History
Established in Frankenmuth, Michigan, in 2012, Greta Van Fleet is a rock band composed of three brothers—vocalist Josh Kiszka, guitarist Jake Kiszka, and bassist/keyboardist Sam Kiszka—alongside drummer Danny Wagner. Since their debut, the group has sold over 3.5 million records and performed on stages across multiple continents, revitalizing mainstream interest in classic-leaning hard rock.
Breakthrough and Early Success
The band signed with Lava Records in early 2017 and quickly gained traction with their debut EP, Black Smoke Rising. Their first single, "Highway Tune," dominated the Billboard US Mainstream Rock and Active Rock charts for four consecutive weeks. Later that year, they released the double EP From the Fires, which combined tracks from their debut with four new songs, including the single "Safari Song." This release earned the group a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album at the 61st Grammy Awards.
Studio Albums and Global Recognition
In 2018, Greta Van Fleet released their first full-length studio album, Anthem of the Peaceful Army. The record debuted at the top of the Billboard Rock Album chart and reached the top three of the Billboard 200. They followed this success in 2021 with The Battle at Garden's Gate, a project that expanded their sound and achieved significant international chart success. In the United States, it debuted at number one on the Billboard Rock, Hard Rock, and Vinyl Album charts, while also reaching the top 10 in the United Kingdom.
Their third studio album, Starcatcher (2023), was designed to capture the raw, visceral energy of their live performances. The band has become a major touring act, selling over one million tickets worldwide and selling out arena tours by fostering a strong connection with their dedicated fanbase.
Musical Style and Influences
Greta Van Fleet’s sound is rooted in hard rock and blues rock. While the members share a foundation in the blues, each brings distinct influences to the group:
Jake Kiszka draws from rock and roll and blues legends like John Lee Hooker, Elmore James, Eric Clapton, and Keith Richards.
Sam Kiszka is influenced by jazz and the work of Motown session bassist James Jamerson.
Danny Wagner looks to folk music and drummers such as John Bonham, Mitch Mitchell, and Carmine Appice.
Josh Kiszka incorporates elements of world music and has been influenced by various classic rock vocalists.
The Songwriting Process
The band employs a collaborative songwriting process where all four members contribute to the final arrangement. Many of their songs begin in a "folk setup" before evolving into heavy rock tracks. According to Sam Kiszka, their specific sound is a natural result of their collective chemistry rather than a calculated attempt to mimic a specific era.
Led Zeppelin Comparisons
Since their emergence, Greta Van Fleet has frequently been compared to Led Zeppelin. Critics often note the similarities between Josh Kiszka’s powerful vocal delivery and Robert Plant’s "husky howl," as well as Jake Kiszka’s guitar work, which was shaped by a year of intensive study of Jimmy Page. While the band acknowledges these influences, Josh Kiszka has noted that his singing style developed naturally while trying to be heard over the band's instruments during rehearsals.
The comparison has been acknowledged by Robert Plant himself, who praised the band in interviews, describing them as "Led Zeppelin I" and calling Josh a "beautiful little singer."