Josh Kiszka reflects on the hate for Greta Van Fleet’s success
When a band finds its footing in the rock world, it often doesn’t just make music; it enters a cultural arena. For Greta Van Fleet, that entry came with a dose of friction. Frontman Josh Kiszka recently opened up about the inevitable tension that accompanies rising fame, particularly the dismissive reactions some figures in the rock fraternity faced when the band’s early success took hold.
In a candid reflection, Kiszka recalls the dismay he witnessed when GVF’s soaring popularity was met with resistance. He paints a picture of a world that seemed intent on protecting its established boundaries, viewing the new sound as an unwelcome intrusion into what some considered a “hallowed rock’n’roll world.”
“When we came along, I think people were so concerned we were going to penetrate their religious temple, this bunch of snot-nosed kids wanting to change things up,” Kiszka muses. “But it was quite the antithesis. It was our respect for the genre. We just wanted to do something new, to move things along.”
The friction wasn’t just external; it touched Kiszka personally. The attacks—some suggesting they were “talentless musicians”—were deeply wounding. He admitted that the negativity weighed on his consciousness, leading him to take a step back from the noise and focus on the music.
“I stopped reading them,” he shared. “I’m fairly sensitive, so I thought, ‘This is weighing on my consciousness.’ Some of that I carry. But I don’t believe it.”
This personal challenge was met with unexpected support. During a performance in New York, Kiszka worked with a vocal coach who witnessed the show and shared a powerful message backstage. She didn’t just defend the band; she offered affirmation. She told him that he deserved everything coming his way, and that he should “carry the torch.” This moment proved that true support can transform criticism into fuel.
The lesson is clear: while the industry might try to define the sound, the momentum of genuine talent eventually speaks for itself. Now, as GVF prepares to launch their Into The Beginning tour, the focus shifts entirely to the journey ahead. Fans are invited to witness the evolution of the sound and the resilience of the band as they embark on a massive international run. The Into The Beginning tour kicks off on February 3, 2027, hitting arenas across the United States, the UK, and Europe, demonstrating that sometimes, the loudest change comes from those who dare to move forward.
The tour schedule is packed, with dates spanning from February 3, 2027, through July 31, 2027, featuring stops in major cities like Savannah, Tampa, Nashville, London, Berlin, and Paris. This extensive itinerary promises an unforgettable experience for those ready to hear the next chapter in rock history.
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