Few voices in modern rock are as powerful—or as instantly recognizable—as Lzzy Hale, the powerhouse frontwoman of Halestorm. For more than two decades, Hale and her bandmates have built a loyal global following through relentless touring, thunderous riffs, and a message of empowerment that resonates far beyond the stage.
The band is entering another exciting chapter with the release of their sixth studio album, Everest, which arrived in August 2025. The record captures Halestorm at their most confident and introspective, featuring standout songs like “Darkness Always Wins” and “Shiver,” while exploring themes of resilience, growth, and the band’s evolution through the rock world. Supporting the new release, Halestorm has returned to the road with a packed schedule of international tour dates and major rock festival appearances including Sonic Temple and Louder Than Life, continuing to prove why they remain one of the most electrifying live acts in modern rock.
During a recent conversation aboard ShipRocked, Hale spoke about how places inspire her music, favorite food stops on the road, unforgettable tour pranks, and the advice she gives to the next generation of young women entering rock music.
Has a place ever inspired one of your songs?
A lot of places have inspired songs. Savannah, Georgia in particular—it’s a very spooky town and I ended up writing a lot there. But a lot of times it’s not just the town, it’s the people. I’m also a serial eavesdropper. We’ll be at a bar and somebody will say something and I’m like, “Oh, write that down.” So be careful what you say around me—it might end up in a song somewhere.
Are there any songs you can directly trace back to a specific moment or conversation?
On our last record we wrote a song called “Darkness Always Wins.” We had the title but we didn’t really know what it meant yet. We were just kind of frustrated with the world and asking why evil seems to prevail.
The line “We’re all fighters holding up our lighters” actually came from a conversation I had with a guy with a really thick Southern drawl. Now every time I sing that song I hear it the way he said it.
What’s your favorite Halestorm song to play live right now?
Right now, it’s “Shiver.” That one has really become near and dear to my heart.
You live in Nashville now. What’s your perfect day there?
Honestly, we live on a lake, and the perfect day would be getting out on our tiny little pontoon boat. A nice sunny day with a little breeze, bringing some acoustic guitars with us, and seeing what songs we come up with while floating around.
Any favorite food spots in Nashville travelers should know about?
My favorite burger in the entire world is in Nashville at Joyland. (Same Lzzy Same- it’s our favorite spot in Nashville as well.) Every time I land there, I go straight to Joyland. It’s ruined me for burgers anywhere else. When we’re on tour the guys will order burgers somewhere and I’m like, “I know it’s not going to be good enough.”
You’re heading back to South America soon. What do you like to do when touring there?
Honestly, the best off-the-beaten-path moments happen when we end up hanging out with fans. It becomes this Pied Piper situation where we start walking somewhere and more people join the group until suddenly it’s this giant party.
We’ve also hit some beaches down there, which is always chaotic but fun.
Do you have a crazy travel story from tour?
Years ago we played a show in London and my brother Arejay—our drummer—decided to pretend he was chugging vodka before the show for the cameras. So, he poured water into the vodka bottle and put the actual vodka into a bunch of water bottles.
Naturally, I took those vodka-filled water bottles and hid them in his bunk on the tour bus. We were all waiting like kids for him to take a drink. When he finally did, he spit it everywhere.
Then he tried to prank us back by putting the vodka bottles in the case of water. The next morning our bus driver made coffee with the vodka water and pulled the bus over because he thought he’d accidentally gotten drunk. He was furious. It was a prank on a prank that went way too far.
Do you have a favorite memory from ShipRocked?
The first year we did it was hilarious. The ship gave us way too much booze, so we just started walking around giving everyone shots. Arejay was also doing interviews with a rubber chicken and hiding in elevators to scare people. We all got a little punchy that trip.
Why do you keep coming back to ShipRocked?
For me it’s the people. You get to see so many fans and friends all at once, and then you watch them meet each other and become best friends.
We actually met a couple on this trip who met on the first ShipRocked cruise and now they’re married. It’s kind of like this concentrated version of the rock community—everyone supporting each other with zero judgment.
What’s your dream vacation right now?
I’ve never been to Iceland, and it’s definitely on my bucket list. We were supposed to go around 2022 when things started opening up again, but we got COVID and had to cancel. So that trip is still waiting for me.
Are there any hidden gems you’ve discovered on tour that travelers should check out?
On the East Coast we always hit Dinosaur Bar-B-Que when we can. And if you ever end up in Flint, Michigan, you have to visit The Machine Shop. We grew up playing there, and even when we’re not performing we stop by to say hello.
What do you like to do on days off while touring?
Honestly, we just hang out with the crew. It’s funny because so much has changed over the years, but we’re still basically a garage band at heart. We just want to go get pizza or burritos and hang out with everybody.
After years of festivals and touring, what stands out when you look back on the journey?
I kind of miss those early days when the world felt wide open and we were blissfully ignorant about everything. We were just trying to win people over one fan at a time.
Now people come specifically to see us, which is amazing—but back then we had to fight for every crowd. In some ways I miss that. These days the challenge is keeping things fresh for fans who might come see eight shows in a row.
What advice would you give to young girls who want to pursue music?
Don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do. People will try to put you in a box or tell you what they think is best for you.
For me, people used to say, “Rock and roll with women isn’t really a thing—you’d do better in country,” or “Lose the band and become a solo artist.”
I’m so glad I stood up for what I believed in. I’m playing the music I love with my best friends. That’s what keeps you sane when things get complicated in this business.
Surround yourself with people who truly know you—and have fun at all costs. That’s the most important thing.