Gretna Van Fleet, the namesake of rock band Greta Van Fleet, passed away on Monday, May 18th, at age 95.
Greta Van Fleet got their name when original drummer Kyle Hauck mentioned that his grandfather was dropping him off “to cut wood for Gretna Van Fleet.” Frontman Josh Kiszka then insisted on taking out the “n” from Gretna to form the band’s name, which received a blessing from Gretna herself.
“I think they checked out my background to make sure I wasn’t on the 10 most wanted list or something, and they went ahead with it,” quipped Gretna about the band name in an interview with The Saginaw News in 2019.
According to her obituary, Gretna was a founding member of the Bag Ladies at her local church, helping to sew and mend garments for community members and soldiers.
Gretna was also a musician, playing drums, tuba, cornet, saxophone, standup bass, violin, dulcimer, psaltery, organ and piano over the course of her life. In her 20s, she formed a band named the Allenaires with her brothers. Interestingly, three-fourths of Greta Van Fleet are brothers.
The news of Gretna’s passing comes just as Greta Van Fleet announce a comeback show set for May 27th in New York City at the Bowery Ballroom. Tickets will be on sale at the box office only on May 26th. It is the band’s first show in nearly two years, with their last performance coming on September 29th, 2024.
Before the music and the crowds, the name belonged to Gretna Van Fleet. The woman who unknowingly inspired a piece of rock history. Rest easy, Gretna. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/Ln9q7iLA5d
— GVF Updates (@allthingsgvf) May 19, 2026
