In an era where so much popular music is manufactured and so-called stars don’t possess the ability to write songs, play instruments or hold a tune it is refreshing to see a good, old-fashioned rock band who pride themselves on live performances of their own songs.
- Alter Bridge Tour The UK
I’m talking about American rockers Alter Bridge, who are touring the UK this autumn and BritEvents.com has tickets to their gigs.
Alter Bridge, whilst not widely known in this country, are a highly regarded US rock band that formed in 2004 in Orlando, Florida after the breakup of ‘Creed’, with Mark Tremonti, Brian Marshall, Scott Phillips of that band being joined by vocalist Myles Kennedy. The band’s name derives from an actual bridge in Detroit near Tremonti’s home.
The band’s first album ‘One Day Remains’, released in 2004 received mixed reviews at the time and was not commercially successful although the classic track ‘Metalingus’ was later adopted by WWE wrestling star Edge as his entrance theme and remains a favourite of wrestling fans.
After changing record label the band released the albums ‘Blackbird’ in 2007 and AB III 2010 to far more critical and commercial success. The band’s music has been variously described as heavy, yet melodic, hard rock, alternative, progressive and post-grunge. The band cite influences such as Led Zeppellin, Metallica, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Soundgarden, Iron Maiden and ACDC – a virtual list of rock’s greatest bands and that should tell you all you need to know about the musical style of the band.
Although Alter Bridge remain relatively low profile compared to rock bands like Foo Fighters, they are well-known for their live performances and love of touring, with a preference for smaller venues although this autumn’s dates are set for UK arenas. As Myles Kennedy has said in the past “We’re definitely a live band. That’s what it’s all about for us”. They performed to rave reviews at several rock festivals this summer and now they’re set to wow their fans in a tour with support from Black Stone Cherry and Theory of a Deadman, starting in November.
Kennedy’s voice is one of the main reasons to go and see this band live. He’s widely regarded within the music industry as shown by the fact he rehearsed with Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham with a view to Led Zeppelin re-forming with him as vocalist. Whilst that project came to nothing the fact that he was considered as a possible replacement for rock legend Robert Plant speaks volumes for his reputation and ability. Kennedy has a tenor’s vocal range that spans four octaves ensuring that his live performances match those on the studio albums – not something that all rock bands can guarantee.
Although the Led Zep project didn’t pan out, Kennedy has worked extensively with former Guns ‘n’ Roses lead guitarist Slash, performing two songs on his first solo album, touring with him as lead vocalist and agreeing to the same role in Slash’s second solo project which will be released sometime in the future. Kennedy was originally offered the role as lead singer with another of Slash’s bands, Velvet Revolver, an offer he declined.
Kennedy’s rich voice is clearly influenced by more than his love of rock music. It’s obvious that Robert Plant was an idol of Kennedy but many may be surprised to hear that as a child he also loved his parent’s Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder records. In his formative years Kennedy was also an accomplished jazz guitarist, playing with local bands in Washington State where he grew up. He also appeared in the movie ‘Rock Star’ and was the only actor whose actual singing voice was used, although the film was generally derided.
At the conclusion of this tour the band are rumoured to be heading back to the US where they will concentrate on other projects in 2012 before beginning work on new material in 2013. This means that the six-date UK arena tour this autumn will be the last chance for fans to catch the band for some time.
For those new to Alter Bridge they’re a really great live rock band, featuring the talent of a truly gifted front man in Myles Kennedy. The band are accomplished performers and what you see is all real. They’ve worked at and perfected their craft, their songs are drawn from their own experiences and you can tell this from the passion they show on stage. They’re the antithesis of modern pop and are so much the better for that.
Make sure you catch this band and get your Alter Bridge tickets at BritEvents.com
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