yes! we may have another Led Zeppelin here!"

I think he sounds like, now stay with me, Demis Roussos in either his prog rock days or with Vangelis (think Blade Runner). I think it's that fast vibrato and high pitched singing.

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.

I feel as though I must have been under a rock, as although I’ve heard of them I hadn’t listened to them. As soon as he started singing, Jon Anderson came to mind. Another band to listen to, thanks Justin. By the way I’ve tickets to see you in Hyde Park, so excited !

Would be interesting to hear your take on Crown Lands. Two man band, tour with GVF. Sound amazing.