Photos and Review by Ilya Mirman
Galleries: Alter Bridge, Mammoth WVH
Alter Bridge, the band known for their heavy riffs and soulful vocals, recently rocked the stage in Boston, delivering a powerful performance to a sold-out crowd. The concert, which took place at Boston’s Roadrunner Club, was part of the band’s Pawns & Kings tour, in support of their latest album of the same name.
The night kicked off with an energetic performance by opening act Mammoth WVH, the solo project of Wolfgang Van Halen. Alongside Wolfgang, the son of legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen, were four superbly talented musicians who helped bring his vision to life.
Guitarists Frank Sidoris and Jon Jourdan added depth and style, weaving a hard rocking tapestry of sound. Bassist Ronnie Ficarro held down the low end, providing a solid foundation for the rest of the band to build upon. His precise and dynamic playing added depth and nuance to the music, creating a rich and full-bodied sound. Drummer Garret Whitlock provided the driving force behind the band’s heavy and hard-hitting sound. With his powerful rhythms and impeccable timing, he kept the energy high and the crowd on their feet throughout the entire concert.
Together, the five musicians created an explosive and dynamic sound that was nothing short of impressive. Songs like “Don’t Back Down” and “Think It Over” showcased the band’s ability to write catchy and memorable hooks, while the emotional ballad “Distance” paid tribute to Wolfgang’s late father, Eddie.
Throughout the set, Wolfgang’s dynamic vocals and virtuosic guitar playing were on full display, as he effortlessly switched between instruments and delivered blistering solos. Despite the heavy and sometimes melancholic subject matter of the music, the atmosphere of the set was electric. With exceptional musicianship, powerful vocals, and heartfelt songwriting, Mammoth WVH is a force to be reckoned with.
As the lights dimmed, the crowd erupted into cheers as Alter Bridge took the stage, opening with the thunderous “Silver Tongue” from their latest album. The band, consisting of lead vocalist Myles Kennedy, guitarist Mark Tremonti, bassist Brian Marshall, and drummer Scott Phillips, immediately established their commanding presence and tight musicianship.
Throughout the night, Alter Bridge played a mix of old favorites and new hits, seamlessly blending their heavy rock sound with Kennedy’s soaring vocals. Songs like “Isolation,” “Broken Wings,” and “Blackbird” had the crowd singing along at the top of their lungs, while newer tracks like “Pawns & Kings” and “Stay” showcased some of the band’s evolution.
One of the standout moments of the night came during the acoustic portion of the set, when Kennedy and Tremonti performed a stripped-down rendition of “In Loving Memory.” The emotional ballad, written in memory of Tremonti’s late mother, had the entire arena swaying and singing along in a hushed tone, creating a poignant and intimate moment in the midst of the high-energy show.
The band’s chemistry and camaraderie were also on full display throughout the concert, with each member shining in their respective roles. Kennedy’s powerhouse vocals soared above the heavy instrumentals, while Tremonti’s guitar work was nothing short of virtuosic. Marshall and Phillips provided a solid foundation for the rest of the band to build upon, their precise rhythms and fills adding depth and nuance to the music.
The stage design was simple yet effective, with top-notch production value, and dazzling lights adding to the overall spectacle.
The Alter Bridge show was a rousing success, with the band delivering an unforgettable performance that left the audience wanting more. With their dynamic musicianship, powerhouse vocals, and passionate energy, Alter Bridge proved once again why they are one of the most exciting and compelling rock bands of their generation.