Greta Van Fleet frontman Josh Kiszka has shared a heartfelt statement about his experience with fan support following his coming out. He posted his reflections on Instagram.
The statement celebrated Pride Month while reflecting on a particularly meaningful concert experience and the overwhelming support he received from fans.
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again! Where there is love, we will live on, and where there is not love, we must provide it,” Kiszka said. “This month we raise our glasses and toast to a community where there is love in abundance, the LGBTQIA+ community!”
The singer then recalled a specific concert that held special significance for him.
“I thought I’d share images from one of the most moving nights of my life,” he continued. “July 24th, 2023 marked the kickoff show of the Starcatcher world tour at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN. I recall my nerves were so tremendous, I wrote a hilarious (and incredibly reverent) song backstage to distract me (which I will not be sharing). The love I felt in that room when the curtain fell and we took the stage eased my every angst.”
Kiszka described a particularly emotional moment during the performance.
“But what astonished me most of all that night was at the top of Light My Love, when the arena became a field of rainbow stars and flags were waving higher than our spirits (and we were flying),” he said. “It was at that moment I realized, with no uncertainty, that love always prevails. I was so emotional, I could barely finish the song and collapsed with tears of joy streaming down my face (thanks for that).”
The statement concluded with a message of support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
“Furthermore, to all of the struggling members of the LGBTQIA+ family, you are loved, you are beautiful, you are powerful, you are natural, and you belong,” Kiszka said. “Happy Pride Month to ALL. Let’s go dancing in the streets!”
This emotional reflection comes nearly a year after Kiszka’s initial decision to publicly share his personal life with fans and the broader music community.
People Magazine revealed that Kiszka publicly disclosed being in a same-sex relationship for eight years in July 2023. The decision to come out was deeply personal and motivated by his desire to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. This was particularly in response to restrictive legislation affecting the community.
Ultimate Classic Rock reported that Kiszka’s advocacy became especially important in the context of anti-LGBTQ+ bills being passed in Tennessee. The band has strong ties to the state. His openness about his relationship was part of a broader effort to change hearts and minds through personal connection and visibility.
The timing of Kiszka’s coming out coincided with Greta Van Fleet’s career momentum. Fuse Magazine noted that the band was preparing for their Starcatcher world tour while working on their third studio album. The Nashville concert he referenced became a powerful symbol of acceptance and love within the rock music community.
The overwhelming positive response from fans during that July 2023 Nashville show demonstrated the strong bond between Kiszka and Greta Van Fleet’s audience. The sea of rainbow flags and the emotional reaction he described have since become defining moments in both his personal journey and the band’s live performance history.
