The River’s Summer Concert Series
Halestorm, Kurt Deimer
The Astro Amphitheater, La Vista, Nebraska
July 17, 2026
word and photos by Adam Tibbott
Some bands become part of the soundtrack to your life. For me, Halestorm are one of those bands.July 17th marked my 17th time seeing Halestorm, a journey that began in February 2006, when they were the first band on a bill with Seether, Shinedown, and Flyleaf. That was before social media dominated the music world, before streaming services reshaped how we discovered artists, and even before Halestorm had released their self-titled debut album. Twenty years later, they’ve remained a constant, and one of the most consistently electrifying live bands I’ve ever seen.
Opening the evening was Kurt Deimer, whose gritty vocals and cinematic hard rock provided a fitting start to the night. His set balanced heavy riffs with an unmistakable theatrical flair, warming up the River Summer Concert Series crowd while proving why he’s become a sought-after touring act.
When Halestorm took the stage at The Astro Amphitheater, the energy shifted immediately. Launching into “Fallen Star” before tearing through fan favorites like “WATCH OUT!,” “Freak Like Me,” “Mz. Hyde,” and “I Get Off,” the band never let the momentum fade. Newer material such as “Darkness Always Wins” and “can u see me in the dark?” fit seamlessly alongside longtime staples, highlighting just how naturally their catalog has evolved over the years.
Lzzy Hale remains one of rock’s most commanding frontwomen. Her voice is every bit as powerful and expressive today as it was two decades ago, effortlessly moving between bluesy grit and soaring, arena-filling choruses. Joe Hottinger’s tasteful guitar work, Josh Smith’s rock-solid bass lines, and Arejay Hale’s signature drum showcase reminded everyone why this band has earned its reputation as a can’t-miss live act.
The set’s closing stretch was pure celebration. “Amen,” “I Miss the Misery,” “Love Bites (So Do I),” and the emotional singalong of “Here’s to Us” had the crowd fully invested, ending the night with thousands of voices united in song.
I’ve seen Halestorm perform for crowds of a few hundred people in clubs and tens of thousands at festivals. The venues have changed. The stages have gotten bigger. The production has become more elaborate. But one thing has never changed: Halestorm play every show like they have something to prove.Twenty years after I first watched them open a concert, they’re still delivering the same passion, intensity, and connection that made me a fan in the first place. Few bands can sustain that kind of consistency for two decades. Halestorm continue to make it look effortless.
