Article & Photos by NicAPic
Last Tuesday’s (May 16, 2023) scorching yet stunning evening unleashed an electric storm of controlled audio-visual spectacles, courtesy of Alter Bridge with thunderous support from Sevendust!
Sevendust did what Sevendust does best! They crashed into fan favorites like “Face to Face,” “Denial,” and “Crucified,” before treating the audience to a seldom-heard rendition of the melodically powerful “Karma.”
Continuing their momentum, 7D premiered a new track called “Fence,” seamlessly transitioning into classic hits like “Disgrace,” “Black,” “Shine,” and the ever-beautiful “Angels Son,” culminating in a crescendo of gratitude with “Thank You.”
The thunderous performance had Pensacola’s Saenger Theater primed and eager for the night’s impending greatness. Alter Bridge is lightning in a bottle. And Tuesday’s show additionally served as a homecoming of sorts for bassist Brian Marshall who hails from Fort Walton Beach.
They stormed the stage with “Silver Tongue,” their latest release. They ramped up the energy with the juggernaut “Addicted To Pain” and then settled into the more subdued yet powerful “Ghost Of Days Gone By.”
Throughout the set, Alter Bridge prominently showcased songs from their new album, “Pawns and Kings.” They delivered the riff-laden anthem “Holiday,” which heightened the energy and paved the way for introspective tracks like “Broken Wings” and “Sin After Sin.” The grungy blues of “Burn It Down” showcased Mark Tremonti’s vocal prowess and Myles Kennedy’s lead and solo guitar skills, creating a whirlwind that led seamlessly into the storm-driven, anthemic masterpiece “Cry Of Achilles.”
The band showcased their versatility with the beautiful acoustic rendition of “Watch Over You” (performed by Myles) and “In Loving Memory” (performed by Mark and Myles). These soulful moments served as an elegant introduction and hauntingly beautiful tribute to the Beatles leading into “Blackbird.”
As the calm of the storm passed, Alter Bridge unleashed a barrage of hits including “Come To Life,” “Pawns And Kings” (the title track of their latest album), “Isolation,” and “Metalingus,” igniting the Pensacola spring heat and leaving the audience drenched in anticipation for more.
“Open Your Eyes” marked the clearing of the metaphorical clouds, a moment to walk in the rain and embrace it. The final moments of the Alter Bridge storm, closing out the night with “Rise Today,” was nothing short of rejuvenation and affirmation of life itself.