Orlando, Florida welcomed home native sons, the band Alter Bridge. Consecutive Shows sold out at The House of Blues this past Thursday and Friday nights, October 24-25, 2019. This was just a week after releasing their sixth studio album “Walk the Sky” and before leaving to Europe on a short tour before Christmas. With over 2,500 in attendance, the house was rocking as the fans filed in the see the opening bands Dirty Honey and Skillet. MNPR Magazine wasn’t about to miss this show and sent their Florida correspondent Mark Horan of MarkHoran.Pictures LLC to cover the show.

Dirty Honey hit the stage promptly at 7:00pm starting the energy and warming up the crowd. Marc LaBelle, the front man of the band completely brought it in their 6 song set from beginning to end. At one point he left the stage and climbed the barrier leaning into the audience to the delight of the crowd. The bands influence of Led Zeppelin was easily seen and could be heard in LaBelle’s ripping vocals. Dirty Honey is the first unsigned artist to hit number one on Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs Chart with their single “When I’m Gone”.

Dirty Honey is a new band that will definitely be a household name if they continue performing with their stage energy and song writing that their debut album introduced. I haven’t seen anything this fresh since the Black Crowes debuted with “Shake Your Money Maker” in 1990.

Band:

Marc LaBelle: Lead Vocals
John Notto: Guitars
Justin Smolian: Bass
Corey Coverstone: Drums

Setlist:

After being extremely entertained by Dirty Honey, the night was only getting started as Skillet hit the stage with even more energy at 7:50pm. Touring in support of their latest album, Victorious, the band has been opening for Alter Bridge but then they follow them to Europe in November to finish out the year on their own short tour.

I knew nothing of the band Skillet other than they had a female drummer and guitar player with hair a shade of palatinate. Skillet was formed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1996 as a Christian rock band fronted by husband and wife, John and Korey Cooper. Victorious is their tenth release. Also nominated previously for two Grammys for “Collide” (2003) and “Comatose” (2006), Skillet is know for being one of the hardest working bands in the industry touring relentlessly.

It was the first time witnessing duel handheld smoke cannons as the band pounded out “Not Gonna Die” with harmonizing vocals of bassist John Cooper and drummer Jen Ledger. I am now a big fan of Skillet and look forward to seeing them again in the near future!

Band:

John Cooper – Lead Vocal/Bass

Korey Cooper – Guitar

Seth Morrison – Guitar

Jen Ledger- Vocals/Drums

Setlist:

Alter Bridge finally came on stage at 9:30pm to a roaring, standing room only house overjoyed to see them. Some in attendance had been there the night before and couldn’t get enough in one show. They are an Orlando band, so friends and family were also in attendance. Alter Bridge formed in 2004 after the departure of vocalist Scott Stapp from Creed and the band added Myles Kennedy moving in a different direction proving they weren’t done just yet. Myles Kennedy, known for an incredible vocal range reaching 5 octaves, is todays premiere rock and roll vocalist. The addition of Kennedy also added an accomplished guitarist to the lineup.

This foursome is polished and are great musicians. Mark Tremonti is an exceptional guitarist/songwriter with accolades of Guitarist naming the song “Blackbird” the greatest guitar solo of all time! This is a band of all stars and there isn’t a lot of running about the stage, just a great musical performance and a world class light show. Alter Bridge is a seasoned band with great musicians that let’s the music do their talking and we are honored to have them as Orlando, Florida’s hometown band!

Band:

Myles Kennedy – Vocals, Guitar
Mark Tremonti – Guitar, Vocals
Brian Marshall – Bass
Scott Phillips – Drums

Setlist:

One Life
Wouldn’t You Rather
Isolation
Come to Life
Pay No Mind
Addicted to Pain
Waters Rising
Cry of Achilles
Dying Light (Live Debut)
In Loving Memory (Myles & Mark Acoustic)
Blackbird
Metalingus
Rise Today