thewellmonttheatre

Jerry Cantrell

Concert Reviews

March 12, 2023 – The Wellmont Theatre, Montclair NJ

Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry

Nine time Grammy Award nominated Jerry Cantrell stopped by the Wellmont Theater in Montclair NJ to greet his adoring fans in support of his latest solo release, “Brighten”. 

Cantrell was accompanied by Seattle-based Thunderpussy as his opening act. The all female band boasts a unique rock sound which delivers the powerful all-female presence of Molly Sides (vocals), Whitney Petty* (guitar), Leah Julius (bass), and Lindsey Elias (drums).

Although I have been an Alice In Chains (AIC) fan for some time, this was only my second time seeing Jerry Cantrell perform. While “in tune” and musically well present in the 90’s, I wasn’t in this profession until now, so didn’t previously have the opportunity to see Layne Staley (late front man of AIC). I only experienced Jerry live with new AIC vocalist William Duvall which to me (if I close my eyes and absorb phonically) was the next best thing.

Released in 2021, and having kept fans in anticipation for nineteen years, Cantrell’s Brighten is the third solo album by the acclaimed Alice In Chains founder, guitarist and vocalist. Cantrell and his band boarded the smokey and dimly lit stage to a roaring crowd itching to catch a more close up, intimate experience of Cantrell at the moderately sized, yet iconic, and to some (like myself)… somewhat nostalgic venue.

Jerry opened with “Atone” which is the first single released from Brighten and in a recent interview with SiriusXM, Cantrell spoke of how many of his songs were born from long periods of crafting. “The riff to Atone; I mean I literally had it for years –  couldn’t finish it. It comes when it comes, I’ve learned to not discard things.” This potentially explains the nineteen years of anticipation!

While the stage and lighting was more dimly lit than preferred for the photographers, it set the cool vibe for the evening which was well- welcomed by the crowded house. I was a little concerned that people may be there just to hear AIC songs but was pleased to witness the audience enjoying what Jerry brought to the stage and what he effectively delivered in his performance.  

Jerry sounded great and his supporting cast were exceptionally talented and delivered a strong night of excellent Rock & Roll!

Jerry Cantrell (vocals/guitar), Tyler Bates (guitar), Greg Puciato (vocals), Gil Sharone (drums), George Adrian (bass), Michael Rozon (pedal steel) & Jason Achilles (keys).

For more info please visit: http://www.jerrycantrell.com

Setlist

  1. Atone
  2. Psychotic Break
  3. Them Bones
  4. Siren Song
  5. Cut You In
  6. My Song
  7. Check My Brain
  8. Black Hearts and Evil Done
  9. Between
  10. Angel Eyes
  11. Had to Know
  12. No Excuses
  13. Lesson Learned
  14. Man in the Box
  15. Would?
  16. Whale & Wasp (Encore)
  17. Brighten (Encore)
  18. Down in a Hole (Encore)
  19. Rooster (Encore)
  20. Goodbye (Encore)

Alter Bridge

Concert Reviews

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

Anthrax // Black Label Society

Concert Reviews

January 31, 2023 – The Wellmont Theatre, Montclair NJ

Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry

Black Label Society & Exodus lit the stage on fire for the one and only Anthrax.  One doesn’t need to open an unmarked envelope to know the power of Anthrax. 

The Wellmont was packed to the roof with a sold out crowd, substantiating that this slash metal genre doesn’t exist without the fans, the music and musicians. The fans and music have been crucial in keeping this scene alive. As Zetro once quoted, “Slash Metal doesn’t exist without each other. It’s the only form of music that has to have both.  You are either a metalhead or you’re not.  It’s your mindset.”Metalheads will always be there and they were on this night with this killer lineup. 

The heavy hitting Exodus opened the evening with a thunderous performance with Steve “Zetro” Souza (vocals), Gary Holt (guitar), Lee Altus (guitar), Jack Gibson (bass) and Tom Hunting (drums). Since their formation in 1979, Exodus has released eleven studio albums, two live albums, one compilation album, and a re-recording of their first album. Along with Metallica, they are often credited as pioneers of the Bay Area thrash metal scene. Founding member Gary Holt has managed to keep the band alive during what can be perceived as a turbulent existence. And thankfully so, as what transpires on stage delivers thrash metal fans an express trip to metal euphoria.  

As anyone with a particular pallet knows anything “Black Label” is of premium quality and the appropriately named Black Label Society (BLS) is no exception. You don’t need to plant a bean and grow a bean stalk to experience the presence of GIANTS.  BLS consists of the legend himself, Zakk Wylde (frontman, guitarist), Dario Lorina (guitar), John “J.D.” DeServio (bass), and Jeff Fabb (drums). Kilt and all, giant presence with giant shredding are the best way to describe Zakk and BLS.  Boot stomping, vein popping, head banging & hair tossing energy, the band throws down thrash metal rock like no other and were the perfect set up for Anthrax.

This tour is part to Anthrax’s 40th anniversary celebration wrapping up on February 18th. Formed in 1981 in New York City, Anthrax has released a total of 11 studio albums, received 6 grammy nominations, and along with Metallica, Slayer & Megadeth… Anthrax is one of the exclusive “Big Four” defining the thrash slash metal genre. Anthrax consists of long time members, Joey Belladonna (vocals), Scott Ian (rhythm guitar), Fank Bello (bass), Jonathan Donais (guitar) and Charlie Benante (drums).

The headliner powerhouse started the evening substantiating their thrash metal prowess with a 10 minute video showcasing music icons and celebrities sharing love for Anthrax in short quotes.  The last couple minutes of the video were edited down to Hollywood and musical icons such as Keanu Reeves, Slash, Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Henry Rollins, Dee Snider, Rob Zombie, Sammy Hagar, Rick Nielsen, John 5, and many more…all repeating “Anthrax, Anthrax, Anthrax, Anthrax” until the curtain dropped, the band came on stage, and the crowds anticipation was satisfied. 

If I didn’t say it enough already in this review, the entire evening was high energy.  Anthrax has always been high voltage and the sold out crowd welcomed it like a lightning rod welcomes a bolt of electricity. Anthrax sent a jolt to the packed house of fans who will all go home feeling the intense electricity of the evening. 

I look forward to experiencing Anthrax when lightning strikes again whether in the same spot or not!

For more info please visit: http://www.anthrax.com http://www.blacklabelsociety.com http://www.exodusattack.com

Setlist // Anthrax

  1. Among the Living
  2. Caught in a Mosh
  3. Madhouse
  4. Metal Thrashing Mad
  5. Keep It in the Family
  6. Antisocial
  7. I Am the Law
  8. In the End
  9. Only
  10. Got the Time
  11. Bring the Noise
  12. Indians

Setlist // BLS

  1. Funeral Bell
  2. The Beginning…At Last
  3. Destroy & Conquer
  4. Destruction Overdrive
  5. Heart of Darkness
  6. A Love Unreal
  7. You Made Me Want to Live
  8. In This River
  9. Trampled Down Below
  10. Set You Free
  11. Fire It Up
  12. Suicide Messiah
  13. Stillborn

Setlist // Exodus

  1. The Beatings Will Continue
  2. A Lesson in Violence
  3. Blood In, Blood Out
  4. Blacklist
  5. Piranha
  6. Prescribing Horror
  7. Bonded by Blood
  8. The Toxic Waltz
  9. Strike of the Beast

Ministry

Concert Reviews

March 12, 2022 – The Wellmont, Montclair NJ

Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry

Ministry / Industrial Strength Tour

Not many bands have the presence, or know how to make a statement quite like Ministry and Saturday night was no exception.  Joined by Corrosion of Conformity, a heavy metal band from Raleigh, NC (also known as C.O.C.) and Melvins, a Washington State tenant of sludge-metal, the night was a powerhouse, recking ball of industrial strength & metal rock.

Church was in session with Ministry, lead by the constant intensity and powerful strong vocals of Al Jourgensen. The pioneering, high octane filled band spread their Gospel, fueled by powerful lyrics representing anti-fascism, equal rights, and distaste of political corruption.

As the stage techs finished constructing Ministry’s iconic fence, prior to the band walking out, the lights dimmed and the large screen in back center stage illuminated with the Ukrainian Flag which read, “Ministry Stands with Ukraine”, as the Ukrainian National Anthem played. It was a unique, one of a kind experience as timing for this show combined with the lyrics the band preaches is impeccable, as Russian forces continue to bombard and invade the Ukraine for the third week in a row leaving death and destruction in their wake. 

The strong, powerful vocals, mixed with electrifying, aggressive “riffage” from Ministry spread through the Wellmont Theatre all night to a packed, head banging crowd.

“Uncle Al” complemented his tattooed and pierced face with a black vest, arm sleeves, and accent neck pieces of a cross, skull, dog-tag, and bullet resembling the vigor he brings to each performance. He shook the cage as he sang, as if he and his band mates were caged animals, threatening to escape and infiltrate the sea of fans taking it all in.

Lead guitarist, Monte Pittman’s high energy and skillful guitar playing captivated admirers and provided an extra jolt to an already electrified performance. Cesar Soto (guitar), Paul D’Amour (bass), Roy Mayorga (drums) & John Bechdel (keys) were no disappointments either – that’s one hell of a band!

My ears were buzzing the entire day after, and I’d do it again within a blink of an eye.

The Industrial Strength tour celebrates 30 years of Ministry’s landmark album, “The Mind Is A Terrible Thing to Taste”.  The night included songs from that album as well as debut songs from the bands brand new 15th studio album, “Moral Hygiene”.

For more info please visit http://www.ministryband.com

Setlist

  1. Breathe
  2. The Missing
  3. Deity
  4. Stigmata
  5. Supernaut
  6. Don’t Stand in Line
  7. Man Should Surrender
  8. Burning Inside
  9. N.W.O.
  10. Just One Fix
  11. Thieves
  12. So What
  13. Art Level (Encore)
  14. Good Trouble (Encore)
  15. Search and Destroy (Encore)

Psychedelic Furs

Concert Reviews

March 11, 2022 – The Wellmont , Montclair NJ

Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry

Being a high school product of the mid 80’s, and a fan of 80’s punk & rock music, (as well as John Hughes films), I didn’t know what to expect as I was driving up the Garden State Parkway, about to review the Psychedelic Furs.  Would they be stuck in the 80’s? What would they wear? Would they have 80’s hair?  Would they even have hair? How old do they really look (and sound)?  I mean, it’s been over 30 years since they’ve released an album. I thought to myself, I don’t think it will be a packed house… I mean, I danced to their songs at my high school prom for shit’s sake…

I arrived early and caught the opening act, Royston Langdon.  He seemed to have a following, as some of the young members of the audience who crowded the lower level of the theatre to experience him left after his performance. This, in turn, left me with a worried feeling, fearing a lack of attendance for the Psychedelic Furs.  

I found Royston to be an awkward mix of Johnny Cash & Justin Bieber (as if you can try to picture that) but as he played, I warmed up to him and can see why he has a cultish following. He played a hard-strumming guitar with a strong range of vocals, from a deep bass and upper baritone to a high treble. I enjoyed his performance.

Thankfully and a bit to my pleasure, the theatre filled quickly as the techs prepped the stage for the Furs. I found myself frequently looking back to the audience from up close near the pit, and each time I turned, the crowd filled in more and more.  Ultimately, it was truly a packed house of Psychedelic Fur fans and fans of 80’s music. I was pleasantly surprised.

The Butler brothers, Richard (lead vocal) and Tim (bass), and the rest of the band members, Rich Good (lead guitar), Mars Williams (sax) and Zack Alford (drums), walked on stage as the lights dimmed, greeting the applauding crowd with a wave as they took to their positions. Before even hearing a note or tune, I was immediately launched back to my high school days when I noticed their hair and Richard’s baggy pants accompanied by an English tuxedo jacket with tails.  Brother Tim on bass dressed more modern Rock & Roll, with side snap jeans and a skull embroidered blazer, as did Rich and Mars, with form fitting jeans, cool tee’s, and stylish button downs. A very cool political (more humanitarian) statement of peace was made by Rich Good, as his guitar adorned the Ukrainian flags colors of blue and gold, acknowledging his support as the country has been continually under siege by Russian forces these past 3 weeks.

As if the the visual of the band didn’t throw me back enough, the moment they started playing, the lead vocals of Richard Butler catapulted me, pleasantly back in time with his smooth melancholy tones.  The Furs didn’t act their age either, and what I mean by that is, they are great performers!  Theatrical, with plenty of movement as they seemed to connect intimately with the crowd, as if knowing the impact they had on their generation.  Tim interacted closely, leaning into the crowd with his bass and Mars used every inch of the stage as he played his iconic sax sounds for which the band is so well known.

The British Punk Rock band opened with “Highwire Days” followed by many more favorites, incorporating a good mix of new songs and old, including their famed “Pretty in Pink” – finishing off with “Heartbreak Beat” before the encore “Sister Europe” & “India”.

It was a great, nostalgic evening.  I found myself wanting to hear and see more, and I’d do it again in a “Heartbreak Beat”!

For more info please visit http://www.thepsychedelicfurs.com

Gin Blossoms

Concert Reviews

November 19, 2021 – Wellmont Theatre, Montclair NJ

Gin Blossoms dominated radio and MTV playlists for most of the 90’s. Their breakout album “New Miserable Experience” was their rise to fame, with hit singles such as: “Hey Jealousy”, “Allison Road, “Until I Fall Away”, “Mrs. Rita” and “Found Out About You”.

Gin Blossoms hit the scene in the early 90’s with their edgy pop music, which at the time was markedly different from the bulk of the 1990’s modern rock albums. They were the darlings of national radio stations as the band saw early success. Fast forward 30 years later and the Gin Blossoms still have a cultish following made up of those who seemed to be…not quite the early jumpers to the grunge scene of the 90’s.

Asa the lights dimmed on the anticipatory crowd within the Wellmont, the Gin Blossoms took their positions on stage, raising an occasion arm welcoming the audience. Then band opened with “Follow You Down”, a less traditional, “hold on to you ever so tightly” love song that the audience san along with start to finish. They played to not quite a sold out show, but the Wellmont was still packed with adoring fans.

The one set-back of this event, and pretty much any event at the Wellmont that doesn’t hold the viewers attention start to finish, is the venue acoustics. Towards the back of the venue, within closed doors of the event (not behind closed doors), are three bars serving drinks to attendees. While I enjoy the occasional cocktail (not while shooting of course), the noise from the ar scene was overwhelmingly distracting to the point where on-goers were actually “shhh’ing” the beverage patrons in an effort to hear the music. It was a loud bar scene and is a definite venue issue needing to be resolved, which in my opinion, disrespectfully affects the opening bands far more than the headliners, but also effects paying ticket holders equally as important.

Gin Blossoms consists of members Robin Wilson (lead vocals, guitar), Scott Johnson (guitar), Jesse Valenzuela (guitar), Bill Leen (Bass) and Scott Hessel (Drums). They are currently touring across 2 countries and has 57 upcoming concerts, ending in Toronto, ON on July 21, 2022.

For more info please visit http://www.ginblossoms.com

Snoop Dogg

Concert Reviews

January 23, 2020 – Wellmont Theatre, Monclair NJ

Warren G opened and appropriately set the mood with DJ’s and pole dancers -providing what was to be a grand entrance for the greatest rapper of all time. Snoop Dogg appeared from the…we’ll call it “smoke” filled stage like a ghost ship breaking through fog, appearing as smooth as ever, blunt in hand as if gliding on water. He danced and grooved through all of his songs, engulfing the audience with his cool-cat vibe where clearly the fans just could not get enough of him.

To the delight of the crowd, he performed his Rap classics “The Next Episode”, “Nothin But a G Thang”, “Doggy Style”, “P.I.M.P.” as well as some new hits off his latest album, most notably,”I Wanna Thank me”. Snoop played well into the evening closing the show with “Gin and Juice” to a full, standing and grooving audience reminiscing of the old days.

The “I Wanna Thank Me” tour kicked off in San Francisco on December 2nd and will conclude on January 26th in Detroit. This tour is powered by Snoop Dogg’s newest live entertainment company, Bobby Dee Presents.

For more info please visit http://www.snoopdogg.com