Some shows leave you buzzing for days, and the Volbeat / Halestorm / The Ghost Inside stop at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre on August 3 was one of them. From the moment the lights dropped to the last ringing note, it was clear this wasn’t just another summer tour—it was a night people had been waiting for.
The crowd’s excitement was almost tangible. I chatted with a couple next to us who had driven all the way from Jacksonville, Florida, just to be here. Another pair told me they’d paid a small fortune for prime seats the moment tickets went on sale. That kind of dedication set the tone: this was more than a concert—it was an event.
The Ghost Inside started the evening with a set full of intensity and purpose. Opening with “Going Under”, they immediately set a strong pace that grabbed the crowd’s attention. Tracks like “Dear Youth (Day 52)”, “Earn It”, and “Death Grip” carried a sharp energy, blending weight and melody in a way that resonated with fans. In the middle of the set, “Wash It Away” and “Avalanche” stood out, drawing big reactions from the audience. They closed with “Aftermath”, a track that felt both powerful and reflective, ending their performance on a memorable note.
[metaslider id=”42924″]
Then came Halestorm, and I have to say, I was blown away by Lzzy Hale. Her voice was a force of nature, cutting through the summer air with the kind of power you don’t just hear, you feel. A personal highlight for me was watching her brother, drummer Arejay Hale, break out those comically oversized drumsticks for a wild solo—it was pure rock-and-roll showmanship, and the crowd loved it.
As a show photographer, I’m always a little paranoid about accidentally annoying a band member, and at one point Lzzy seemed to be staring directly into my soul. That moment became my favorite photo of the night. I’ll always wonder—was I catching her attention, getting the nod to look straight into my lens for her fans, or was it just a coincidence and she’s already forgotten it? I’ll never know, but it made the moment all the more electric.
[metaslider id=”42963″]
Volbeat closed the night with the kind of confident, high-energy set they’ve built their reputation on. Midway through, they pulled one of the coolest moves I’ve seen: bringing every kid from the pit up onto the stage. You could see the joy on their faces—and on the faces of their parents in the crowd. They also worked in a tribute to Social Distortion, delivering a powerful cover of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” that fit seamlessly into their set.
As a die-hard punk and ska chick, I wasn’t sure if I’d be into these bands live. I’d never seen any of them before—and now I’m wondering how they weren’t on my radar all along. I’d gladly see any of the three again. For my European friends, after this U.S. run wraps, all three bands are heading your way (not together, but individually). I highly recommend catching them if you get the chance.
By the time the final chords rang out, it felt like everyone in that amphitheater, whether they’d traveled hundreds of miles or scored their seats months ago, got exactly what they came for: a loud, joyful, unforgettable night of music.
[metaslider id=”43006″]
Comments are closed.