A cool September night in Madison set the stage for an eclectic and unforgettable triple bill: Apocalyptica, Lindsey Stirling, and Halestorm at Breese Stevens Field. Each act brought their own brand of theatricality and firepower, creating a show that felt as much like a spectacle as a rock concert.
Apocalyptica opened with their signature cello metal covers. Even with a seated crowd dampening some of the usual pit energy, fists went up and voices joined in during their spirited “hey hey hey” chants. Their blend of classical precision and metal attitude never fails to grab a crowd, and a wry quip from Perttu Kivilaakso, commenting on how playing the square field in Madison with some trees around was the closest to Madison Square Garden they were going to get, received several laughs. The short, upbeat set warmed up the night perfectly.
Apocalyptica
Photo Credit: Mar Morannon
Lindsey Stirling followed, and her set was nothing short of dazzling. Stirling plays upbeat violin music while sprinting, dancing, and bending herself nearly in half. One moment she was sawing through Sandstorm with laser precision, the next she was leading the crowd in clapping along to Blue (Da Ba Dee). Throughout the set, she was dancing and doing costume quick-changes, including a dramatic devil-to-angel wing transformation that drew gasps from the crowd. The addition of guitar shredder Jason Richardson, as well as a team of backup dancers, added even more fire to the mix.
It also happened to be Stirling’s birthday, which made the show feel extra celebratory. After a playful guitar riff of “Happy Birthday,” the entire field sang to her. When the set got to “Spin the Wheel,” landing on Moon Trance, Stirling leaned into the witchy vibes, explaining that there was a partial eclipse, a new moon, and the eve of the fall equinox; she encouraged the crowd to think about new beginnings. The set closed with a soaring cover of Kashmir, sending the energy sky-high in time for the final set of the night.
Lindsey Stirling
Photo Credit: Mar Morannon
Halestorm took the stage last with a production as bold as their sound, ready to bring their new album, Everest, to the stage. Lizzy Hale wasted no time proving why she’s one of the most commanding vocalists in rock today. Her long, sustained belts drew deafening screams from fans, and the band matched her intensity with a set that felt larger than the stadium itself. During Darkness Always Wins, the crowd lit up the field with phone lights, creating a starry sea to match the song’s mood. Songs like Love Bites (So Do I) and WATCH OUT! brought up the energy, with the crowd jumping and singing along.
Midway through the show, Lizzy brought out the piano and reflected on the band’s longevity, commenting on how many fans have grown up with Halestorm and now bring their own kids to the shows. Breaking from the setlist, she delivered a heartfelt Dear Daughter, followed by a communal sing-along of Break In. Later, she pulled out a double-neck guitar for I Like It Heavy, sealing the night’s sense of grandeur.
By the time the last notes rang out, Breese Stevens Field was packed with smiling faces, hoarse voices, and a lingering electricity. Three very different acts, tied together by passion, theatrics, and a love for performance, made this a night Madison won’t soon forget.
Halestorm
Photo Credit: Mar Morannon
Setlist:
Fallen Star
I Miss the Misery
Love Bites (So Do I)
Gather the Lambs
Like a Woman Can
Darkness Always Wins
WATCH OUT!
Dear Daughter / Break In
How Will You Remember Me?
I Like It Heavy (tour debut)
Familiar Taste of Poison (Snippet)
Rain Your Blood on Me
Drum Solo
Freak Like Me
I Get Off
Everest
I Gave You Everything
