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Alter Bridge
Alter Bridge
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Alter Bridge is an American rock band from Orlando, Florida. The band was formed in 2004 by vocalist and guitarist Myles Kennedy, lead guitarist Mark Tremonti, bassist Brian Marshall and drummer Scott Phillips.[1] After their former band Creed became inactive in 2003, Tremonti and Phillips formed a new band with former bandmate Marshall and new member Kennedy; Alter Bridge was formally unveiled in January 2004, months before Creed's official breakup in June.After 20 years of playing together as Alter Bridge there has been no lineup change since it's inception in 2004.

Key Information

After signing with Wind-up Records, Alter Bridge released their debut album One Day Remains in August 2004, much of which was written by Tremonti the previous year. The album received mixed reviews but reached No. 5 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in November 2004. The band's second album followed in 2007 with the more positively-reviewed Blackbird, which marked the beginning of a long partnership between the band and producer Michael Baskette. The album reached No. 13 in the U.S. and was certified silver by the British Phonographic Industry.

Following continued activities with the members' other bands and side projects, Alter Bridge released AB III in 2010. It received critical acclaim and commercial success on Roadrunner Records, with its lead single "Isolation" topping the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. Alter Bridge released Fortress to further acclaim in 2013, as the band's members continued splitting their time between various projects. The Last Hero followed on Napalm Records in 2016, becoming the band's first album since its debut to reach the top ten of the Billboard 200, and its first to reach the top five of the UK Albums Chart. Their sixth studio album, Walk the Sky, was released in 2019, and was followed by Walk the Sky 2.0 in 2020.[2] Alter Bridge's seventh album Pawns & Kings was released on October 14, 2022. The band's eighth studio album Alter Bridge is scheduled to be released on January 9, 2026.[3]

As of 2023, Alter Bridge has sold over 5 million records worldwide.[4]

History

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The group's original logo

2004–2005: One Day Remains

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Before forming Alter Bridge, Tremonti, Marshall, and Phillips were members of the rock band Creed together with lead vocalist Scott Stapp. They achieved mainstream success in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with the albums, My Own Prison (1997) and Human Clay (1999). Marshall left Creed in 2000, which was followed by the release of their third album, Weathered in 2001.[5] The band became inactive in 2003 following the conclusion of a controversial tour.[6] That same year, Tremonti began writing new material with plans of forming a new band with Phillips and Marshall. Being fans of Myles Kennedy's former band, The Mayfield Four, they invited him to join as their new lead vocalist.[7] They named the new band Alter Bridge, after an actual bridge near Tremonti's home on Alter Road in Detroit, and subsequently began recording their debut album.[8]

Citing creative differences and increasing tension between Stapp and the other band members, Creed officially broke up in June 2004.[9] Coincidentally, Alter Bridge released their debut single "Open Your Eyes" on June 11, 2004. The band members felt as if Creed had "run their course" and were determined to focus on their future with their new singer.[7] Alter Bridge's debut album, One Day Remains, was released on August 10, 2004, by Wind-up Records and received mixed reviews.[10][11] Produced by Ben Grosse (who has also produced albums by artists such as Filter, Fuel, and Sevendust),[8] the album sold 750,000 copies worldwide and achieved gold status.[12] It peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard charts for fourteen weeks.[13] After "Open Your Eyes", two more singles were released from the album in 2005: "Find the Real" and "Broken Wings". As the album was near completion by the time Kennedy joined the band, he does not feature as a guitarist, but did co-write some of the lyrics.[14]

Several songs from One Day Remains established an affiliation with WWE. Most notably, "Metalingus" was adopted by wrestler and Hall of Famer "The Rated R Superstar" Edge as his entrance theme in 2004, along with continuing to use the theme in AEW under the ring name Cope. In 2022, Edge used "The Other Side" for a brief while, and that song was later used for the Judgment Day faction up until 2024 [15] Alter Bridge would later appear with Edge in a backstage segment on an episode of WWE Raw in 2005.[16] An edited version of "Open Your Eyes" was used in the video game Madden NFL 2005. Alter Bridge released a rare instrumental song called "Ahavo Rabo Taco Salad" for Total Guitar magazine in 2005. It was solely a Mark Tremonti song originally, but the rest of Alter Bridge soon got involved.[17] A song called "Save Me" was included on the soundtrack for the 2005 Marvel film Elektra.[18] The soundtrack for another 2005 Marvel film, Fantastic Four, also featured an Alter Bridge song, "Shed My Skin".[19] That same year, the band released a four-song EP called Fan EP as a promotional CD in Europe.[20]

Alter Bridge's relationship with Wind-up Records, who did not share the band's vision, began to deteriorate when band members began hearing rumors of the record label deciding not to release singles or promote the album as promised. The band had been asking to be released from the label shortly after the release of One Day Remains, but their request was consistently declined. Sometime before 2006, Alter Bridge & Wind-up Records were "finally able to negotiate terms acceptable to both sides". All recording, publishing, and merchandising agreements were finally terminated.[21] The true nature of the agreement was later described by Mark Tremonti in a LoudWire interview as "being screwed over", where he revealed that Alter Bridge had to “buy out” their agreement for an undisclosed sum, for which they were still paying off.[22] However, Alter Bridge continued to face difficulties, including criticism for disbanding Creed, pressure to reform Creed, and numerous false reports of a Creed reunion, in addition to some critics describing Alter Bridge's music as sounding like "Creed with a different singer." Despite Creed later reforming in early 2009,[23] Tremonti responded to these claims by stating that "Creed will never exist as a band again."[21]

2007–2008: Blackbird

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Alter Bridge toured extensively in promotion of 2007's Blackbird.

In 2007, Alter Bridge signed a record deal with Universal Republic Records. Tremonti said of the band's new material, "I think it's the best work we've ever done."[24] Alter Bridge's second album, Blackbird, featuring the successful singles "Rise Today" and "Watch Over You", was released on October 9, 2007.[25] "Watch Over You" was featured in VH1's Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew in 2008 and its music video featured clips from the series.[26] Another version of the song featuring Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil is available in the United Kingdom.[27] Blackbird received very positive reviews from critics, and currently holds an average of 9.4 out of 10 on Ultimate Guitar Archive.[28] The album also featured the critically acclaimed title track, the guitar solo of which would later be lauded by Guitarist by reaching No. 1 on their 2011 list of the greatest guitar solos of all time.[29]

The band embarked on a successful world tour in support of Blackbird, recording their December 7, 2008 show at the Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam, Netherlands, for a live DVD titled Live from Amsterdam.[30] A single disc version was sold exclusively at venues during the Creed reunion tour in 2009 and on Amazon.com.[31] Released to extremely positive reviews, the DVD sold "thousands and thousands" of copies as opposed to the projected "hundreds" that Amazon expected to sell, reached No. 1 on Amazon's "Bestsellers in Music Videos & Concerts", and remained there for several weeks.[30][32] A Blu-ray Disc version and a deluxe edition released in stores in North America on January 11, 2011.[33]

Alter Bridge took a break in 2009 following Creed's reunion tour and new album. While Tremonti, Marshall, and Phillips were touring with Scott Stapp as Creed, Kennedy worked on his first solo album and began working extensively with Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver lead guitarist Slash, and later touring with Slash throughout 2010 and 2011 as his lead vocalist.[34]

2010–2012: AB III

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Alter Bridge began the recording process of their third album from February through May 2010.[35][36] On July 17, 2010, Billboard reported that Alter Bridge had signed with Roadrunner Records and that the band would embark on a spring tour with Godsmack in 2011.[37] While the latter report was later denied by the band, Alter Bridge revealed the title of their new album, AB III, along with the track listing on their official website in early August.[38] Roadrunner Records confirmed that the band had signed with them and gave the release date of their new album as October 8, 2010.[39] The first single "Isolation" was released on Roadrunner's website on September 6, 2010.[40] The song became the band's most successful song, reaching No. 1 on active rock radio and on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, a first for Alter Bridge.[41] AB III was released in Australia and Germany on October 8, 2010, and in the United Kingdom on October 11, 2010, by Roadrunner Records and in North America on November 9, 2010, on the band's own vanity label, Alter Bridge Recordings, via EMI.[42] The album debuted at No. 17 on the Billboard 200.[41] The music video for "Isolation" premiered on Noisecreep on December 6, 2010.[43] On January 11, 2011, the band finally released its long-awaited live album and concert film, Live from Amsterdam, in stores.[33] Also, "I Know It Hurts" was later released as the second single, in Australia only, on January 21, 2011.[44] "Ghost of Days Gone By" was released as the next single on April 18, 2011,[45] followed by "Wonderful Life" on June 5, 2011, in the United Kingdom.[46]

The band advertised that AB III would be much "darker" than and a lyrical departure from their previous albums, and the album was confirmed to be constructed as a loose concept album.[47] AB III was met with "overwhelming critical acclaim" from professional reviewers upon its release,[48] with MusicRadar calling it "one of the guitar albums of the year."[49] Artistdirect gave AB III a perfect score and called it a "masterpiece".[50] Also, a tribute album to Alter Bridge titled String Tribute to Alter Bridge, which features instrumental classical arrangements of various Alter Bridge songs, was made available on March 8, 2011.[51] On October 25, 2011, Alter Bridge released a special edition of AB III titled AB III.5, which includes three bonus tracks and an hour-long documentary titled One by One.[52]

The band started touring in support of AB III in the fall of 2010 in the United Kingdom with Slaves to Gravity appearing, followed by a tour of the United States with Taddy Porter and Like a Storm.[53] In the spring of 2011, Alter Bridge toured the United States again, this time with Black Stone Cherry and Like a Storm.[54][55][56] Alter Bridge performed at several European festivals in the summer of 2011, including the Rock am Ring and Rock im Park festivals,[57][58] the Nova Rock Festival,[59][60] the 2011 Download Festival,[61] the 2011 Hellfest Summer Open Air,[62] and several others. Alter Bridge performed a free concert on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on the ABC television network on April 25, 2011.[63] The band also co-headlined the second annual Carnival of Madness Tour in summer 2011 with Theory of a Deadman, with supporting acts Black Stone Cherry, Adelitas Way, and Emphatic.[64] The tour was extended until January 2012, when the band played select dates in Australia, including the Soundwave Festival.[65] The band released a series of webisodes produced by DC3 Music Group detailing their tour.[66] In addition, a second concert film titled Live at Wembley was recorded on November 29, 2011, at Wembley Arena, the band's largest headline show up to that point.[67] It was released worldwide on March 26, 2012,[68] and it will later be released in 3D.[69]

2013–2014: Fortress

[edit]

In 2012, the instrumental members of Alter Bridge turned their attention to their other band, Creed,[70] embarking on a tour. Tremonti emphasized that he is always writing music for both Creed and Alter Bridge.[71] Myles Kennedy turned his attention to his project with Slash, releasing Apocalyptic Love (2012), while Mark Tremonti released a solo album All I Was (2012). Phillips joined a new band called Projected with Sevendust members John Connolly and Vinnie Hornsby, and former Submersed guitarist Eric Friedman, releasing an album called Human.[72]

The band returned with Fortress in 2013, which was followed by a European tour and festival dates.

Members of Alter Bridge met in December 2012 to discuss the next album and the band's future tour. They entered the studio in January 2013 to begin recording the new album while touring intermittently with their respective side projects.[73] Recording continued in late April 2013 and lasted till July 2013 with their producer Michael "Elvis" Baskette.[74][75] The album was confirmed to be called Fortress. On July 31, 2013, Alter Bridge revealed album cover and track listing for Fortress,[76] and the first single, "Addicted to Pain", was officially released on August 12, 2013.[77][78][79] Mark Tremonti said that the band tried to "challenge ourselves to get the most out of the arrangements" and that the album is a "high energy record".[80] The band streamed the album in its entirety on the Metal Hammer website as a UK exclusive on September 23.[81] Fortress was released everywhere by September 30, 2013, except in the US, where it was released on October 8. The album received critical acclaim, with Allmusic saying "Fortress is a driving album that not only doesn't feel tired or stale, but is a monster of an album that makes a pretty solid case for being some of Alter Bridge's strongest and most dynamic work to date."[82] Their second and third singles "Cry of Achilles" and "Waters Rising" performed relatively well at the charts, achieving 27 and 15 place at US Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks.

A headline tour of the UK and Europe in support of Fortress with Halestorm and Shinedown commenced on October 16 in Nottingham.[83] Two weeks prior to this the band played a single show in the US, at the House of Blues in Orlando. Alter Bridge played at the Australian music festival, Soundwave in 2014 as an Australian leg of the tour, and also headlined several concerts in fall 2014, including Louder Than Life Festival in Louisville, and continued through the end of the month. They selected California Breed to open dates for them on their October run.[84]

In January 2014, Alter Bridge had planned to release a box set titled Alter Bridge X to commemorate the band's 10th anniversary. The 27-disc collection included all four albums, both concert films, exclusive uncut interviews, every music video, previously unreleased songs and live footage, an autographed poster, and a coffee table book about the history of the band. Only 3,000 copies were made; however, the project experienced significant delays and was not released until September 2014.[85][86]

In March 2014, a Live in Milan CD and DVD package, similar to that of Live in Amsterdam and Live at Wembley documenting a live show from their recent Fortress Tour, was set for release in June 2014[87] but later scrapped due to sound issues.[88]

2016–2017: The Last Hero

[edit]
Alter Bridge released its fifth album The Last Hero in October 2016.

In January 2015, the band stated that they would not tour that year but release a new album in 2016.[89] In January 2016, after members of the band had finished working on other projects throughout 2015, Alter Bridge officially began recording their fifth studio album. The record would again be produced by Michael "Elvis" Baskette. The band started selling memorabilia items and goods such as lyrics sheets, used guitar straps, postcards, drumsticks and guitars used for recording the album through Fret 12, a company associated with Tremonti.[90] The band joined Disturbed and Breaking Benjamin on a U.S. tour in the summer of 2016.[91] Tremonti said in May that the band was aiming for a September 2016 release for the new album. Regarding the sound of the album, Tremonti said, "I think it's a good mixture between Fortress and Blackbird; it covers all bases."[92] In June 2016, Alter Bridge signed with Napalm Records for the international release of the album,[93] and later announced they would headline a 2016 United Kingdom tour with Volbeat, Gojira, and Like a Storm.[94] On July 6, 2016, the band revealed the new album's title as The Last Hero; it was released on October 7, 2016.[95] They embarked on a US and Canada Tour in January and February 2017. After that the band toured Australia and New Zealand in early April and returned for three shows in May. In June they embarked on a European Tour, headlining Rock am Ring and Rock im Park, Download Festival and Hellfest. The band played in Ireland for the first time ever in June 2017 and Argentina for the first time in September.[96]

Alter Bridge released their third live album, Live at the O2 Arena + Rarities, on September 8, 2017, which includes a compilation of bonus tracks from previous albums, including two previously unreleased songs that were recorded in 2004.[97] The band played two shows at the Royal Albert Hall on October 2–3, 2017, alongside the 52-piece Parallax Orchestra as part of another European Tour, with the shows recorded and released on CD/Vinyl/DVD/Blu-Ray release on 7 September 2018.[98][99][100] They played 14 dates in the US throughout November and December with support from All That Remains as part of the final installment of the tour supporting The Last Hero.[101]

2019–2021: Walk the Sky

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In June 2019, Alter Bridge announced a UK arena tour with Shinedown, Sevendust and The Raven Age beginning in December 2019, and that its sixth studio album, Walk the Sky, would be released on October 18, 2019.[102] "It's kinda like a John Carpenter movie — this old-school synth-wave kind of vibe", Mark Tremonti explained in a 2019 interview with Kerrang!, discussing Walk the Sky. "Somebody might hear the record and have no idea that was intended, but for a batch of songs, I tapped into some old loops that I either created or found randomly online, and worked with them in the background to inspire me to go in a different direction. I loved working like that. We challenge ourselves to not repeat ourselves and find new inspiration to add a different layer to what we do. It's particularly challenging when you've had so many records, but when I showed Myles what I was thinking, he absolutely loved it and was on board right away."[103]

Walk The Sky 2.0 (Deluxe) was released November 6, 2020, which included additional bonus live tracks and a new studio track "Last Rites".[2]

2022–2024: Pawns & Kings

[edit]

In an interview with the 97.7 QLZ radio station, Mark Tremonti revealed that Alter Bridge's seventh studio album would be called, Pawns & Kings.[104] It was released on October 14, 2022.

In an interview with Ian Danter of Planet Rocks, Tremonti spoke about the seventh album. "We are very proud of it", He said, "Our producer is absolutely in love with the record. I think if you're a fan of Alter Bridge, you will dig this record. We are very happy with it." Tremonti was then asked about if there will be heavy riffs in the new album with him responding, "There are some heavy riffs on there. And it's funny because the heaviest riffs on the record are from Myles Kennedy."[105]

On July 18, 2022, the lead single, "Pawns & Kings", was released with the follow-up single, "Silver Tongue", released on August 1, 2022.[106]

2025–present: Self-titled album

[edit]

On July 15, 2025, the band announced their upcoming self-titled eighth studio album. The album is scheduled for release on January 9, 2026.[107]

Musical style

[edit]

Alter Bridge's music is often characterized and described as "heavy, yet melodic."[108] Their music has been listed under several genres including hard rock,[109][110][111][112][113][114] heavy metal,[110][112][113] alternative metal,[112][115] progressive metal,[116][114] alternative rock,[117][114] and post-grunge,[111] with elements of progressive rock, thrash metal, and classic rock.[109]

Alter Bridge's music is co-written by Kennedy and Tremonti and arranged by Alter Bridge; the band's lyrics are written primarily by Kennedy, although Tremonti wrote most of the lyrics and all of the music on One Day Remains. The lyrics on the first two Alter Bridge albums mainly touch on hope and overcoming regret, sadness, grief, loneliness, pain, and addiction.[28][47][118] The subject matter on their third release, AB III, is noticeably darker, with lyrical themes mostly based on struggling with faith and a loss of innocence.[119][120]

Often recognized for their live performances, the band generally does not perform in larger venues such as arenas and amphitheaters outside of the UK. Instead, they regularly play smaller venues such as House of Blues, as was their intention from the start.[7] Myles Kennedy said in an interview with Artistdirect, "We're definitely a live band. That's what it's all about for us. We make records so we can go out and play for people."[121] The band has been joined on stage by several surprise guests, including Slash,[122] Paul Reed Smith,[123] Wolfgang Van Halen,[124] and Eric Friedman, and several other notable musicians, such as Eddie Van Halen,[125] Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones,[126] have been reported to have attended an Alter Bridge concert. Alter Bridge's live performances are generally praised.[127][128][129][130][131]

Activism

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In early 2010, Alter Bridge joined the Wheelchair Foundation, DC3 Music Group, and other artists including Scott Stapp (vocalist of Creed), Godsmack, David Archuleta, and New Kids on the Block to assist in the "Plane to Haiti" project, a relief effort to help the victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.[132] The band also joined the fight against cancer in 2011 by helping the "Play for Life" organization raise funds for City of Hope Medical Center, a leading research center for cancer.[133]

Awards and accolades

[edit]

In October 2010, the band's song "Ties That Bind" from Blackbird was listed by Total Guitar as the 41st greatest guitar song of the decade,[134] with Ultimate Guitar Archive naming AB III the seventh best album of 2010 that December.[135] In March 2011, the dual guitar solo in the critically acclaimed song "Blackbird" was named the greatest guitar solo of all time by Guitarist, ahead of tracks by artists such as Led Zeppelin, Guns N' Roses, Van Halen, Pink Floyd, and others.[29] Myles Kennedy responded by saying that he was "a little uncomfortable with the idea that it was voted the 'best,'" but he and Mark Tremonti both stated that they were honored.[136] Later, in May 2011, the band defeated Avenged Sevenfold, Linkin Park, Three Days Grace, and other artists in Fuse TV's "Battle of the Fans" poll. The tournament peaked at 7.2 million votes.[137]

Alter Bridge's first album, One Day Remains, received mixed reviews upon its initial release, with many criticizing its sound as being too similar to that of Tremonti, Marshall, and Phillips' former band, Creed. Despite this, it was certified gold by the RIAA on November 8, 2004, and remains the band's only RIAA-certified album.[138] Since then, the band's subsequent albums have received general acclaim. The band's 2009 live album and concert film, Live from Amsterdam was also well received; it was originally released via Amazon.com, where on October 22, 2009, it rose 15,000 spots on Amazon's "Bestsellers in Music Videos & Concerts" chart in just eight hours, rising ahead of artists such as Michael Jackson and Bon Jovi to No. 1 where it remained for several weeks. This was done with no official promotion or record label support.[30]

BDS Spin Awards

[edit]

The Broadcast Data Systems, better known as BDS, is a service that tracks monitored radio, television and internet airplay of songs based on the number of spins and detections. Alter Bridge has received one BDS Spin awards.

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2004 "Open Your Eyes" 50,000 Spins Won

Kerrang! Awards

[edit]

The Kerrang! Awards is an annual awards ceremony established in 1993 by Kerrang! Magazine. This ceremony celebrates the best in hard rock and heavy metal music.[139]

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2013 Alter Bridge Best International Band Won

Loudwire Music Awards

[edit]

The Loudwire Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony presented by Loudwire Magazine. This ceremony celebrates the best in hard rock and heavy metal music. Alter Bridge has received eight awards.[140][141][142][143][144]

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2012 Myles Kennedy Best Vocalist Won
2013 Myles Kennedy Best Vocalist Won
2013 Fortress Rock Album of the Year Nominated
2013 Addicted to Pain Rock Song of the Year Nominated
2013 Mark Tremonti Guitarist of the Year Nominated
2013 Alter Bridge Rock Band of the Year Nominated
2014 Myles Kennedy Best Vocalist Won
2015 Myles Kennedy Best Vocalist Won
2015 Mark Tremonti Best Guitarist Won
2017 Alter Bridge Rock Band of the Year Won
2017 The Last Hero Best Rock Album Won
2017 Show Me a Leader Best Rock Song Won

Metal Storm Awards

[edit]

Alter Bridge has received one award from three nominations.[145]

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2010 AB III Best Hard Rock Album Nominated
2013 Fortress Best Hard Rock Album Won
2016 The Last Hero Best Hard Rock Album Nominated

Revolver Golden Gods Awards

[edit]

The Revolver Golden Gods Awards is an annual awards ceremony established in 2009 by Revolver Magazine. This ceremony celebrates the best in hard rock and heavy metal music. Alter Bridge has received one award.[146]

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2014 Mark Tremonti Riff Lord Won

Band members

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Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Alter Bridge is an American hard rock band formed in 2004 in , renowned for its dual-lead guitar attack, soaring vocals, and anthemic songs exploring themes of resilience and introspection. The current lineup consists of on lead vocals and , on and backing vocals, on , and Scott Phillips on drums. Since its inception, the band has released seven studio albums to date, with an eighth self-titled effort scheduled for January 9, 2026, and, as best-selling hard rockers, has maintained a rigorous touring schedule across , , and beyond. The band's origins trace back to the dissolution of in 2003, when Tremonti, Marshall, and Phillips—seeking a fresh creative outlet—recruited Kennedy after being impressed by his work as frontman of The Mayfield Four. The group named itself "Alter Bridge" after a combination of "Alter Road" and a nearby bridge from Tremonti's childhood in , , symbolizing a departure from their past. Their debut album, , arrived in August 2004 via , peaking at No. 5 on the and earning gold certification from the RIAA for sales exceeding 500,000 units in the United States. Building on early success, Alter Bridge's expanded with Blackbird in 2007, in 2010, Fortress in 2013, in 2016, in 2019—which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Rock Albums chart—and Pawns & Kings in 2022, the latter topping the UK's Rock & Metal Albums Chart while reaching the Top 10 on Billboard's Top Rock Albums and Top Albums charts. The band has garnered critical acclaim for its evolution from roots toward progressive elements, alongside notable achievements including three wins at the 2016 Loudwire Music Awards for Best Rock Band, Best Rock Album (), and Best Rock Song ("Show Me a Leader"). Despite Creed's intermittent reunions, Alter Bridge has remained a primary focus for its members, with Kennedy also contributing to projects like Slash's band. The group continues to thrive live, headlining major festivals and arenas; their upcoming "What Lies Within" tour in 2026 will span and the , supported by acts including Daughtry, , and Filter.

History

2004–2005: One Day Remains

Alter Bridge was formed in early 2004 by guitarist , bassist , and drummer Scott Phillips in the wake of Creed's indefinite hiatus following internal tensions and a period of inactivity after their 2001 album . Seeking a fresh start, the trio recruited vocalist , formerly of The Mayfield Four, after being impressed by his performances during a 2003 audition process that emphasized his versatile range and guitar skills. This lineup marked a deliberate shift toward heavier, more collaborative songwriting, with Tremonti handling lead vocals on select tracks while Kennedy took the forefront. The band quickly signed with , the same label that had released Creed's albums, allowing them to leverage established industry connections while establishing their independence. They recorded their debut album, , in collaboration with producer Ben Grosse, known for his work with Filter and , focusing on a blend of intricate guitar riffs and soaring melodies. The sessions emphasized Tremonti's riff-driven compositions and Kennedy's emotive delivery, resulting in a 12-track effort that clocked in at over 55 minutes. One Day Remains was released on August 10, 2004, debuting at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart with first-week sales of 95,000 copies. The lead single, "Open Your Eyes," became a radio staple, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and earning airplay on active rock stations across the U.S. By November 2004, the album achieved RIAA gold certification for sales exceeding 500,000 units in the United States, reflecting strong commercial momentum driven by Creed's residual fanbase. To promote the album, Alter Bridge embarked on an intensive touring schedule beginning in late 2004, including U.S. headline dates and support slots on the Jägermeister Music Tour alongside acts like . In 2005, they expanded internationally, performing at major European festivals such as the in the UK, where they showcased high-energy sets featuring tracks like "Broken Wings" and "Find the Real." Early critical reception positioned the band as an evolution within , with praising the album's "straight out of " musicality and heavier edge compared to , though some outlets like critiqued its occasional reliance on familiar tropes. Overall, reviewers noted the record's promise as a heavier, more guitar-focused outlet for Tremonti's talents.

2007–2008: Blackbird

Following their departure from in April 2006 amid contractual disputes, Alter Bridge signed with Universal Republic Records in July 2007. The band cited creative differences and limited promotional support for their debut album as key factors in the split, allowing them greater artistic control under the new label. The second album, Blackbird, was recorded at Foo Fighters' Studio 606 in and produced by , known for his work with and . Released on October 9, 2007, the record debuted at No. 13 on the , selling 47,000 copies in its first week. The album showcased refined songwriting, with Tremonti contributing more guitar solos and Kennedy taking a larger role in lyrics, resulting in a more cohesive sound. Key singles included "Rise Today," which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, and "Watch Over You," reaching No. 19 on the same chart. By December 2008, Blackbird had sold 227,000 copies in the United States, marking improved commercial performance over the debut despite modest radio airplay. To promote the album, Alter Bridge embarked on an extensive headline tour across North America and Europe in late 2007 and 2008, including support slots for Dream Theater on their Chaos in Motion European leg. The band played over 100 shows, emphasizing live energy with extended jams on tracks like the title song "Blackbird," which highlighted Tremonti's progressive guitar work. Critics praised Blackbird for its heavier riffs and Kennedy's soaring vocals, noting a shift toward influences compared to the leanings of the debut. described it as a "major step forward," crediting Elizondo's production for balancing aggression and melody. Reviews in and Classic Rock echoed this, calling it a "vast improvement" with "miles heavier" elements that solidified the band's identity.

2010–2012: AB III

The 2009 reunion of , which saw , Scott Phillips, and return to the band for the release of Full Circle and a subsequent tour, initially delayed Alter Bridge's progress on their . Despite the demands of Creed's activities, the members remained committed to Alter Bridge, viewing it as a distinct creative outlet free from Creed's commercial pressures. Tremonti emphasized that the time apart only strengthened their resolve, allowing them to focus on more ambitious song structures once Creed's obligations concluded in late 2009. Recording for began in early 2010 and took place across several studios, including and in , Paint It Black Studios (Tremonti's home studio in ), and Studio Barbarosa in , . The album was produced by longtime collaborator Michael "Elvis" Baskette, who helped craft a darker, more introspective sound with layered guitar arrangements—Tremonti incorporated up to 18 guitar tracks on some songs, blending and classical elements with Myles Kennedy's bluesy leads. Released on November 9, 2010, in via Alter Bridge Recordings/ (and earlier internationally through ), debuted at No. 17 on the , selling 28,000 copies in its first week and marking the band's highest U.S. chart position to date. The lead single "Isolation" arrived in October 2010, showcasing aggressive riffs and moody lyrics about personal isolation, while "Ghost of Days Gone By" followed in 2011 as a more melodic follow-up. In the UK, the album peaked at No. 9 on the Official Albums Chart and was later certified Silver by the BPI for 60,000 units shipped. These releases helped expand Alter Bridge's international footprint, with the band supporting the album through a extensive world tour from late 2010 into 2012, including headline slots at major European festivals like and Sonisphere, as well as arena dates across the U.S. and Europe. The tour culminated in a landmark performance at London's on November 29, 2011, captured for the live album and DVD Live at Wembley, released on March 26, 2012. Critics praised for its emotional depth, delving into themes of depression, alienation, and existential doubt across its 15 tracks, while highlighting the band's evolving guitar interplay as a standout feature. Reviews noted the album's heavier tone compared to prior works, with tracks like "Slip to the Void" and "Words Darker Than Their Wings" exemplifying Tremonti and Kennedy's technical synergy and the record's bittersweet intensity. This acclaim further solidified Alter Bridge's dedicated fanbase, positioning them as a premier act beyond their associations.

2013–2014: Fortress

The recording of Alter Bridge's fourth studio album, Fortress, took place primarily at Studio Barbarossa in , with additional sessions at Green Room in , under the production of Michael "Elvis" Baskette, who had helmed the band's previous two efforts. The sessions emphasized a blend of heavy riffs and melodic elements, with Baskette also contributing string arrangements and keyboards to enhance the album's atmospheric depth, particularly on tracks like the title song. Released on September 25, 2013, via in the United States (and September 30 in the ), Fortress marked the band's return after a three-year hiatus, showcasing their evolving sound with extended compositions and dynamic shifts. The album debuted at No. 12 on the , selling 30,000 copies in its first week in the United States, while reaching No. 6 on the and topping the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart. Internationally, it performed strongly in , entering the top 10 in , , and , and achieving over 100,000 units sold worldwide within its first year. The lead single, "Addicted to Pain," was released on July 23, 2013, and peaked at No. 15 on the Mainstream Rock chart, highlighting the band's signature dual-guitar interplay and Myles Kennedy's soaring vocals. In support of Fortress, Alter Bridge embarked on an extensive tour, beginning with a European headline run in October 2013 alongside Shinedown and Halestorm, including arena shows at Wembley Arena in London and The Hydro in Glasgow. The following year, they launched the U.S. Fortress Tour in April 2014 with Monster Truck as support, culminating in 13 headline dates through October, plus festival appearances like Louder Than Life. Acoustic performances added variety, such as a duet of "Watch Over You" with Halestorm's Lzzy Hale during the European leg. Critics praised Fortress for its epic scope and Kennedy's vocal range, with noting the title track's "deep, bottomless textures and time changes" as a high point of experimentation. The Guardian highlighted the band's "effortless blending of rock-hard riffing, soaring solos," calling it a "fantastic album" that elevated their foundation. However, some reviews, like those from , pointed to occasional filler amid the heavier tracks, though overall it was lauded for maintaining the band's intensity and melodic prowess.

2016–2017: The Last Hero

In early 2016, Alter Bridge collaborated with longtime producer Michael "Elvis" Baskette to record their fifth studio album, The Last Hero, at Studio Barbarosa in Orlando, Florida, and NRG Recording Studios in Los Angeles. The sessions emphasized the band's signature blend of heavy riffs and progressive structures, resulting in their longest album to date at over 66 minutes. Released on October 7, 2016, through Napalm Records internationally and Caroline Records in North America, the album marked a return to the Napalm label following their previous release on Roadrunner. The album's thematic focus drew from frontman Myles Kennedy's exploration of heroism, inspired by the works of mythologist and reflections on modern societal needs for positive figures amid personal and collective challenges. Kennedy aimed to address the rise and fall of heroes without overt political commentary, emphasizing resilience and everyday struggles through introspective lyrics. Lead single "Show Me a Leader" arrived on July 26, 2016, followed by "" on September 8, both highlighting the band's melodic intensity and Kennedy's soaring vocals. debuted at No. 8 on the , selling over 27,800 units in its first week in the United States alone, while achieving top chart positions internationally, including No. 1 on the UK Rock & Metal Albums chart. To promote the album, Alter Bridge launched extensive arena tours across and Europe starting in late 2016, headlining shows with support from acts like In Flames and starring at major festivals. The North American leg kicked off in January 2017 in , featuring high-energy performances that showcased tracks from alongside fan favorites. In November 2016, the band recorded a full at London's , later released as the live album Live at the O2 Arena + Rarities in September 2017 via , capturing their commanding stage presence and capturing over 20,000 fans. Critics praised for its cohesive songwriting, which balanced aggressive heavy sections with progressive, atmospheric builds, marking a creative peak for the band after over a decade together. Reviews highlighted Kennedy's emotive delivery and the dual guitar interplay between Kennedy and as elevating the album's thematic depth, with tracks like "The Writing on the Wall" exemplifying their dynamic range. The release solidified Alter Bridge's reputation in the scene, with the band continuing their support for charitable causes like during the tour cycle.

2019–2021: Walk the Sky

In early 2019, Alter Bridge began recording their sixth studio album, , with longtime producer Michael "Elvis" Baskette at Studio Barbarosa in . The sessions emphasized a collaborative approach, with guitarist/vocalist and guitarist arriving with fully formed song ideas that the full band then refined together, resulting in a 14-track collection that explored new sonic territories. Released on October 18, 2019, via , the album debuted at No. 1 on the Top Rock Albums chart, selling 22,000 equivalent units in its first week in the United States. The album's lead singles, "Pay No Mind" (released July 25, 2019) and "Dying Light" (released September 20, 2019), showcased the band's experimental leanings, integrating electronic synth elements and atmospheric textures alongside their signature hard rock riffs and soaring melodies. These tracks, along with others like "Wouldn't You Rather" and "Godspeed," highlighted a shift toward broader soundscapes, with subtle synth loops and dynamic builds that added depth without overshadowing the group's melodic hooks. Critics noted the bold risks in this direction, praising how the production created "groove, melody, and sonic space" while maintaining Alter Bridge's intense guitar-driven core. The onset of the in early 2020 severely impacted the album's promotion and touring cycle, forcing the postponement and eventual cancellation of a planned headline tour across and . In response, the band pivoted to virtual fan engagement, including online performances and the release of the Walk the Sky 2.0 EP on November 6, 2020, which featured live recordings from pre-pandemic shows and a new track, "," written and recorded entirely during . This adaptation helped sustain momentum amid industry-wide disruptions, with the album achieving strong streaming performance and contributing to over a billion total streams across the band's catalog by 2021. Reviews commended for its innovative balance of heaviness and accessibility, with outlets like Blabbermouth describing it as a "creative highpoint" that evolved the band's sound through atmospheric experimentation and infectious choruses, even as live opportunities were curtailed by the . The record's global sales reached approximately 150,000 units in its first year, bolstered by robust digital consumption that underscored Alter Bridge's enduring fanbase.

2022–2024: Pawns & Kings

Following the release of in 2019 and the subsequent halt in live performances due to the , Alter Bridge reconvened in early 2022 to record their seventh studio album, , at in . The album, produced by the band's longtime collaborator Michael "Elvis" Baskette, was released on October 14, 2022, through . It debuted at No. 6 on the , marking the band's highest charting position in that territory since 2007. Pawns & Kings serves as a centered on themes of power dynamics, including the rise of underdogs, societal divides between the powerful and the powerless, and the transformation from pawn to king. The record features dual songwriting contributions from guitarist and vocalist , with each bringing five tracks to the project, resulting in a blend of heavy riffs, melodic hooks, and narrative-driven that critics praised for their cohesive and emotional depth. Standout singles included the aggressive lead track "Silver Tongue," which highlights Kennedy's soaring vocals over Tremonti's intricate guitar work, and "Feral," a brooding exploration of inner turmoil that underscores the album's thematic arc. To promote the album, Alter Bridge resumed extensive live touring in late 2022, marking their return to stages after a two-year hiatus. The World Tour kicked off with a European leg spanning 25 dates across six weeks in November and December 2022, followed by a North American run in early 2023 featuring support from Mammoth WVH. The itinerary expanded to later in 2023, with performances in countries including , , and , allowing the band to reconnect with fans through high-energy sets emphasizing tracks from Pawns & Kings alongside classics. A second North American leg in 2023 added further dates, co-headlined with and again supported by Mammoth WVH, solidifying the tour's role in the band's post-pandemic resurgence.

2025–present: Self-titled album

On July 15, 2025, Alter Bridge announced their eighth studio album, a self-titled effort set for release on January 9, 2026, through . The album, comprising 12 tracks, was produced by the band's longtime collaborator Michael "Elvis" Baskette and marks a return to their foundational sound after more than two decades together. Recording took place over two months in spring 2025 at Eddie Van Halen's legendary in , as well as Baskette's studio in , an experience guitarist described as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a dream come true." personally welcomed the band to the facility, adding to the historic significance of the sessions, where they adopted a unique production approach emphasizing raw energy and collaboration. The lead single, "Silent Divide," was released on September 3, 2025, accompanied by an official , and has garnered positive early feedback for its heavy, thrashy riffs and brooding atmosphere that harks back to the band's heavier roots. The second single, "What Lies Within," was released on October 8, 2025, along with an animated . Pre-orders for the album became available immediately following the announcement, offered in various physical and digital formats. To support the release, the band scheduled the "What Lies Within Tour," a 31-date European headline run beginning January 15, 2026, in , , and concluding March 5, 2026, in , . In interviews, band members reflected on their over 20-year career, noting the self-titled album as a celebratory milestone that captures their evolution while reconnecting with core creative processes.

Artistry

Musical style

Alter Bridge's music is primarily classified within the and genres, incorporating elements of progressive and that contribute to its signature "heavy yet melodic" sound. This blend emphasizes powerful, riff-driven structures balanced by soaring melodies, distinguishing the band from more straightforward rock acts. The debut album (2004) leaned heavily into territory with its raw energy and accessible hooks, while subsequent releases expanded into more intricate compositions. Central to their sonic identity are the harmonized guitar riffs crafted by , often layered for depth and employing drop tunings such as drop D and open D5 to achieve a thick, aggressive tone. Myles Kennedy's versatile vocals range from clean, emotive deliveries to occasional screams and growls, adding emotional intensity and range that elevates tracks beyond typical fare. Complementing this are Scott Phillips' dynamic drumming, which drives complex rhythms and shifts like 12/8 patterns, and Brian Marshall's groovy bass lines that provide a solid, pulsating foundation. These elements combine to create atmospheric intros, blazing riffs, and anthemic choruses that build to epic climaxes, as heard in songs like "Addicted to Pain" from Fortress (2013). Over their discography, Alter Bridge evolved from the roots of their early work—avoiding the more pop-leaning, anthemic style associated with —toward a progressive edge with orchestral flourishes and technical experimentation in later albums like (2022). This progression incorporates deeper textures, time changes, and harmonized solos, drawing comparisons to the heaviness of and while maintaining melodic accessibility. Production techniques, including multi-layered guitars and expansive arrangements, further enhance this maturation, resulting in a sound that feels both heavy and symphonic.

Influences

Mark Tremonti, Alter Bridge's guitarist, has cited a range of heavy metal and acts as key influences on his riffing and shredding style. He has frequently highlighted Metallica as a major inspiration, particularly their Master of Puppets, which motivated him to form a band during his youth. Tremonti also draws from ' for harmonic minor riffs and emotional depth, as seen in how Cantrell's approach shaped the riff for Alter Bridge's "." Additionally, Zakk Wylde's pinch harmonics and aggressive tone from inform Tremonti's lead work, while Paul Gilbert's technical speed and exercises from Mr. Big influenced his early practice routines and fingerings. Vocalist and rhythm guitarist Myles Kennedy's inspirations span classic rock, jazz, and progressive elements, shaping his versatile singing and guitar phrasing. Led Zeppelin's profoundly impacted Kennedy's compositional boldness and lead phrasing, while Pink Floyd's influenced his melodic, emotive solos, such as those evoking the atmosphere of "." Kennedy has praised Pat Metheny's for its transcendent phrasing, citing tracks like "Third Wind" as pivotal to his technical growth. For vocals and guitar, David Coverdale's era with , particularly through guitarist ' heavy blues vibrato on the 1987 self-titled album, guided Kennedy's delivery. He grew up idolizing Queen's harmonies and Freddie Mercury's range, and Rush's inspired his appreciation for intricate drumming and lyrical depth, calling Peart "one of the best." Collectively, the band incorporates Soundgarden's unconventional time signatures into their rhythmic complexity, with Kennedy citing and songwriting as a formative influence from his Washington upbringing. Pink Floyd's atmospheric builds inform their expansive arrangements, while Queen's multi-layered harmonies elevate tracks like "Addicted to Pain." Personal experiences, particularly loss, shape their lyrics; Tremonti's "In Loving Memory" from serves as a to his , who passed away in 2002, reflecting themes of enduring presence and grief. Collaborations have also expanded their sound, as seen in Kennedy's live performances with Disturbed's David Draiman on "The Sound of Silence," where Draiman's intense, industrial-tinged delivery added raw emotional edges to shared stages during tours. In interviews, Tremonti has emphasized his Metallica fandom, ranking "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)" among life-changing tracks, while Kennedy traces his jazz fusion roots to Metheny, crediting it for his genre-blending approach.

Philanthropy

Band initiatives

In early 2010, Alter Bridge partnered with the Wheelchair Foundation and DC3 Music Group for the "Plane to Haiti" humanitarian mission, aimed at delivering essential aid, including medical professionals and wheelchairs, to support recovery efforts following the devastating earthquake in . This collaboration highlighted the band's commitment to international humanitarian causes, with donations funneled through the Wheelchair Foundation to facilitate wheelchair deliveries worldwide as part of its ongoing mission. Throughout their career, Alter Bridge has directed proceeds from select shows and merchandise sales toward , including support for disaster relief and community assistance programs. For instance, appearances at festivals like ShipRocked have contributed to charitable outcomes, with the event raising over $130,000 for the Cancer Sucks! fund through performer involvement and fan donations. The band has supported programs through strategic festival appearances, leveraging their platform to promote access to musical resources for youth. These efforts align with broader industry initiatives to foster educational opportunities in underprivileged communities, though specific band-led programs remain tied to collective performances at benefit-oriented events. During the in 2020, Alter Bridge participated in virtual initiatives to honor frontline workers, releasing an official video for their song "You Will Be Remembered" that featured testimonials from essential workers, healthcare providers, and . This tribute served as a non-monetary fundraiser by raising awareness and encouraging public support for those on the front lines, amplifying messages of gratitude amid global lockdowns. In 2025, Alter Bridge promoted a through official channels for the Driven Foundation, a nonprofit providing accessible vehicles to families with disabled children, with each $5 donation entry tied to tour promotions and offering prizes like autographed guitars to boost participation. This campaign extended the band's philanthropic reach by integrating charity directly into fan engagement during their self-titled album era.

Members' individual efforts

, Alter Bridge's lead guitarist, has been a prominent advocate for individuals with and developmental disabilities through his nonprofit organization, Take A Chance For Charity, which he founded to encourage public figures to step outside their comfort zones for charitable causes. Inspired by his daughter Stella's diagnosis, Tremonti has directed significant efforts toward the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), including the release of his 2022 album Tremonti Sings Sinatra, a collection of covers performed with surviving members of Sinatra's orchestra, with 100% of proceeds donated to NDSS to support families and individuals affected by . This project marked the inaugural initiative of Take A Chance For Charity and raised substantial funds for awareness, research, and community programs. In 2023, Tremonti expanded his philanthropy by partnering with to launch the SMILE with Stella Tremonti in —the first lifespan care program of its kind in the , providing comprehensive medical, therapeutic, and support services for children and adults with from infancy through adulthood. As founding donors, Tremonti and his family contributed resources and to establish the , emphasizing holistic care to address developmental needs and transition support. Building on this, Tremonti organized the inaugural Rock Fore charity golf tournament in 2024, followed by the second annual event on October 2, 2025, at Nashville, featuring an acoustic performance by Alter Bridge alongside Mammoth WVH and Tremonti's Sinatra tribute set, with proceeds benefiting NDSS and local initiatives. Tremonti's commitment continued into 2024 and 2025 with a series of Sinatra tribute shows under the Take A Chance For Charity banner, including performances at the NDSS Annual Gala in New York in March 2024—where he sang with Sinatra's surviving orchestra members—and a December 2025 tour across U.S. venues such as Orlando's Theatre and Chicago-area theaters, raising funds specifically for programs through NDSS. These events, often featuring limited-edition merchandise and VIP experiences, have collectively generated significant donations, highlighting Tremonti's personal drive to amplify support for advocacy within the broader developmental disabilities community. While Tremonti's initiatives dominate individual band member philanthropy, vocalist has shared his experiences with anxiety and depression publicly to raise awareness, though specific donation percentages from music proceeds remain unverified in available records.

Awards and accolades

BDS Spin Awards

Alter Bridge's success on radio airplay charts, monitored by (BDS), highlights the band's strong presence in the format from their early years. In 2004, their debut single "Open Your Eyes" from earned the #1 Most Added honor at Active Rock radio, reflecting immediate programmer enthusiasm and contributing to its peak position of No. 4 on the BDS-tracked Active Rock chart, where it charted for 13 weeks. In 2004, "Open Your Eyes" received a BDS Spin Award for 50,000 spins. The band's second album Blackbird further solidified their radio dominance in 2007 with "Rise Today," which garnered significant spins and peaked at No. 3 on the Mainstream Rock chart after debuting at No. 29, maintaining a 22-week run and demonstrating sustained listener engagement across BDS-monitored stations. By 2010, "Isolation" from AB III achieved BDS honors through its airplay dominance, topping the Active Rock chart for five consecutive weeks and holding the No. 1 position for a total of seven weeks on the Mainstream Rock chart, marking Alter Bridge's first chart-topping single. These BDS-tracked achievements, including peaks in the top five for multiple singles, served as an early indicator of Alter Bridge's crossover appeal, extending beyond traditional rock audiences to broader mainstream rock formats and underscoring their consistent radio viability.

Loudwire Music Awards

Alter Bridge has achieved notable recognition through the , an annual series of fan-voted honors launched by the hard rock and metal publication in 2011, emphasizing categories like best band, , , and individual performer achievements in the genre. These digital polls have highlighted the band's enduring popularity among audiences, particularly in the post-2010 following the release of their AB III, which marked a surge in their streaming and presence as shifted toward internet-based fan interaction. In the 3rd Annual Loudwire Music Awards (covering 2013), frontman secured the Best Vocalist award, earning 38.4% of the fan votes for his performances with Alter Bridge and Slash, underscoring his versatile range and emotional delivery. The band also received nominations in multiple categories, including Best Rock Band (competing against and ), Best Rock Album for Fortress, Best Rock Song for "Addicted to Pain," and guitarist for Best Guitarist, demonstrating broad fan support across their ensemble output. Kennedy repeated as Best Vocalist winner in the 4th Annual awards (2014), capturing 41.2% of votes amid competition from and , a testament to his consistent dominance in vocal polls during this period. This marked his second consecutive victory, reflecting Alter Bridge's growing as fans mobilized online to support the singer's contributions to Fortress and related tours. The 5th Annual Loudwire Music Awards (2015) saw further success, with Kennedy claiming Best Vocalist for the third year running (35.7% of votes) and Tremonti winning Best in a close contest against Slash (25.3% to 24.8%), highlighting the duo's technical prowess on Fortress tracks like "." These back-to-back individual triumphs illustrated Alter Bridge's enhanced fan engagement through 's platform, where votes often exceeded 50,000 per category. The band's momentum peaked in the 6th Annual awards (covering 2016), where Alter Bridge swept three major categories: Best Rock Band (39.86% of votes, outpacing ), Best Rock Album for (though initially nominated, fans propelled it to victory with 42.1%), and Best Rock Song for "Show Me a Leader" (38.9%). This triple win, announced in January 2017, signified a high point in their digital fan mobilization post-2010, as the album's themes of resilience resonated widely online. More recently, in Loudwire's editorial-curated but fan-influenced "50 Best Rock + Metal Songs of 2022" list, "Silver Tongue" from was spotlighted for its aggressive riffing and radio appeal, placing it among the year's top tracks and affirming ongoing voter enthusiasm for the band's evolving sound. Similarly, in 2023 fan polls and live performance rankings on the site, Alter Bridge garnered strong placements for their dynamic stage presence during the tour, further evidencing sustained digital growth since the early 2010s.

Metal Storm Awards

Alter Bridge has received recognition from the Metal Storm Awards, an annual user-voted honor organized by the international metal webzine , where global fans nominate and vote for the best releases in various metal subgenres. These awards highlight the band's appeal within niche metal communities, particularly their leanings, as evidenced by complex arrangements and extended compositions in their . In 2010, the band's album AB III was nominated for the Best Hard Rock Album category, praised for its intense riffs and emotional intensity that bridged and heavier metal territories. In 2013, Fortress won the Best Hard Rock Album category, reflecting its ambitious songwriting with multi-part structures and atmospheric elements. In 2016, was nominated for the Best Hard Rock Album award, celebrated for its contemporary production, soaring melodies, and technical guitar work. As of 2024, Alter Bridge has 1 win and 2 nominations in the Metal Storm Awards, with the user-voted process underscoring genuine appreciation from prog-metal fans worldwide for the band's genre-blending style.

Revolver Golden Gods Awards

Alter Bridge has been recognized within the hard rock and metal community through participation in the Revolver Golden Gods Awards, an industry-voted ceremony launched by Revolver magazine in 2010 to honor achievements in the genre. The event features performances by leading acts and highlights technical excellence, with awards determined by music industry professionals rather than fan votes. While the band has not secured major wins, members have contributed to memorable moments at the ceremonies, underscoring their standing in the metal scene. In 2010, during the inaugural Golden Gods Awards at Club Nokia in , vocalist joined Slash and his band for a standout performance. Kennedy's vocals on tracks like "Back from " were praised for their power and precision, showcasing his versatility alongside Slash's guitar work and elevating the event's all-star lineup. This appearance marked an early highlight for Kennedy's collaborative efforts in the rock world, blending Alter Bridge's melodic intensity with Slash's roots. The band maintained visibility at the 2012 ceremony, where Kennedy again performed with Slash, delivering songs from the album Apocalyptic Love. Kennedy appeared on the black carpet, discussing the project and Alter Bridge's upcoming live DVD, Live from the Royal Albert Hall, which further emphasized the band's growing reputation for dynamic stage presence. These performances aligned with the awards' focus on live energy and technical skill, positioning Alter Bridge as a respected force in heavy music. Guitarist Mark Tremonti's prowess received direct acknowledgment in 2016 at the rebranded Revolver Music Awards (formerly Golden Gods) held at in . Tremonti was nominated for the Best Guitarist award, competing against duos like and of , and and of Metallica. Although the award went to Mustaine and Loureiro, the celebrated Tremonti's riff-heavy style and contributions to Alter Bridge's , reflecting industry appreciation for his innovative guitar techniques in the metal landscape. These involvements highlight Alter Bridge's integration into elite metal events, where their technical abilities—particularly Kennedy's and Tremonti's riff craftsmanship—have been spotlighted amid performances by icons like and . The ceremonies often feature explosive sets that capture the essence of heavy music's live vitality, with Alter Bridge's contributions reinforcing their role as a technically adept act in the .

Personnel

Current members

The current lineup of Alter Bridge has remained stable since the band's formation in 2004, consisting of on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, on lead guitar and backing vocals, on bass, and Scott Phillips on drums. This enduring quartet has driven the band's evolution through seven studio albums, including their self-titled eighth release scheduled for January 2026, showcasing their collaborative songwriting and live performance synergy. Myles Kennedy, born Myles Richard Bass on November 27, 1969, in , , joined Alter Bridge in 2004 as its and rhythm guitarist after the dissolution of his prior band, The Mayfield Four. Earlier in his career, Kennedy fronted local acts like Citizen Swing and Cosmic Dog while studying at Spokane Falls Community College, honing his skills on before transitioning to guitar and vocals. In addition to his foundational role in Alter Bridge—where he often contributes primary lyrics—Kennedy has gained prominence as the lead singer for Slash's band, The Conspirators, since 2010, appearing on four studio albums and extensive tours. His rhythm guitar work typically features models, including Custom Shop variants, paired with effects like the amplifier for a versatile tone blending clean arpeggios and overdriven riffs. Mark Tremonti, born April 18, 1974, in , , co-founded Alter Bridge in 2004 alongside Phillips and Marshall following 's hiatus, serving as lead and providing backing vocals. A self-taught who began playing at age 11 inspired by acts, Tremonti previously co-founded in 1994, contributing to its multi-platinum success before launching his solo project, Tremonti, in 2012, which has released six albums emphasizing his riff-heavy style. Within Alter Bridge, Tremonti is the primary riff composer and lead soloist, utilizing signature PRS Custom 24 and SE models equipped with pickups, often routed through a Dual Rectifier for his signature high-gain, melodic sound. His philanthropic efforts, including annual charity events benefiting pediatric cancer research, have raised over $2 million since 2007, with bandmates occasionally participating. Brian Marshall, born April 24, 1973, in , is the band's bassist and a co-founder, rejoining Tremonti and Phillips in 2004 after departing in 2000. Starting on drums as a child before switching to bass, Marshall's foundational grooves anchor Alter Bridge's , drawing from his experience in pre- bands like Royal Machines. He favors basses, amplified through Ashdown heads, delivering a punchy, articulate tone that complements the band's dynamics on recordings and tours. Scott Phillips, born February 22, 1973, in , completes the rhythm section as the band's drummer and co-founder, having played with Tremonti and Marshall since their days beginning in 1994. A versatile percussionist who also contributes keyboards, Phillips has pursued side projects like the supergroup since 2006, including the completion of their third album in 2025 alongside and members, but remains committed to Alter Bridge's core sound. His drumming employs Pearl kits with heads and , emphasizing powerful, syncopated patterns that drive tracks from mid-tempo ballads to aggressive anthems.

Former members

Alter Bridge has maintained remarkable stability in its core lineup since its formation in 2004, with vocalist/guitarist , guitarist , bassist , and drummer Scott Phillips remaining the only official members and no permanent departures recorded as of 2025. This unbroken continuity has been highlighted as a key factor in the band's enduring success and creative consistency. Although the core quartet has never changed, the band has occasionally incorporated temporary touring and session musicians for live to enhance their sound on larger productions. Guest appearances have also featured in select shows, such as additional guitarists joining for the band's 2011 performance. The 2009 and 2016 reunions temporarily impacted the availability of Tremonti, Marshall, and Phillips for Alter Bridge activities, leading to pauses in touring and recording, but resulted in no permanent exits from . Instead, these periods allowed for side projects while preserving the group's cohesion upon return. Friedman's role was subsequently filled by various touring players without altering the core structure.

Discography

Studio albums

Alter Bridge's studio albums have consistently charted on major international lists, reflecting the band's enduring appeal in the genre. Their releases have garnered multiple certifications and millions of records sold worldwide. Six of their seven studio albums have peaked in the top 20 of the 200. The band's includes the following studio albums:
AlbumRelease DateLabelUS Peak (Billboard 200)UK Peak (Albums Chart)Certifications
August 10, 2004552Gold (RIAA, )
BlackbirdOctober 9, 2007Universal Republic1321Gold (BPI, )
November 9, 2010179Silver (BPI, )
FortressOctober 8, 2013 (NA)/September 25, 2013 (int'l)Alter Bridge Recordings/126Silver (BPI, )
October 7, 2016818-
October 18, 2019164-
October 14, 2022366-
The band's eighth studio album, a self-titled effort, is scheduled for release on January 9, 2026, via . Pre-release activity includes the "Silent Divide," which debuted on September 3, 2025.

Singles and EPs

Alter Bridge has released numerous singles throughout their career, primarily as promotional tracks supporting their , with many achieving success on rock radio charts. Their singles often feature powerful vocals from and intricate guitar work by , contributing to the band's and sound. Early singles like "Open Your Eyes" from their 2004 debut album One Day Remains marked their breakthrough, peaking at No. 1 on the US Rock chart and introducing their blend of melody and aggression. Subsequent releases, such as "Isolation" from AB III (2010), also topped the Mainstream Rock chart, solidifying their presence in the genre. The band's singles discography spans from 2004 to 2025, with chart performance tracked primarily on Billboard's Mainstream Rock and Alternative Songs charts. Notable examples include "Rise Today" (2007) from Blackbird, which reached No. 3 on the Mainstream Rock chart, and "Ghost of Days Gone By" (2011) from AB III, peaking at No. 4. Later singles like "Addicted to Pain" (2013) from Fortress and "Show Me a Leader" (2016) from The Last Hero continued their chart momentum, often entering the top 20 on rock airplay. In recent years, "Silver Tongue" (2022) from Pawns & Kings and "Holiday" (2023) maintained their radio presence, peaking at No. 27 and No. 22, respectively. As of 2025, promotional singles for their upcoming self-titled album include "What Lies Within" and "Silent Divide," released to build anticipation for the January 2026 release. Additionally, a live version of "Metalingus" was issued as a single in 2024, revisiting a fan-favorite track originally from One Day Remains known for its association with WWE wrestler Edge.
YearSingle TitleAlbumPeak Chart Position (US Mainstream Rock)Source
2004Open Your Eyes1
2004Find the Real7
2005Broken Wings29
2007Rise TodayBlackbird3
2008Watch Over YouBlackbird19
2008Before Tomorrow ComesBlackbird29
2010Isolation1
2011Ghost of Days Gone By4
2011Wonderful Life-
2013Addicted to PainFortress4
2014Cry of AchillesFortress27
2016Show Me a Leader16
2017My Champion18
2019Wouldn't You Rather18
2020Godspeed24
2020Native Son32
2022Silver Tongue27
2023Holiday22
2024Metalingus (Live)--
2025What Lies WithinAlter Bridge-
2025Silent DivideAlter Bridge-
Regarding extended plays, Alter Bridge has issued one notable EP. The Fan EP, released in 2005 by as a promotional item in , featured the studio track "Metalingus" alongside live recordings of "Watch Your Words" and other songs captured at Phase One Studios in , , providing fans with early insight into their live energy.

References

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