No Fortress
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But what we did get was a revamped vision of what Alter Bridge can be. Gone are the days of awkward chorus FX on the vocals and songs being played too fast for their own good. A world of difference! They're playing with more respect to the original songs. With a steadier groove and the right tempo for each song, you get dragged in more, and Myles has the time for his vocals to give his full attention to every note. The results are scaringly good, at times even surpassing studio work. He did some ridiculously bluesy variations in the verses of Blackbird.
Great, great set. Amazing performance, the mix was really good, and I really thought the band were having a blast. There was always a gap in between songs but that's for a good purpose: the click track. Flip is really groovin' naturally with it.
Halestorm were great! Didn't know them so they were a nice surprise. That singer lady is amazing! She also came on stage with Myles for a beautiful version of Watch Over You.
Highlights:
Halestorm putting on a very energetic show
Cry of Achilles bridge (the huge break with the bass riff) and Myles' guitar solo. The sheer volume was breathtaking.
Brand New Start
BLACKBIRD - Don't ever drop that from the set please!
Calm The Fire vocal intro, huge!
Waters Rising with Myles announcing Mark on lead vox - that dude can sing!
Farther than the sun intro riff!
Slip to the Void
Broken Wings
Ghosts of Days Gone By - I don't wanna die!!
Watch Over You
Ties That Bind - doesn't get old
A bass pick from Brian Marshall that landed in my eye, and me finding it on the ground! Way cool!
Lowlights:
No Fortress
No optimal sound during the opener Addicted to Pain - but I'm thinking the band is doing that on purpose. Better have that one ruined by the sound than a song like Cry of Achilles.
People singing annoyingly loud and out of tune
CELLPHONES - I could rant a page full on this
Being the driver for the night
Okay.. Before Tomorrow Comes. I understand why they play it. It got a lot of love from the audience. Luckily they launched into Farther than the Sun straight after. Makes for a great contrast. Dragging Generic AB Song vs Extremy Badass RIFF Turned Up To Eleven and Tuned The F**k Down!
Verdict of the night:
Alter Bridge are (perhaps contrary to the ABIII tour) on top of their game and are perhaps the best ROCK band in the world today.