Emerging from the small town of Frankenmuth, Michigan, Greta Van Fleet ignited a mainstream rock resurgence in the late 2010s with their throwback sound and youthful energy, drawing immediate and widespread comparisons to the legendary rock of Led Zeppelin. Formed in 2012, the band consists of three brothers—vocalist Josh Kiszka, guitarist Jake Kiszka (who are twins), bassist and keyboardist Sam Kiszka—alongside drummer Danny Wagner. They took their name from a local resident, Gretna Van Fleet, and began honing their classic rock-inspired craft through local performances.

The band's breakthrough arrived swiftly after signing with Lava Records in March 2017. Their debut single, "Highway Tune," was released that April and by September had seized the top spot on both the Billboard U.S. Mainstream Rock and Active Rock charts, holding there for four consecutive weeks. This explosive introduction was followed by their debut EP, Black Smoke Rising. Later that year, they compiled that EP's tracks with four new songs to create From the Fires, which featured the single "Safari Song." This collection of early work was critically and commercially successful, ultimately winning the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album in 2019.

Capitalizing on their meteoric rise, Greta Van Fleet released their first full-length studio album, Anthem of the Peaceful Army, in October 2018. It debuted at number one on the Billboard Rock Albums chart, driven by the lead single "When the Curtain Falls," which became their third chart-topper on the Mainstream Rock tally. The album also topped the Hard Rock and Top Album Sales charts, solidifying their status as rock's new standard-bearers. Their musical scope expanded significantly with their sophomore album, The Battle at Garden's Gate, released in April 2021, which showcased more ambitious songwriting and production.

The band continues to evolve and tour extensively, building a dedicated global fanbase. Their third studio album, Starcatcher, arrived in July 2023, further exploring their blend of blues-rock roots and progressive tendencies. Despite persistent debates about their influences, Greta Van Fleet has undeniably achieved massive success, collecting platinum certifications, headlining major tours, and proving the enduring appeal of guitar-driven rock music for a new generation.