Fresh from a headline slot on Download Festival’s Opus stage, the Halestorm unplugged show in London was one of those gigs that reminded everyone why great songs don’t need huge stacks of amps or elaborate stage production to make an impact – we went along to check it out!

A ROOM WITH TWO FRIENDS

Taking place at Islington Assembly Hall, the sold-out show saw couple Lzzy Hale and Joe Hottinger strip things right back and put the focus firmly on the music, the stories behind it, and the connection they’ve built with fans over the years.

From the moment they walked on stage, it felt less like a traditional concert and more like being invited into a room with two friends who just so happened to be world-class musicians. The atmosphere was relaxed, funny and incredibly warm.

Lzzy was in fantastic form throughout the night, chatting to the crowd between songs, sharing stories from the road and reflecting on the band’s journey. Joe was equally entertaining, bouncing off her perfectly and providing plenty of laughs along the way.

What became obvious very quickly was that Halestorm’s songs lose absolutely nothing when played acoustically. Without the wall of electric guitars and pounding drums, every lyric and melody seemed to hit that little bit harder. Songs like Amen and White Dress felt more personal and intimate, while still carrying the same power and attitude that fans know and love.

CHEMISTRY

One of the biggest strengths of the evening was the chemistry between Lzzy and Joe. Having spent so many years writing, touring and performing together, as well as being in a relationship for over two decades, they have an effortless connection that cannot be faked. Their conversations between songs often felt as entertaining as the music itself, and there were plenty of moments where the audience was laughing just as much as they were singing along.

Musically, the set covered a lot of ground. Do Not Disturb worked brilliantly in an acoustic setting, while Like A Woman Can showcased just how versatile Lzzy’s voice really is. A standout early moment came with Familiar Taste Of Poison, which sounded hauntingly beautiful stripped back to its bare bones. Every note felt raw and genuine, and the audience hung on every word.

One of the loudest audience reactions of the night came when the opening chords of I Get Off rang out. Reimagined acoustically, it lost none of its attitude. In fact, the stripped-back arrangement somehow made the lyrics feel even cheekier, while the crowd joined in with every chorus.

Raise Your Horns was another song that benefited enormously from the unplugged treatment. Usually a huge arena anthem, it became something much more intimate and heartfelt. Rather than feeling like a rallying cry, it felt like a genuine thank-you to the fans who have supported Halestorm throughout the years.

COVERS AND THE SILENCE

The cover songs were another highlight. Rather than simply playing songs they liked, Lzzy and Joe managed to make each one feel like a natural part of the set. Their version of Girl Crush was packed with emotion, while Lover, You Should’ve Come Over was performed with obvious love and respect for the Jeff Buckley original.

One of the most memorable moments before the interval came during The Silence. Introducing the song, Lzzy spoke openly about her relationship with Joe and what it means to share both her life and career with someone she loves. It was one of the most heartfelt moments of the night and you could have heard a pin drop in the venue while she sang.

The second half brought a change of pace when Lzzy sat alone at the piano. It was a reminder that beyond being one of rock’s most powerful frontwomen, she’s also an exceptional songwriter and musician. Her performance of Dear Daughter was particularly moving, made even more powerful by her stories about her parents and the support they’ve given her throughout her life.

Later, How Will You Remember Me? became another emotional high point. Lzzy talked about kindness, legacy, and the importance of lifting people up, and it gave the song an added layer of meaning. These quieter moments never felt overly serious or heavy, though. They simply felt honest.

AND GUESTS

The guest appearances added even more variety to an already special evening. Chris Turpin joined the duo for a fantastic version of Gold Dust Woman, bringing an atmospheric edge to the performance, while Sid Glover helped turn I Miss the Misery into one of the night’s most fun and energetic moments.

Throughout the entire show, the audience played their part perfectly. Fans sang along when invited, listened attentively during the quieter songs, and cheered every story and joke. There was a genuine sense that everyone in the room was sharing something special together. Even people seeing Lzzy and Joe for the first time seemed completely won over by the end of the night.

Closing with Here’s To Us felt absolutely right. By that point, the whole room felt united, singing every word back at the stage. It was the perfect ending to a night built around connection, friendship, and a shared love of music.

What made this show so memorable wasn’t just the quality of the performances, although they were outstanding. It was the feeling that came with them. Stripped of all the usual arena-rock bells and whistles, the songs were allowed to stand on their own, and they stood tall.

Lzzy Hale’s voice was phenomenal, Joe’s playing was superb, and together they created an atmosphere that was equal parts intimate, emotional, funny, and uplifting.

MORE THAN JUST…

For anyone lucky enough to be there, this wasn’t simply an acoustic gig. It felt like a celebration of everything that makes Halestorm special: great songs, genuine passion, plenty of personality, and a real connection with the people who support them. Long after the final notes of Here’s To Us faded away, that feeling stayed with everyone walking out into the London night.

All concert photography by Graham Hilling. You can check out more of his work on his website, here.

Halsestorm: Website

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