February 1, 2023 – The Wellmont Theatre, Montclair NJ

Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry

Leading man Myles Kennedy graced the great state of New Jersey again as Alter Bridge continued their North American “Pawns & Kings Tour” with yet again, another sold out show at The Wellmont Theater in Montclair.  The 90’s rock legends who make up Alter Bridge are touring in support of their latest LP which holds the same title as the tour.  

Mammoth WVH and Red are special guests along for the ride and are a perfect match, opening the shows and appropriately contributing to the powerful presence of Alter Bridge. Red kicked off the evening with a great performance. The band has been in the studio working on a brand new full-length LP. The album – titled “Rated R” – is due out this spring. Rated R is the band’s eighth album and first drop with new drummer Brian Medeiros.

Mammoth followed. I’ve seen (and reviewed) Mammoth before and loved them. The Wolfgang Van Halen led band had a mammoth year in 2022. They released their debut album, where the band and their lead single “Distance” received a GRAMMY nomination for Best Rock Performance. Mammoth have been busy last year touring relentlessly in support of the debut project and after a short break are back out on the road with Alter Bridge.  The hard playing but melancholic sounds and smile on Wolfgangs face as he plays are welcoming and always bodes well with the audience. It resonates well with me, so-much-so that while I’m not a big “Merch” guy, I bought a sweatshirt and I’m looking forward to them coming back around again.

It was my second time seeing Myles Kennedy but first time seeing Alter Bridge.  While both experiences were epic, seeing Alter Bridge (knowing of their history and the elite 90’s rock status of the members) had me fueled. The band’s origins date back to late 2003 when Kennedy was contacted by former Creed guitarist Mark Tremonti, who was interested in having Kennedy lay down vocal tracks for some songs he had recently written. Tremonti and drummer Scott Phillips had reunited with former bassist Brian Marshall who had left Creed in 2000 to form a new band and shortly after, Alter Bridge was born.

For those that don’t know, Alter Bridge, takes its name from an actual bridge that used to be located near Tremonti’s home in Detroit.

With Kennedy on guitar and lead vocals, alongside Mark Tremonti (guitar), Brian Marshall (bass) and Scott Phillips on drums, it was a “can’t go wrong”, great performance of perfect guitar riffs and tremendous energy. The sold out crowd had mirroring energy too as they awaited Alter Bridge.  Myles and team come out on stage and to their places in a slow modest form but the moment the first cord is struck electricity and high energy explode through the venue. Myles demonstrates vocal versatility with the ability to hold an extended note accompanied by exceptional technical guitar playing. Tremonti (also with a smile) was an absolute beast on guitar and contributed just as well to the vocals as the band slayed all evening. 

Red, Mammoth & Alter Bridge make a perfect package worth unwrapping if you have the chance to go see them.

For more info please visit http://www.alterbridge.com // http://www.mammothwvh.com

Setlist // Alter Bridge

1. Silver Tongue
2. Addicted to Pain
3. Ghost of Days Gone By
4. Holiday
5. Broken Wings
6. This Is War
7. Cry of Achilles
8. Burn It Down
9. Watch Over You
10. In Loving Memory
11. Blackbird
12. Pawns & Kings
13. Wouldn’t You Rather
14. Isolation
15. Metalingus
16. Rise Today (Encore)

Setlist // Mammoth

1. Mammoth
2. Mr. Ed
3. Epiphany
4. Stone
5. Think It Over
6. Distance
7. You’re to Blame
8. Don’t Back Down