After Creed came to an end in 2004, members Mark Tremonti (lead guitar), Brian Marshall (bass) and Scott Phillips (drums) joined forces with ex-The Mayfield Four singer and guitarist, Myles Kennedy. Forming Alter Bridge, the band quickly got to work on their debut album, "One Day Remains," which found great success, eventually being certified Gold. The virtuosic guitar talent of Tremonti and the powerful vocals of Kennedy helped the album stand apart from Creed's discography.
After touring globally in support of the album, the band left their label, Wind Up, and moved to Universal imprint, Republic. Returning to the studio for their second effort, 2007's "Blackbird," Alter Bridge found success with the lead single, "Rise Today," finding widespread positive critical acclaim, displaying a greater songwriting influence of Kennedy.
In 2009, Creed reformed and Alter Bridge was put on the back burner by the members, with Kennedy joining Slash's touring band. Yet a year later, Alter Bridge was back in full force, returning with the album, "AB III." A live album of their stadium-sized performance, "Live at Wembley: European Tour" soon followed, which displayed their anthemic abilities. Praise continued for Alter Bridge with their fourth record, "Fortress," which was released to positive acclaim in 2013.
The band formed in 1994, featuring lead vocalist Ian Thornley, guitarist Brian Doherty, bassist Dave Henning and drummer Forrest Williams.The band began performing extensively at various clubs and venues in Boston and Cambridge, US, becoming a prominent act on the local scene. Having developed a strong live sound, they eventually garnered the attention of Atlantic Records, who signed the band in 1997. Soon after, their debut album, “In Loving Memory Of…” appeared, featuring the top ten single, “The Oaf.” The band found commercial success in Canada, whilst also performing well in the US.
Their second record, “Pleasure & the Greed,” was released in 2001. However, unfortunately for Big Wreck, the album was a commercial flop due to poor marketing, failing to live up to the success of their debut. Following the record’s failure, the band ultimately broke up, with Ian Thornley launching a solo career, with the other members also being involved with new projects.
Ten years later, the members of Big Wreck reunited, embarking on a successful tour that helped reignite interest in the band. The band returned to the studio in 2010, recording their third album, “Albatross,” which appeared later in 2012. The album reached number five in the Canadian charts, prompting a nationwide tour that also saw them perform at Toronto, Canada’s Sound Academy for their ‘Official Super Bowl XLVI Party.’ Continuing their success, the band returned to the studio again for 2014’s “Ghosts,” also peaking at number five in the Canadian charts.
Reports that straightforward, no-frills hard rock is dead have been greatly exaggerated; if you need proof of that, Alter Bridge would be more than happy to provide it. They’ve only been going for a decade, and they’re hardly household names, but they’re already veterans of the UK arena circuit, and were second only to the mighty Aerosmith on the bill for this year’s final day of Download Festival. Frontman Myles Kennedy has a prodigious work ethic; his other job, if you can call it that, is fronting Slash’s band, and he tours extensively with both outfits. Despite everything he puts it through, though, his voice remains as fierce as ever; he has one of the finest deliveries in modern rock, with the kind of classic sound that allows him to pull of Guns n’ Roses classics with Slash as well as sound genuinely aggressive and forward-thinking on Bridge material. Last year, the band’s fourth record, Fortress, met with superb reviews, with an average of 81 on Metacritic; it also saw them solidify their reputation as one of the finest live acts in rock, with a UK arena tour enjoying a rapturous reception in October of last year. Kennedy will be back on Slash duty in those same huge rooms later this year, putting Alter Bridge temporarily on the back burner; rumour has it, though, that they’re already lining up UK dates for 2015.
Once you Big Wreck, you can never go back. Every fan of Big Wreck knows what I mean. There is something special that happens after you've seen them live. You find yourself playing their music over and over and over again without thinking for one second, "Im over this song" or "I think I'll give it a break listening to them" because once you've been bitten by the Big Wreck bug that just isn't an option. I'm not a musician, nor do I have extensive knowledge in the art of music. I do however have a serious passion for music and I know great musicians when I see them. This band isn't for surface music lovers. The deeper the connection you have with music, the more you will understand. Each one of these guys is a master at their craft and it shine's at every show. You will never tire from the words of Ian Thornley set into song. The way in which the words are put into lyrcis is exquisite. When you listen there is a feeling you can see. You're left thinking damn, why can't I describe my feelings like that. There is no faultering in any live performance. Each show is full of energy and sounds amazing. I've seen them many times in one week and I can't say any show was better than the last. They are confident, consistent, and always deliver. If you are a true music lover, don't pass up an opportunity to see these guys live. Trust me, you won't regret it.