Alter Bridge, performing their Walk The Sky Tour with special guests Shinedown and The Raven Age, at The Motorpoint Arena Nottingham on Saturday 14th December 2019



Images and Review by Kevin Cooper

American band, Alter Bridge came to the Motorpoint Arena last night to head a line up of rock, and as they thrashed, bashed and thrilled they left this packed Arena wanting more.

English melodic metal core band, The Raven Age stood in for Sevendust, who had to cancel due to drummer Morgan Rose’s hospitalisation. And this five piece did themselves proud with a set list that included songs from their two albums and their latest single, Fleur De Lis, which the crowd really appreciated.

Up next were Shinedown who kicked off their set with Devil from their latest album, Attention Attention, before following up with the high voltage Diamond Eyes (Boom-Lay Boom-Lay Boom) which set the mood perfectly.

Front man Brent Smith captivated this sold out Arena as he sent merchandise flying into the crowd and asked that everyone shake hands with their fellow concert goers. There was the fist pumping Enemies and as guitarist Zach Myers made full use of the stage, Eric Bass’ energy and talent on bass stood out on the likes of Cut The Chord and Simple Man.

Finishing with Sound Of Madness and Brilliant on which Barry Kerch’s drumming was awesome, Shinedown had kept up their end of the bargain to enthral and entertain with a set that ended too soon.

Alter Bridge are fronted by arguably one of the finest rock singers currently performing, Myles Kennedy, who had the crowd head banging from the off. Touring to promote their latest album, Walk The Sky, they kicked off with new song, the mid tempo and intense Wouldn’t You Rather which was followed by throw back hit, Isolation.

Ghosts Of Days Gone By showcased their sing along choruses as well as killer guitar solos that has seen guitarist Mark Tremonti named one of ‘The guitarists of the decade’ by the readers of Guitar World. The epic Cry Of Achilles really cranked up the head banging as the crowd were taken on a journey of musical and lyrical magnificence.

Tremonti’s riffs were instantly recognisable as were his confident vocals on Waters Rising. New songs such as Pay No Mind, Native Son and Take The Crown sat nicely alongside their signature song, Blackbird and when the distinctive and familiar drum intro signalled the always awesome Metalingus, the crowd screamed their delight.

Finishing with the thunderous Addicted To Pain, Alter Bridge had proved that high quality hard rock is still very much alive and kicking.