Greta Van Fleet

Greta Van Fleet is an American rock group from Frankenmuth, United States, active since 2012. The band is made up of the Kiszka brothers Josh, Jake and Sam, along with drummer Daniel Wagner; Kyle Hauck is also listed as a member. The group plays blues rock, hard rock and rock, and its sound is closely associated with classic heavy rock and the influence of Led Zeppelin.

Background and formation

The band forms in Frankenmuth, Michigan in 2012 and builds its songwriting collectively, with one member usually bringing in a song idea before the group develops it together. Their music grows out of a shared interest in blues, although each member has different tastes: Jake favours rock and roll, Sam listens to jazz, Danny prefers folk, and Josh is drawn to world music. The band also says that some songs begin in a folk setting before changing shape.

Members and influences

Josh Kiszka handles lead vocals, Jake Kiszka plays guitar, and Sam Kiszka plays bass and keyboards. Danny Wagner is the drummer. Jake studies the work of guitarists such as Jimmy Page and has also named Pete Townshend among his influences, while his other guitar references include John Lee Hooker, Elmore James, Bert Jansch, Eric Clapton and Keith Richards. Danny’s drumming influences include Carmine Appice, John Bonham, Mitch Mitchell and Michael Shrieve. Sam names Motown session bassist James Jamerson as his favourite bass player. Josh’s voice is often compared with Robert Plant’s, and Plant later described the band as one of his favourite young groups.

Recordings and recognition

Greta Van Fleet signs to Lava Records in 2017 and releases its debut studio EP, Black Smoke Rising, shortly afterwards. Its first single, “Highway Tune”, reaches number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock and Active Rock charts for four consecutive weeks. The follow-up EP, From the Fires, includes the four tracks from Black Smoke Rising plus four new songs and appears with the single “Safari Song”. From the Fires wins Best Rock Album at the 61st Grammy Awards.

The band’s debut album, Anthem of the Peaceful Army, arrives in 2018 and reaches number one on the Billboard Rock Albums chart, as well as the top three of the Billboard 200. Its second album, The Battle at Garden’s Gate, is released in 2021 and enters at number one on the Billboard Rock Albums, Hard Rock Albums and Vinyl Albums charts, number two on Top Album Sales, and the top ten of the Billboard 200. Its third studio album, Starcatcher, follows in 2023.

Live reputation

The group performs across multiple continents and sells more than 3.5 million records worldwide. It is also known for its live shows, with more than one million tickets sold worldwide, and it sells out its entire 2022 arena tour.