Josh Kiszka Felt a ‘Huge Weight Was Lifted’ After Coming Out

Greta Van Fleet’s Josh Kiszka publicly got here out in June, and in a new interview with Rolling Stone, the singer mentioned a “huge weight was lifted” off him afterward, although he was admittedly nervous about what the response can be.

The 27-year-old vocalist shared a submit on his Instagram in June about Tennessee’s anti-LGBTQ legal guidelines, revealing that he is been in a same-sex relationship for the final eight years. “Those close to me are well aware, but it’s important to me to share publicly,” he added.

The response was seemingly constructive, as followers fled to the remark part praising him for being open about that a part of his life. Even Judas Priest’s Rob Halford despatched him a supportive message, writing that he beloved him on the submit. However, Kiszka informed Rolling Stone that he was initially “concerned” about how individuals would react, and felt he was going to “have a target” on his again.

“You really feel that way, which is unfortunate, but it’s true,” he said. “Everything had been met with love and acceptance and humility and respect, and that was a huge wave of reassurance that things are moving in the right direction… As a performer and as an entertainer, a huge weight was lifted. Because ultimately as an artist or just as a person, we all want to be understood to some degree.”

During the band’s July 24 efficiency on the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, the town the band at present calls residence, followers held up coloured items of paper in entrance of their cellphone flashlights, which created a rainbow-colored impact across the venue. Kiszka grew to become extraordinarily emotional in the course of the efficiency, as he was touched by the outpouring of assist from their followers.

READ MORE: What Lars Ulrich Told Greta Van Fleet Bassist About Getting Older

“The fact that that many people could communicate and coordinate to make that happen was extraordinary,” he defined. “It was really difficult for me to keep it together, and this sounds very deep, but the song took on new meaning in that moment. I explained to the audience that I hope that maybe one day it’ll be irrelevant when [I’m singing] ‘Hate bound by fear will unwind.’ When you say words like that, you realize that you’re in the middle of a movement.”

See a TikTok of the second beneath.

Greta’s tour picks again up in early September with a efficiency in Saint Paul, Minn. See the remainder of their upcoming dates on their web site.