Concerts: Alter Bridge, Shinedown, Halestorm @ Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham 10/16/2013 - Sea of Tranquility - The Web Destination for Progressive Music!

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Concerts:

Alter Bridge, Shinedown, Halestorm @ Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham 10/16/2013

Posted on Sunday, November 10 2013 @ 11:07:50 CST by Dean Pedley

It amazes me how a bands popularity can differ on both sides of the Atlantic, take these three bands; Over here in the UK they are massive but not so much in the USA with the exception of maybe Shinedown. It was one of the most anticipated tours of the year, three bands with a similar sound all for the bargain price of £25 (about $40) whats not to like?

Lzzy Hale, she's young, talented, plays guitar but c'mon girl who gives you wardrobe advice? Not the best choice in 'sexy' stage wear but hopefully the music will do the talking. With their tried and tested format going down well with the male & female contingent Lzzy belts out some impressive vocals. Their popularity is gaining some strong momentum on these shores, 'Freak Like Me' and ending with the syrup of 'Here's To Us' their short set would have been slightly enhanced without the drum solo!

Since Shinedown first lay waste to the UK some years ago, they have been truly embraced by audiences over here. The odd choice of opening with 'Unity' is soon filtered out when they come back with 'Sound Of Madness', Brent Smith, decked out like a mob boss in his waistcoat and tightly trimmed hair has become a formidable frontman. The pace takes a stumble halfway through with Brent's insistence on shaking hands with the person to your side complemented by an acoustic interlude. 'Diamond Eyes' was powerful and some of the vocals a little too good, by their own admission they do use 'enhancements' for the live arena but nevertheless a performance worthy of arena status was certainly executed. Ending on a high with 'Bully' they made sure Alter Bridge would have to work for their supper.

With their latest album 'Fortress' riding high in the charts the meteoric rise of Alter Bridge in the UK cannot be underestimated. Selling out Wembley Arena on their last tour this one looks like it will go the same way. Opening with 'Addicted To Pain' Myles Kennedy straps on his guitar and belts out the riffs along with that velvet coated voice of his. New tracks like 'Farther Than The Sun' & 'Cry Of Achilles' stand proud amongst the older numbers if somewhat heavier. Myles is doing a sterling job, however some first night tour gremlins are seeping into the set but it does not distract from the tight performance. Tremonti's solo's are soaring, with 'Black Bird' their equivalent of Kashmir in my eyes is stunning. Throughout, the rhythm section is simply like Hard Rock glue, solid and sure, keeping talking to a minimum in-between songs all the talking is left for the performance. Ending with 'Open Your Eyes' Alter Bridge tonight proved why they are so massive over here, mega stars in the making? Certainly, you just have to see the packed out arenas on this tour.

Words & Pictures by Mark Davies.