LIVE REVIEW: ALTER BRIDGE, SKILLET AND DIRTY HONEY

Preceding the release of their sixth studio album, Walk The Sky, Alter Bridge has hit the road along with co-headliners Skillet and freshman rockers Dirty Honey.  This evening would see them take the stage at NYC’s Time Square PlayStation Theater.  With over 2,000 in attendance the Big Apple crowd would be in a for a great evening of rock.

Hitting the stage first would be LA natives Dirty Honey.  Prior to the show I gave a listen to their hit single “When I’m Gone” and took a liken to them right away.  Their unique sound reminds me a bit of Led Zeppelin meets 80’s metallers Tesla, but not quite.  I can’t quite pinpoint it but that’s what makes Dirty Honey stand out, a familiar sound but unique.  And their stage presence added to the aura with bassist Justin Smolian’s long curly locks leading the way almost reminiscent of ex-Faith No More guitarist Jim Martin.  Marc LaBelle would provide a swagger with just the right amount of attitude with John Notto (guitar) and Corey Coverstone (drums) rounding things out.  This show turned me into an instant fan and the packed crowd seemed to agree.  I highly recommend checking out their self-titled debut release.  And if you’re hitting up this tour get there early for these guys you will not be disappointed.

Next up on the bill were co-headliners Skillet.  The two decade plus veterans were the highlight of the evening in regard to stage show.  Lead vocalist John Cooper, rhythm guitarist Korey Cooper, drummer Jen Ledger and lead guitarist Seth Morrison kicked the energy up a notch with their blistering set.  Now I never really gave Skillet a good listen but after this performance I can tell you I’ve been missing out.  I never realized just how heavy this band is.  And the energy they brought to the stage was second to none.  Just a fantastic stage show complete with platforms for Korey and Seth that would rise and drop similar to what you’d see at a Kiss show.  And then there’s the concoction that John was set up with attached to his arms spewing out foam.  Extremely impressive performance for the packed house. 

Rounding out the evening would be Alter Bridge.  Formed from the ashes of multi-platinum superstars Creed, Alter Bridge is the brainchild of lead guitarist Mark Tremonti.  Along with former Creed members Brian Marshall (bass guitar) and Scott Phillips (drums), Tremonti set out for a fresh start.  Although proud of his Creed days it was time to take the next step in his musical maturation.  The difference came in the form of Myles Kennedy.

Having toured with Kennedy’s previous band, The Mayfield Four, during their Creed days Kennedy has not only brought in a much different vocal style with a much higher octave than Scott Stapp (Creed vocalist), he is also an incredible guitarist and has an innate ability to write, all major pieces no prevalent with their previous frontman experience.

Continuing the trend of doing things different Alter Bridge would tour the European market intensively from day one and it would pay off.  These days you’ll find Alter Bridge playing to sold-out crowds across the continent with the U.K. market being especially kind to them where they play to packed arenas including London’s Wembley.  Alter Bridge have also found themselves as the main support act at legendary Donington Castle’s Download Festival, entertaining nearly 100,000 concertgoers.  After nearly a decade and a half the U.S. is finally starting to take notice where they are headlining 2,000 plus seat theaters. 

As Alter Bridge took to the stage at New York City’s PlayStation Theater there would be no major production here, no laser show or 30 foot flames, instead the quartet would provide all that was needed with their raw intensity lead by Kennedy and Tremonti.  The quartet would open the set with a monster off their soon to be released sixth studio album Walk The Sky, “Wouldn’t You Rather.” This would get the attention of the capacity crowd quickly.

The ferocity would continue with “Isolation” off their critically acclaimed third record AB III.  This would be one of several anthems in the set that would see major crowd participation.  Throughout the evening there would be many moments like this on tracks such as “Addicted to Pain,” “Metalingus” and their seminal hit “Blackbird.”

These days no Alter Bridge show would be complete without lead guitarist Mark Tremonti taking the helm on lead vocals for “Waters Rising” from their masterpiece Fortress.  For those not familiar Tremonti is a great frontman in his own right as he handles lead vocals for his other band simply going by the moniker Tremonti.  With four great metal albums released and more to come he has become one of the genre’s strongest frontmen. 

Tying off the 13 song setlist would be a number off of their debut record One Day Remains, “Open Your Eyes.”  You see to really get the Alter Bridge experience you need to see them live.  Not only are they one of today’s premier groups, they are also one of the sincerest group of guys taking the stage today.  You not only get the sense that they give a shit about their fans you know they do.  Whether it’s the pre-and post-show interaction with the fans or how they connect with you while on stage by making eye contact or throwing a grin your way.  They remember the fans that have shown up at different venues.  It’s not only the amazing music they create, it’s their loyalty to their fans.  This has created a well-deserved allegiance that continues to grow. 

Be sure to check out the Alter Bridge/Skillet/Dirty Honey tour when it makes its way through your area.  Also be sure to pre-order a copy of Alter Bridge’s forthcoming album Walk The Sky out October 18^th. 

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