Then The Curtain Falls

The Zoo Crew is spinning Greta Van Fleet’s “When the Curtain Falls,” the blistering lead single from their debut album Anthem of the Peaceful Army, and the Zoo Freaks are surely digging its retro rock vibes. This track, released on July 17, 2018, tells the story of a young star grappling with the fleeting nature of fame in Hollywood’s shallow limelight. According to a post by Pandora on X, the song came together organically once the band finalized its iconic guitar riff, with the band sharing a “fun intimate story” about its creation. The track’s swaggering energy and bluesy melody, often compared to Led Zeppelin, earned it a number-one spot on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart in November 2018 and a gold certification from the RIAA on April 6, 2023. Fans on Reddit’s r/gretavanfleet call it a live standout, with one user noting it “scratches the eternal itch” and feels like a lost Led Zeppelin classic reborn with Josh Kiszka’s soaring vocals.

Another cool tidbit about “When the Curtain Falls” is its music video, released on August 15, 2018, which alternates between the band rocking out in a desert and surreal clips of glowing-eyed figures watching solar eclipses and auroras. The song’s live debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on July 28, 2018, marked Greta Van Fleet’s first national TV performance, amplifying its reach. The track also found its way into video games like NHL 19 and MLB The Show 19, cementing its place in pop culture. Critics, like those at MetalSucks, praised its unapologetic nod to classic rock, saying it’s “hard to imagine” any Led Zeppelin fan not loving it. The song’s lyrical bite, with lines like “Once a valley doll / Now you’re not at all,” captures the band’s knack for blending sharp storytelling with their vintage sound.

Greta Van Fleet formed in 2012 in Frankenmuth, Michigan, a small town known for its tourist charm. The band consists of twin brothers Josh Kiszka (vocals) and Jake Kiszka (guitar), their younger brother Sam Kiszka (bass/keys), and longtime family friend Danny Wagner (drums). They started as a group of kids jamming together, heavily influenced by their parents’ vinyl collection, which included blues, soul, and classic rock giants like Led Zeppelin. Initially playing local gigs, they honed their craft in Michigan’s bar scene. Their big break came in 2017 when they signed with Lava Records, releasing their debut EP Black Smoke Rising. The single “Highway Tune” shot to number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart for five weeks, thrusting them into the spotlight. Their follow-up EP, From the Fires, included a cover of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” showcasing their soulful roots. By 2018, their debut album Anthem of the Peaceful Army solidified their status as torchbearers of rock’s revival, with a mission to spread “peace, love, and unity” through their music.

You can keep up with Greta Van Fleet on their official website, where they share tour dates and news like their latest single “The Falling Sky.” They’re active on social media, posting updates on Facebook, stunning performance shots on Instagram, and engaging with fans on X. For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with other fans, the r/gretavanfleet Reddit community is a lively spot with 30,000 members sharing song opinions and concert stories. There’s also a dedicated Greta Van Fleet Fan Group on Facebook, where fans post about everything from vinyl collections to live show experiences. Whether you’re vibing to “When the Curtain Falls” or diving into their discography, Greta Van Fleet’s retro energy keeps the rock flame burning bright.