Written for Myles Kennedy World by International Correspondent Cynthia Drew

On Thursday February 9, 2017, as a massive snow storm pounded its way into the New York City tri-state region, a venerable and very talented Rock&Roll band stormed into town as well, this time to the PlayStation Theatre in Times Square. Equally determined and passionate fans lined the frigid and snow blown sidewalk to see Alter Bridge’s premiere New York City stop on “The Last Hero” tour.  I had actually purchased my VIP Soundcheck and Meet&Greet package nearly a year earlier from Fret12, a boutique music firm founded by Alter Bridge’s incredibly talented and founding member Mark Tremonti, to cater to the Rock&Roll super fan. Yes there are many of us! I was alerted to this terrific opportunity on Twitter of course, by Alter Bridge’s amazing front man Myles Kennedy.

As a passionate Rock&Roll fan, in a renaissance period of my life, I am completely impressed by this band, one of a handful that factors greatly in my focused repertoire today! I first discovered Myles Kennedy when he performed with Slash and the Conspirators, warming up for Aerosmith in September 2014. A wildly talented lead singer with a multi octave vocal range, I asked, “Who is this guy?” And there it started. My research led me to Alter Bridge and I quickly realized that I had stumbled upon one of the most talented musicians on the Rock&Roll scene today! Beyond an impressive vocal range at 48 years of age, beyond the fact that he writes and performs with not one, but two chart topping Rock bands, this humble and extremely hard working musician will blow you away on the electric guitar! Slash and Mark Tremonti both acknowledge Myles’ tremendous technical contribution on this class Rock instrument. And if that’s not enough, we could talk all day about Myles’ sensitive and soulful songwriting ability! I was completely overcome with emotion the first time I listened to “Blackbird” and “Watch Over You”. In June 2015, I was named the Fan Of The Month by the Myles Kennedy World fansite, and in 2016 was invited to become their first International Correspondent. Thank you to my friend and MKW founder Jully Ponce and Manager Paula Bezerra, who hail from Curitiba, Brazil, for this incredible honor! You see, Rock&Roll passion transcends geographies and brings the world closer together!   I am so proud to write my first official “Myles Kennedy” post in this capacity.

I arrived to the PlayStation Theatre at 3PM as instructed, to a long line of dedicated “VIPers”, where new friendships formed quickly. Rumor has it that one fan from New Jersey delivered some specialty teas to Myles, who is very focused and diligent in preserving his stunning vocal ability. The energy was palpable despite the awful snowstorm conditions we all had to contend with. Once inside, we were escorted to the general admission pit for the soundcheck. If you’ve never seen a soundcheck for a band you love, and they offer this option, I highly recommend it! This demonstrates a band’s impressive level of ability to both deliver an intimate and personal connection with their fans, while also taking care of the very important business of ensuring a sound technical production. Music is about experiencing emotion and making a connection! Alter Bridge understands this and enjoys these smaller U.S. venues for that reason. Of course they are dedicated professionals to a broad global fan base, where they also connect with their fans when performing in monster size stadiums in Europe and beyond.

They got right down to business and immediately you could see the level of professionalism and raw talent. I was so happy to be there, standing this close to masterful musical talent and just taking it all in! The energy was cool and carefree, and of course not without some great humor filled moments. At one point they encountered a minor problem and Myles quips, “Did you turn off the ‘suck’ button?”, with that devilish grin that drives us all wild. To round out this lovely and very intimate sound check experience, we got a little taste from their new album “The Last Hero”, just released in October 2016, and a few lines from their one acoustic performance of the night, “Watch Over You”, a classic rock ballad from their second studio album Blackbird, released nearly ten years ago in October 2007.

In the land of Rock&Roll, there is a world of talent out there, and Alter Bridge fittingly sits in an elite tier. In their current configuration with frontman Myles Kennedy on Lead Vocals and Guitar, founder Mark Tremonti on Lead Guitar and Backup Vocals, Brian Marshall on the Bass Guitar, and Scott Phillips on Drums, Alter Bridge has been steadily pumping out masterful studio albums and world tours since the release of One Day Remains on August 10, 2004, an album certified RIAA Gold in the U.S., peaking at #5 on the U.S. Billboard 200, with worldwide sales reaching 750,000. Since then, their dedication to their craft and the music pure and simple, has not been lost on their fans and the global rock community. With a declared goal to make each new album better than its predecessor, with the bar subsequently raised each time I might add, this band is certainly a force to be reckoned with. In their latest effort, following the incredible success and critical acclaim of 2013 album release Fortress, the band converged on Mark Tremonti’s home in Orlando, Florida in early 2016 to work on “The Last Hero”, a 13 track masterpiece, diligently recorded and mastered over a span of just four months. It was produced and mixed by long time Alter Bridge partner Michael “Elvis” Baskette, who you should know, also produced “World On Fire”, electric guitar legend Slash’s 2014 album with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators; at Myles’s suggestion of course.

Alter Bridge once again has reached new creative highs with “The Last Hero”, with Mark performing on a seven string guitar for the first time! These guys are not interested in pushing out the same thing over and over again. Their talent and commitment demands a fierce and innovative approach to the music each time. I have to say I am really impressed by that! When I hear the word innovation, I typically think about some new app or mobile device, or something technology related. This unique group of very gifted musicians once again transcends our culture!

We were then escorted to the next installment of our big adventure, some up close and personal time with our rock idols, with the signing of posters and the beloved meet and greet photo! Not the shy type, I immediately introduced myself as the International Correspondent for Myles Kennedy World and that I would be blogging on the evening’s performance, and of course to thank them for filling my world with heart pounding music! This is where you see the final defining point that sets these guys apart. Humility. They were so appreciative to learn that a fan wanted to write about and promote this experience! I believe greatness comes from that place inside a person, where integrity and commitment to the cause is always front and center. You are quite welcome gentlemen!

At 9:13pm the band took the stage to thunderous applause, opening with “The Writing on the Wall”, the #2 track from “The Last Hero” album. A fitting opening that only Myles’ remarkable vocal ability can give great justice to, and give great meaning to, in confronting the very serious issues we face from climate change. Yes, astute Rockers using their celebrity to elevate an important global dialog. Thank you guys this is so important!

For the next 1 hour and 45 minutes, from my lovely rail position just left of center in the GA pit, we were treated to the majesty of one of the greatest vocal abilities in Rock&Roll today, the incomparable Myles Kennedy. Powerful melodic lyric flowing atop a rich blend of scintillating electric guitar riffs by the incredibly talented Mark Tremonti on lead guitar, in beautiful accord with Myles, once again pushing the limits of great musical synergy! A powerful bass guitar line delivered by the very cool and equally talented Brian Marshall, to add yet another dimension to their sound, all kept in perfect sync by the masterful Scott “Flip” Phillips on the drum kit.

Alter Bridge delivered a rich and wide palate of material to their fans that evening, spanning their five album, thirteen year history; eighteen epic rock anthems in total. From their critically acclaimed 2013 effort Fortress, they performed lead single “Addicted To Pain”. Lead guitarist Mark Tremonti then took his turn at the microphone delivering a powerful lead performance of “Waters Rising”.

From their second album “Blackbird” released in 2007, they performed the epic track “Rise Today” as the final song of the evening in their two song encore, a powerful and inspiring message! Of course we were also treated to the blockbuster hit “Watch Over You”, in an intimate and exquisite acoustic performance by Myles. Reaching a pinnacle of the night, they delivered the wildly popular ballad “Blackbird”, a very personal and emotional effort for this band, in memory of a friend who lost his life to addiction.

To celebrate the very powerful message of the title album of “The Last Hero” tour, following opening song “The Writing on the Wall”, they marched in with “My Champion”, followed by the awe inspiring and technically challenging title cut “The Last Hero”, in tribute to the heroes of the world who “push us to excel” whose “will, courage, and sacrifice can bring out the best in the world around them”. They opened the encore with lead track “Show Me a Leader”, yet another epic piece with an important political message, “Well they’re selling another messiah here tonight. But we’re all way too numb and divided to buy it…”

Yes an incredible musical night to fill the soul of the energetic Rock&Roll gymnast! Three words. Go see them! To my New York area friends, they just announced a return to the area May 2, 2017 to the iconic Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey. This venue will sell out quickly so don’t wait. I already purchased my ticket! To my west coast friends, Alter Bridge will hit Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle February 19-22; to my New Zealand and Australian friends, March 31-April 8. Check out their website for tickets! Alter Bridge Tour

As I sign off, I leave you with this epic performance, an incredible impromptu and intimate moment between a rock legend and his fans. Perhaps I can make this request now to my “Hero” for Starland May 2, 2017.   Myles Kennedy spontaneous performance Hallelujah! Enjoy!

Setlist:

1. The Writing on the Wall
2. Come to Life
3. Farther Than The Sun
4. Addicted To Pain
5. Ghost of Days Gone By
6. Cry of Achilles
7. My Champion
8. Broken Wings
9. Ties That Bind
10. The Last Hero
11. Waters Rising
12. Watch Over You
13. Isolation
14. Blackbird
15. Open Your Eyes
16. Metalingus

Encore:

1. Show Me a Leader
2. Rise Today

Written for Myles Kennedy World by International Correspondent Cynthia Drew 

On Saturday evening February 13, 2016, in the Press Junkets and Screening Room at the famed London Hotel in Hollywood, 50 very grateful fans and their guests were treated to an up close and personal evening with legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Slash, for an advanced screening of “The Witch”.  Thank you to A24 Films for creating this incredible evening for the fans and supporting Slash’s up and coming film company Slash Fiction Films. Congratulations on your 2016 Oscar Wins, Best Documentary to Asif Akadia for “Amy” and Best Actress to Brie Larson for “The Room”! 

This masterful horror flick has earned 2 Award nominations and 5 wins including The 2015 London Film Festival Sutherland Award for First Feature Competition, and The 2015 Sundance Film Festival Dramatic Directing Award, both presented to Director Robert Eggers. The film, about a family in 1630s New England torn apart by the forces of witchcraft, black magic and possession, drew in the viewers in hauntingly deliberate and cerebral fashion. The imagery of the haunting forest in the background and the interplay of an evolving threat hidden deep in this forest, and how it succeeded to break the barrier and safety of this family’s home was terrifying to watch! Lead actress and promising young actor Anya Taylor-Joy nailed this performance. She reeled in viewers in the opening scene and we never left! The Witch official trailer.

Slash, who we all know as the consummate musician on the electric guitar from Guns & Roses, Velvet Revolver, and Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, and whose incredible talent and emotion embodies many of Rock&Roll’s greatest riffs, continues to evolve his brand in a very thoughtful and creative fashion. A complete Horror Movie fan, Slash has now created a film company, Slash Fiction Films, with current project “The Hell Within” in development. Slash’s firm commitment to his craft and generous engagement with a devoted fan base, offers his fans very unique opportunities to get involved and support this latest mission. Would you consider investing $50 to participate in conference call updates with Slash on the progress of the movie?   Follow Slash Fiction Films here.

For all of us incredibly lucky and grateful fans, it was surely a Bucket List evening for the memory books! A die hard Slash fan and Twitter follower, I learned about the contest Thursday evening February 4th on my Slash Twitter feed. I entered immediately, which simply required me to follow Slash Fiction Films on Twitter, like on FB, and email my pertinent contact info. It was THAT simple! About noon Friday, I saw my name in the first 20 winners announced. I was stunned and thrilled, no pun intended! The following Saturday, I boarded a plane at JFK and traveled cross country for this incredible opportunity! I should note fans from Germany, Ohio, Michigan, and others from New York made the trek as well! Upon landing, I turned on my iPhone to fetch the confidential text message as to the location of the event. I was all set!

At the London hotel, we were first treated to popcorn and drinks in a little lounge, then entered the actual screening room where I chose a very comfortable seat in the middle of the second row. My first glimpse of this Rock&Roll legend came as he walked down the aisle from the back of the screening room and entered the lounge. Multiple people followed and some chatted with him briefly. He then came into the screening room to address all of us, as the movie was about to begin. He was both engaging and humble, and even admitted being nervous speaking to us. At the conclusion, we all lined up and each took our turn entering the lounge for a quick hello, a personal autograph, and a photo with this famous Rocker taken by a professional photographer. I just have to say, I find that to be incredibly generous! In the new digital age of music, as Artists have to find creative ways to monetize their gifts, I don’t think many would deliver such an up close and personal experience to so many, for the mere act of entering a contest. This simply speaks to Slash’s level of integrity and commitment! It’s very special and certainly an honor to interact with a person of such unique cloth! As we chatted in line, many of us made personal connections and plans around the Guns and Roses reunion concerts April 8 and 9 in Las Vegas. One gal is organizing a get together at the Hard Rock Café the evening of April 7. Brilliant, I’m in! I had already booked my flight and hotel, flying Thursday night April 7. I purchased the Signature VIP ticket for the debut performance Friday evening April 8 at 9:30PM! I will surely not be able to keep my feet on the ground until then!

As I entered the lounge, I immediately thanked Slash for this amazing experience and what an honor it was to meet him! I told him I couldn’t wait for the Vegas debut GNR reunion performance! Always humble and down to earth, he thanked me. As he autographed my poster, I told him that I also planned to bring a group when the GNR reunion tour comes to NY. He smiled and asked, “Am I going to New York?” I smiled back and said “We certainly hope so!” I then landed a lovely arm hug as the photographer took our picture. She even took the time to take a second photo as I apparently closed my eyes on the first try. I really appreciated that! It was first class all around! As I left, I looked Slash in the eye, and told him I hoped practice was going well and that he was having fun. He smiled and nodded, “Yes, it’s going well.” A larger than life Rock Star evening for the memory books, “Thank you Slash!”

Of course I can’t wait for the next album and tour with Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators! The exquisite combination of Slash’s fierce emotion on the electric guitar, combined with the dynamic and powerful vocal range of the one and only Mr. Myles Kennedy, is pure Rock&Roll joy! Add the veteran brilliance of Todd Dammit Kerns on Bass and Vocals, Mr. Brent Fitz on Drums, and the very talented emerging presence of Frank Sidoris on rhythm guitar, how could you not go wild for this performance?