The 2016 tour where Lita Ford opened for Halestorm, with support from Dorothy, created one of the most electrifying moments in modern hard rock: a powerful union of two generations of fierce female rock icons. Often hailed as “queens of rock,” Lita Ford and Lzzy Hale lit up stages across the U.S., culminating in unforgettable collaborations that fans still celebrate. The phrase “Queens of rock unite! Lzzy Hale & Lita Ford lighting up the scene in this 2016 promo” perfectly captures the excitement around their joint appearances, especially the high-energy performances and promotional buzz from that era.
Two Eras, One Unstoppable Spirit
Lita Ford rose to fame in the 1970s as the lead guitarist of The Runaways, the groundbreaking all-female rock band that included Joan Jett and Cherie Currie. Known as the “Queen of Heavy Metal Guitar,” Ford brought raw energy, blistering riffs, and a rebellious attitude that helped pave the way for women in rock and metal. After The Runaways disbanded, she launched a successful solo career in the 1980s, scoring hits like “Kiss Me Deadly,” “Dancin’ on the Edge,” and especially the haunting duet “Close My Eyes Forever” with Ozzy Osbourne in 1988. Her style blended glam metal hooks with hard-hitting guitar work, and she became a symbol of resilience in a male-dominated industry.
Fast-forward to the 2000s and 2010s, and Lzzy Hale emerged as a leading voice in contemporary hard rock and metal. As the frontwoman, guitarist, and powerhouse vocalist of Halestorm, Hale has earned acclaim for her incredible range, commanding stage presence, and songwriting that tackles empowerment, personal struggles, and raw emotion. Halestorm’s breakthrough came with albums like The Strange Case Of… (2012) and Into the Wild Life (2015), featuring anthems such as “I Miss the Misery,” “Love Bites (So Do I),” and “Mz. Hyde.” Hale’s versatility—shredding on guitar while delivering soaring, gritty vocals—has made her a modern icon, often compared to legends while carving her own path.
The 2016 Tour: A Dream Package Realized
In early 2016, Halestorm announced a major U.S. tour in support of Into the Wild Life, and Lzzy Hale made it clear this was a long-desired lineup. Lita Ford was hand-picked as direct support, with rising act Dorothy opening the shows. Hale described it as more than just a bill—it was a celebration of women rocking hard across decades.
The tour kicked off in February 2016 and ran through spring, hitting cities nationwide. Promotional materials highlighted the “queens of rock” angle, with photos and clips showcasing both women with guitars in hand, exuding confidence and power. Interviews from the time, including a Guitar World feature, captured Hale and Ford discussing gear (double-necks included), breaking barriers for women in rock, and the joy of touring together.
The real magic happened onstage. Lita Ford’s sets built anticipation, and Halestorm’s headlining performances often featured special guest spots. The standout moments came during encores or special segments where the two united.
Iconic Collaborations That Stole the Show
The highlight was their duet on “Close My Eyes Forever”, Lita Ford’s 1988 classic with Ozzy Osbourne. Lzzy Hale joined Ford onstage multiple times, including a memorable performance in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and the explosive April 27, 2016 show at Webster Hall in New York City. Videos from that night show the two trading verses and harmonies with seamless chemistry—their voices blending Ford’s smoky, experienced tone with Hale’s dynamic power. The crowd erupted as two generations connected on a song about longing and intensity.
Another thrilling moment from the Webster Hall gig: Lita Ford brought out Lzzy Hale (and Dorothy’s vocalist) for a revved-up rendition of The Runaways’ “Cherry Bomb”. The performance turned into a full-on celebration of rock history, with the women owning the stage and declaring the spirit of The Runaways alive “37 years later.” These joint appearances weren’t just cameos—they were statements of solidarity, skill, and pure rock ‘n’ roll fire.
Lasting Impact and Legacy
The 2016 tour and its “promo” moments (photos, live clips, interviews) reminded fans why Lita Ford and Lzzy Hale deserve the “queens of rock” title. Ford proved her enduring relevance, showing the fire that made her a pioneer still burned bright. Hale demonstrated respect for those who came before while asserting her place among the greats.
Their collaboration inspired countless fans, especially women and girls in rock, proving that talent and attitude transcend eras. In a genre that has historically underrepresented women, seeing these two powerhouses unite onstage sent a powerful message: the throne is big enough for multiple queens.
Even years later, clips from those 2016 nights circulate widely on YouTube and social media, with fans calling them timeless examples of rock sisterhood. Lzzy Hale and Lita Ford didn’t just share a stage—they ignited a spark that continues to light up the rock scene. Queens of rock, indeed—united, unstoppable, and forever rocking.