Alter Bridge
4 March 2005
London Astoria
I, like many others, had a problem with Creed and that problem was vocalist Scott Stapp. So when Creed split and Alter Bridge was born with Myles Kennedy taking the mic, I was interested to check them out. Conversely there were many who did like Creed, in fact on record sales at least 20 million, and a change so integral to a band`s sound could prove tough. Tonight Alter Bridge air no Creed songs, indicating they have their sights set very much on the future.
Title track One Day Remains was so quick off the blocks that it seemed to catch the soundman napping with it`s bouncy riff seemingly swimming in clay. However, by Mark Temonti`s Zakk Wylde like solo things improve considerably. Watch Your Words follows showcasing Alter Bridge at their heaviest. Vocalist Myles Kennedy seems every inch the rock god carrying round his mic stand and hitting notes like Chris Cornell in his prime.
Alter Bridge are a much heavier proposition than you might think, but they are equally able to turn things on their head with emotion packed songs such as Burn It Down and The End Is Here, which tonight pull heart strings in the fashion the late Jeff Buckley was able to.
Broken Wings is introduced by Mark Tremonti as the bands new video and following fun run through`s of The Who`s Teenage Wasteland and Led Zeppelin`s Rock & Roll, he takes centre stage again for a solo spot. Tremonti evidently puts his heart and soul into Alter Bridge. Easily the most mobile member of the band he looks absorbed in every minute of tonight`s set and proves himself to be a very talented guitarist.
Kennedy joins in on guitar for Down To My Last which closes the main set with the audience trying to match his soaring voice on the chorus.
Stools are put out for the band who return for an acoustic In Loving Memory, in total contrast to the following riotous cover of Ozzy`s Crazy Train. The band wrap things up with Open Your Eyes, the reaction to which nearly managing to fulfil Kennedy`s wish for it to lift the roof.
With Myles Kennedy Alter Bridge are fronted by not only a more likeable frontman than in their Creed past, but also one with an infinitely better set of lungs. On tonight`s showing the future looks bright and the band will be back on our shores for an appearance at the Download festival in June.
Alter Bridge set list:
One Day Remains / Watch Your Words / Shed My Skin / Find The Real / Burn It Down / Metalingus / The End Is Here / Broken Wings / Teenage Wasteland / Rock & Roll / Down To My Last / In Loving Memory / Crazy Train / Open Your Eyes
LINKS:
Alter Bridge
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