If you could use one word to summarise this gig, it is respect. It is not very often that a metal musician is greeted on stage with clapping: like a standing ovation before the main event had even started. Mark Tremonti clearly had everyone’s admiration. During the interval after the support act, hardly anyone moved. People from all ages, clearly each one of them there for a reason, just waited patiently. So, somehow, this wasn’t your typical metal show (though heavy enough it was for sure). It felt like there wasn’t just a famous musician on stage, but perhaps a role model, someone they look up to and respect.

And he showed them respect back. This wasn’t a regular metal show from one more aspect, too: there was no moshpit theatrics, headbanging for the sake of headbanging (everyone was too busy giving it their full attention, and just nodded their heads to the music). There was no use of foul language or swearing either (with just one brief exception when Mark expressed frustration with the technical issues with drums). Throughout the show, he showed so much appreciation for the fans that it really felt special. And, towards the end, he wondered if we had any energy left for one more song: after giving it all they had! It felt like the band and the crowd fed off each other’s mutual respect and appreciation, and that gave the gig the feeling of everyone being part of one big whole.

Tremonti totally ruled the stage with his undeniable intricate guitar skills, but with his personality, too. Being the kind of somewhat reserved and quiet kind of guy who hardly ever cracks a smile, yet warm and friendly, he is so good at engaging with the audience, not with the usual casual banter, but on a deeper, more personal level. He made it clear just how important the UK has been in their career and let us in every so often on how some songs were created (emotional highlight being the memory of him becoming a father for the third time).

In terms of the setlist, it covered the new album, ‘The End Will Show Us How’, fairly well, with almost half of the songs included (needless to say, performed to perfection). Mark sings so close to the recorded originals it gives you goosebumps: clearly, his technically masterful playing does not distract him from the vocal performance. His chemistry with the band is fantastic, demonstrating they are great friends as well as colleagues. He did not fail to mention the support act on a few occasions, too, giving them warm appreciation.

Florence Black were the perfect introduction to Tremonti. This is a match made in heaven, with a band as close musically and technically to the main act as it gets. They weren’t really a support act as such, but more like a first main act, evidenced by the fact that the venue was at capacity when they came on stage already. Clearly, everyone was here to hear them, too, not planning to miss a second of their performance.

Who knows, perhaps next time will see them playing side by side on bigger stages in this country. And until then, we have so much more to look forward to, with the news about Alter Bridge’s next album being in the works, and Creed’s touring plans after their recent revival. So, catch Mark Tremonti, a true legend, with either of his other bands, soon? Amen to that!

Review & photos: Angelina Pelova

Tracklist:

1. Cauterize
2. You Waste Your Time
3. The Mother, the Earth and I
4. Tomorrow We Will Fail
5. Just Too Much
6. The Things I’ve Seen
7. Throw Them to the Lions
8. Another Heart
9. It’s Not Over
10. So You’re Afraid
11. One More Time
12. Flying Monkeys
13. Dust
14. Catching Fire
15. My Last Mistake
16. Marching In Time

Encore:

1. A Dying Machine
2. Wish You Well