An Evening with Lzzy & Joe
HALESTORM
The Grammy Museum – Los Angeles, CA
Thursday, March 5th, 2026
Recap/Pics: Will
What an absolute treat to spend an intimate evening in the Clive Davis Theater with one of the most powerful voices in music?! Yes, not just in rock or metal music, but music in general.
On Thursday, evening, The Grammy Museum hosted Lzzy Hale and Joe Hottinger of Halestorm, to discuss among other things: the making of their latest album, “Everest“; the early days of the band; what it was like to be nominated and ultimately win a Grammy; their appearance at “Back To The Beginning” (The Ozzy/Sabbath Tribute Show); Lzzy’s “Raise Your Horns” campaign; and how they’ve managed to maintain a long-term relationship while also being bandmates.
Acclaimed editor, journalist and radio producer, Katherine Turman (RIP Magazine, Nights with Alice Cooper) had the honor of introducing and posing questions to Lzzy and Joe during a Q&A session. Following the discussion, the duo treated the sold-out crowd to an incredible seven-song, acoustic performance.
Q&A w/ Lzzy and Joe
Lzzy, (adorned in fur coat and studded heels) and Joe (denim & leather & cowboy boots) took center stage and kicked off the evening by answering what their first concerts were: Lzzy’s first concert was actually Cheap Trick (with her Dad) at 4 years old, but stated that her first official (“by choice” concert) was Tool. Joe’s first concert memory was seeing The Verve Pipe w/ Tonic in the 90’s.
The conversation led to the early days where Lzzy (13) and brother (Halestorm drummer) Arejay (10) entered themselves into a talent show at the Pennsylvania State Fair. In a van on the way to the venue they figured out that they needed to have a name and Arejay blurted out “what about Halestorm?” and being short on time, Lzzy said that “it sounded good”. They ended up coming in 3rd and that ignited their passion for keeping their musical dream alive.
Joe was asked about the dynamic of joining a “family band” (their father, Roger, was their original bassist). He stated that it wasn’t an issue and when he first came to jam with them he was just impressed with Lzzy’s powerful voice. He said he had finally found people with the same enthusiasm and passion for chasing their dreams.
Lzzy discussed being a female in a male dominated industry. She talked about meeting many of her female idols (Ann Wilson, Pat Benatar) who kicked the door open for her. She now sees herself as a conduit for making it easier for other women and wants to be someone who “holds the gate open” for them.
On winning the Grammy for “Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance“: “We didn’t think we had any shot of winning because we were up against all these legends”. The other nominees in the category were: Iron Maiden, Lamb of God, Anthrax, Megadeth and Marilyn Manson.
Katherine asked their feelings about the win for their song “Love Bites (So Do I)“. They both said how surreal the experience was. They found out in the middle of one of their concerts. Joe was backstage while Lzzy was “blabbering on about something” during her solo piano part of the show. It was Joe’s guitar tech who got the word and passed the message on to Joe who walked out while Lzzy was talking to the audience and told her the news. Lzzy said she had an astonished look on her face that made the crowd fall silent (thinking something bad had just happened). When she shared the news, she said the place erupted which led to one of the most amazing shows they can remember.
#RaiseYourHorns
Lzzy was asked about the origins of her “Raise Your Horns” campaign (For Mental Health Awareness). It came about due to the suicide of Huntress singer, Jill Janus. She was a friend of Lzzy’s who always seemed upbeat and positive. So her passing came as a shock. Lzzy went on to twitter to ask any of her fans who were suffering from any issues to post a picture of themselves with the hashtag “#RaiseYourHorns“, to show that no one is really alone. There was an overwhelming response to the request.
Ozzy: Back To The Beginning
The conversation turned to the Ozzy/Sabbath Tribute Show “Back To The Beginning” that took place last year in Birmingham. Sharon Osbourne called to ask them to perform. Lzzy was the only female on the bill. They talked about honoring Ozzy (“My name wouldn’t be spelled like it is without Ozzy“) and how everyone watching backstage ended up in tears while watching Ozzy perform “Mama, I’m Coming Home“. They were disappointed to not actually get to meet Ozzy at the afterparty, because he was swamped with people as soon as he showed up and Joe said they “didn’t want to be the fans that were shouting “Ozzy, Ozzy Ozzy, Oi Oi Oi” in his face all night”
Katherine asked the couple what it was like being in a relationship all this time in the band. (Lzzy and Joe have been a couple for 22 years). Joe jokingly talked about not wanting to “Fleetwood Mac” the situation. They discussed that the key was communication. Not just between themselves, but also with the rest of the band. They’ve been together for so long they know when “someone is off” and they encourage each other to talk about it and get whatever it is out in the open. This led to Lzzy discussing being bi-sexual and again how communication is key to maintaining a healthy partnership. She laughed while saying, “I love my men, but…no one knows a woman like a woman knows a woman” (Which was part of the inspiration for the song “Like A Woman Can”)
EVEREST
This conversation naturally led into the topic of their latest album, Everest. The record was tracked in Georgia with producer Dave Cobb (known for his work with Rival Sons, Chris Stapleton, and Brandi Carlile), who, according to the band, “really challenged us.” Instead of building on ideas they had already prepared, Cobb encouraged them to throw everything out and “wake up each morning and write by the seat of our pants with no rules.” The approach ultimately led to one of their most personal albums to date, touching on themes such as mental health, sobriety, and bisexuality. The title track, “Everest,” was inspired by the question: “Why do you sacrifice your life for your dreams?” The band compared their own struggles and relentless drive for success to those willing to risk their lives climbing the world’s most famous peak.
After Katherine’s Q&A, several audience members were given the opportunity to ask questions of their own. One attendee asked Lzzy how she manages to keep it together on tour when she’s under the weather. Along with offering a few health tips, she explained that once you step on stage, instinct often takes over and you simply power through because “this is what you do.” Another fan asked whether Halestorm had ever considered documenting their rise in a film. Joe thought for a moment and joked, “Yes…no…maybe,” while Lzzy added that it’s probably something that could happen in the future, though there are currently no concrete plans in place.
Lzzy & Joe Rock!
After a few more questions, it was time for the duo to do what they do best and play. Although it was just Lzzy, Joe and an acoustic guitar, the seven songs performed were no less powerful than you’d see them perform during a full concert.
Stripped down just allowed the power of Lzzy’s voice to completely envelop the small Clive Davis Theater.
The duo performed “Amen“, “Mz Hyde“, “Love Bites (So Do I)“, “Like A Woman Can“, The Silence“, “I Miss The Misery” and “I Like It Heavy“.
After sharing a few handshakes and hugs with fans, Lzzy and Joe departed, leaving the audience, along with a few proud family members in attendance, with a memorable evening that will undoubtedly stay with them for a long time.
Full Gallery:
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