Live Review: Alter Bridge - AO Arena Manchester 09/12/2022
One of the biggest names in contemporary rock, Alter Bridge and one of the genre’s fastest rising stars, Halestorm, take to Manchester arena for a night of stadium-sized anthemia.
Back at the start of the year I spent a wet Winter evening avoiding the Mancunian rain at the Albert Hall while Halestorm did their best to convince that me that contemporary rock isn’t all the same. They succeeded, and for that reason it seems somewhat fitting that tonight at Manchester Arena, we get to do it all over again.
Of course, while it’s only a matter of time before Halestorm are headlining venues of this size themselves, tonight’s headliners come in the form of Florida’s Alter Bridge, though it’s clear as we enter the Arena that plenty of people are here to see the Halestorm as well.
And well they might. February’s show was exceptional, and tonight promises more of the same only in a much less intimate space. Indeed, taking our seats just as the band hit the stage, it’s clear just how big a stage it is, though the four-piece fill succeed in filling it nicely.
Early assumptions are confirmed as the venue’s floor area fills up rapidly; frontwoman Lzzy Hale lit by a single spotlight before addressing the crowd. “You are my people!” And with that, they launch immediately into previous single ‘The Steeple. It’s a statement of intent that continues as the band tear through their ten song set, half of which is taken from recent album Back from the Dead, though peppered with the occasional earlier offering such as second track ‘Love Bites (So Do I)’, which sees Hale drop to her knees during the bridge.
From here it’s a trio of newer material that see one or two moshpits open up in what’s a receptive yet otherwise somewhat tame crowd. ‘Familiar Taste of Poison’ sees the band back in more established territory, and as the entirety of the venue is lit by phones and yes still some lighters, it’s clear that Halestorm are a band with ideas of arenas of their own, and it won’t be long before they have them.
A huge drum solo from Arejay Hale is both expected by the crowd, yet hugely appreciated. A staple of Halestorm shows now, it sees the percussionist make full use of his impressively large kit. Complete with almost comically big drumsticks, it’s a sight to behold, yet only a quarter of the sheer musicianship that goes into making Halestorm the band they are. And indeed, the band they’re becoming.
Their set is closed out quickly from this point, though with no less style. A trio of singles in the form of ‘Back from the Dead’, ‘I Get Off’, and an impactful ‘I Miss the Misery’, leaving no-one in the room in doubt of just how good a band Halestorm are. Or that Lzzy hale has one of the best voices in rock currently, something proven with a phenomenal scream as they drop into the final track. Complete with extended solos and breakdowns, it’s a rock fans wet dream and it’s a safe bet that they’ll be household names before long.
Speaking of household names, (or at least in my parent’s house), Myles Kennedy emerges onto a semi-lit stage, followed by the rest of the band. A subdued start, but as they kick into opening number ‘Silver Tongue’ from their latest album Pawns & Kings, the band, and indeed crowd kick into life.
Interestingly, it’s the first of only two tracks we get from the record, instead, much of the set is given over to earlier material. Really early. Though each album in the band’s catalogue does get at least one moment of glory, much of the set is backboned by material from their first two. One Day Remains and Blackbird respectively.
Unfortunately, at least from where we’re sitting, the start is marred somewhat by a muddy sound, the vocals feeling occasionally lost within the mix. Thankfully however, it seems any such issues are ironed out fairly quickly, and the true force of the band can be appreciated. And by the time Mark Tremonti takes over vocal duties for an excellent outing of ‘Burn It Down’, the band have hit their stride, and any early reservations have been put to bed.
An acoustic offering in the form of ‘In Loving Memory’ finds both Kennedy and Tremonti alone on stage and atop stools, and while it doesn’t quite stymy the pace of the set, is does provide some brief respite from an otherwise weighty set; the entirety of the arena lit for the second time that evening by a sea of phones and lighters.
From here on out, it’s pretty much nothing but sheer stadium-sized anthemia, with the band’s sound more than managing to fill the huge venue. The likes of ‘Blackbird’, ‘Pawns & Kings’ and ‘Isolation’ come thick and fast, whilst an expected yet ultimately hugely satisfying rendition of fan-favourite ‘Metalingus’ closes out the main set. The band exit the stage as the arena is plunged into darkness.
It doesn’t take long before Alter Bridge emerge once more to an almost deafening roar; the entirety of the seated fans on their feet for a rousing ‘Rise Again’. Not that it’s needed tonight, but if there was any proof that Alter Bridge are worthy of the arenas they fill, it comes in the form of the final track of the evening. ‘Open Your Eyes’ is always going to whip fans of the band into an almost ecstasy and tonight is no exception. Complete with pyrotechnics, it’s a glorious way to close out proceedings. An ending that makes the chilly walk back to the metrolink just that little bit bleaker.
Words by Dave Beech
Photos by Maryleen Guevara
