On the 11th of February, American heavy rock band Tremonti took to the stage in Birmingham, filling up the O2 Institute with electric energy. Many fans eager to see the show were also fans of lead singer Mark Tremonti’s alternate projects, as many people rocked Alter Bridge jackets and patches across the crowd.
To start the night, Welsh three-piece Florence Black kicked off with the song ‘Start Again’, the crowd kicking into action immediately. With a seven-song set, the band instantly made their presence known with their hard rock style and lively dynamic on stage. Throughout the band’s set, the crowd cheered through songs like ‘The Deep End’ and ‘Rockin Ring’, showing the clear thrill Florence Black’s music incited. Closing their set with the popular song ‘Sun and Moon’, the band were met with cheers of enjoyment from the crowd as they headed off stage, everyone hyped up and ready for Tremonti’s set.
Tremonti’s entrance was suspenseful and thrilling, as the pre-show music cut off and the room descended into darkness. A low hum of music filled the room as the crowd erupted into cheers, awaiting the band’s arrival. One by one, each member of Tremonti took to the stage and began playing ‘Wish You Well’, a fast-paced, energetic song that immediately had the crowd gripped and electrified. Following up with ‘Cauterize’ and ‘You Waste Your Time’, it was clear that this crowd did not plan on holding back.
As ‘Tomorrow We Will Fall’ began, lead singer Mark spoke about guitarist Eric Friedman and his guitar skills, as he showed off the complex guitar riffs within the introduction. This continued as the song drew to a close, with Friedman proving his extensive skill as he played to a roaring response from the crowd. This energy continued moving into ‘Throw Them to the Lions’ and other songs, before slowing it down with the older hit ‘So You’re Afraid’. Beginning with a heavy focus on vocals, this song attracted the crowd.
Transitioning into ‘Flying Monkeys’, singer Mark discussed how the inspiration for this song came from his past self. He discussed how this song’s focal point was the version of him that “could not forgive, could not forget”, and how important it is that this is no longer what he lives by. Continuing to talk to the crowd, the introduction to ‘Dust’ included requests for phone lights up in the air, and the crowd delivered – a sea of bright white lights rocked back and forth as the song kicked in, creating a united atmosphere amongst a crowd of people with a shared love for Tremonti.
Nearing the end of the show, Tremonti introduced the song ‘Marching in Time’ with the reveal of a surprise – talented guitarist Sophie Burrell would join them for the duration of the song. Singer Mark Tremonti discussed how Sophie was “one to watch” regarding her guitar skills, and told us all about how his three-year-old girl adores her. A group of particularly energetic fans began a short chant for Sophie, met with grins from the band on stage.
Claiming it to be their ‘final song’ (we all know that’s never the case), Tremonti discussed how they had been asked countless times at Meet&Greets to play the popular song ‘Decay’. Singer Mark simply stated that if people want a song, all they have to do is tell them and they will deliver. So they did – the crowd erupted with energy for ‘Decay’, cheering as it drew to a close and the band headed off stage. This gig was not the first for these fans, as the chant for the encore began immediately. However, the usual ‘one more song’ chant went amiss – instead, these fans took a more comical route and started a chant for ‘ten more songs’, earning chuckles from people around the venue.
As expected, Tremonti burst back on stage and dived straight into the song ‘All the Wicked Things’, hyping up the crowd one final time. The band gave it their all for the final songs, transitioning swiftly into ‘A Dying Machine’ as the band closed off a brilliant night.
Tremonti gave it 110% – a night like this is not one to forget, and it was clear every fan had the experience to remember.
