Halestorm & The Warning Rock The Centre Bell in Montreal [Photos]

Halestorm and The Warning at The Centre Bell in Montreal! David Lee Roth may have been left underwhelmed with “Ladies Nite In Buffalo,” but had he chosen to be in Montreal this past Friday night, he would have certainly had a much better time. The Centre Bell in Montreal saw the women of rock take over the building, and nobody was going to take it back from them.

Some of rock’s most powerful voices and one of its most promising young bands were on the marquee. Halestorm and The Warning were in town and here to let the world know that these ladies know how to rock.

Up first were the Villarreal sisters from Mexico, collectively known as The Warning. Making their third appearance in Montreal, The Warning already has a huge following here. The trio first got noticed thanks to a viral video of them performing Metallica’s classic “Enter Sandman.” Now, with four albums of their own, including their most recent Keep Me Fed, there is no room for covers in the setlist as they now have an awesome catalogue of their own.

The people came out early to hear them play, and they weren’t disappointed. And it’s incredible to think that the band members are still in their early 20s, and one member is still a teenager. For The Warning, the sky really is the limit.

Halestorm followed, and lead singer Lzzy Hale set the stage for what was to come with a solo vocal rendition of their song “Raise Your Horns.” Hale is one of modern rock’s top female singers and probably has a secured spot on the all-time list as well. She delivers the song with a mix of intensity, danger, and emotion. Smooth and vulnerable one moment, and then aggressive and dominating at the turn of a dime. Her singing of the Heart classic “Crazy On You” was on par with the Anne Wilson sung original.

Hale also has the swagger and attitude to rival any male singer out there. Her yell to signify the beginning of their Grammy-winning song “Love Bites (But So Do I)” is a call to arms. The rest of the band isn’t too shabby, either. Drummer and younger brother Arejay Hale is a whirling dervish of energy behind the kit and keeps the groove going on this night with bassist Josh Smith. Unsung guitar hero Joe Hottinger may sometimes get lost in Lzzy’s spotlight, but his hot solos and guitar work are as important to the band as Lzzy’s wail. I’ve had the good fortune to photograph them three times now, and they have never disappointed me.

Another powerful woman was due to hit the stage next. Amy Lee and Evanescence were due to bring the evening to a close. Sadly, I wasn’t accredited to cover their set, but I am told that they put on a great show. They almost had to because I can’t imagine being in a tougher position than having to follow Halestorm onto the stage.

It’s not long ago that women weren’t really seen or heard in the rock music arena. Sure, there was always a Janis Joplin, Joan Jett, or Heart making the tour, but nothing like this trio of female-led bands touring together. “Ladies Night in Buffalo” may have been tame, but to paraphrase another rock star, the women on stage at the Centre Bell weren’t before a million faces, but they rocked them all.

The Evanescence, Halestorm, and The Warning tour is a rather short one, but all three groups are out on tour often. They are all a must-see.

Halestorm (w/ The Warning) @ Centre Bell (Montreal, QC) on October 25th, 2024

30 photos