Halestorm frontwoman Lzzy Hale recently opened up about the challenges and discipline required in her role as a band leader. She shared her insights in an interview with Summa Inferno.
The discussion centered on what aspect of being a frontwoman has required the most discipline over Halestorm’s nearly three-decade existence. Hale spoke candidly about her commitment to consistent performance and personal authenticity.
“Well, performance-wise, I’ve worked very hard to be consistent, specifically with my vocals and making sure that I can do what I can do every single night in the same key that we recorded in,” Hale said. “And so I’m very proud of working very hard for that, taking care of myself so that I’m able to give 110% every single night, because I don’t think that I have it in me to just half-ass something.”
She emphasized her all-or-nothing approach to live performances and continuous improvement.
“I can’t just call in a show. It just doesn’t work,” she continued. “When I step on stage, I am performing the show like this is the last show that I’m going to ever play. And in order to do that consistently, that takes a lot of discipline and a lot of work and a lot of trust in myself and my body. But also beyond the musical aspect of just making sure that we keep getting better. And I sit down at the drawing board with my guitar and be, like, ‘Okay, I need to get better at that because we’re moving in this direction’ and trying to learn new things always.”
Hale also reflected on her evolution as a role model and the importance of authenticity over perfection.
“But beyond that, I think that one of the coolest things that I realized, and this was probably about seven to 10 years ago, was I was getting worried about being someone that is looked up to, I was worried about being a role model for young girls and I was trying very hard to put whatever this character that I had created up on a pedestal and try not to make mistakes and try not to show my weaker sides, or if I’m depressed, try not to show that,” she said. “And what I realized after a while is that doesn’t work.”
She explained how embracing vulnerability has strengthened her connection with fans.
“By pretending to be something that you’re not or pretending to be more perfect than you actually are — because I am imperfect — it doesn’t reach people in the same way that if you are just living unapologetically and coming to terms with the fact that you are a normal person,” Hale continued. “I just happen to be in a rock band. And so when I started opening up more about the things that scare me or my low points — I still suffer from anxiety and depression, and I have since I was a kid; the music has absolutely helped with that — but instead of trying to hide all of those things, I not only write about it, but I talk about it, to the fans and in interviews.”
“And it’s freeing because what ends up happening is that the fans that then look at me and say, ‘Oh, okay, she is also somebody that is attainable. She’s just like me. She has bad days. She’s imperfect,'” she concluded. “And so for me, that’s a better way to go about being a role model than trying to hide behind a veil somewhere.”
Hale’s commitment to giving her all every night reflects the band’s legendary work ethic that has defined their career trajectory. This dedication to excellence has been a cornerstone of Halestorm’s success since their formation.
Thunder Rock reported that Halestorm’s tours often exceed 250 dates per year, demonstrating their total dedication to music and live performance. This grueling schedule underscores Hale’s emphasis on consistency and her refusal to “half-ass” any show. Maintaining such high energy and vocal quality across hundreds of performances requires extraordinary discipline.
The band’s relentless touring approach has also opened doors for significant collaborations throughout their career. Thunder Rock noted that beyond her success with Halestorm, Hale has collaborated with notable acts including Dream Theater, Lindsey Stirling, Device, Shinedown, Apocalyptica, and Stone Sour. These partnerships have allowed her to expand her artistic range while maintaining her authentic voice across different musical contexts.
Halestorm’s breakthrough moment came with their 2013 Grammy win for “Love Bites (So Do I)” in the Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance category. Thunder Rock documented that this achievement marked a historic milestone as the first Grammy win for a female-fronted band in this category. The recognition validated not only Hale’s vocal prowess but also her role as a trailblazer for women in hard rock and metal.
The band has also shared stages with major acts like Evanescence on significant tours. Wikipedia recorded their participation in the Carnival of Madness Tour alongside Evanescence, Cavo, New Medicine, and Chevelle, which began on July 31, 2012, in Springfield. These high-profile touring opportunities have further cemented Halestorm’s reputation as a must-see live act. They have provided platforms for Hale to connect with diverse audiences while staying true to her message of authenticity and vulnerability.
