Alter Bridge, Mammoth WVH and Pistols At Dawn Blow The Roof Off The Midland

Alter Bridge at the beautiful historic venue, The Midland Theatre, in Kansas City, Missouri on Saturday, March 11, 2023. [Photo credit: Robert A Chadwick]

REVIEW BY DAVID TAYLOR AND PHOTOS BY ROBERT A CHADWICK | Go Venue Magazine

Downtown Kansas City was the place to be Saturday, March 11, as Alter BridgeMammoth WVH, and Pistols at Dawn rolled into the Midland Theatre. With the Big 12 men’s basketball tournament happening a couple of blocks from the venue, so much was happening in Downtown Kansas City, but to me, this was the main event.

Atlanta’s own Pistols at Dawn were the opening act of the night. What shocked me was that they opened up their set with an awe-inspiring and virtuosic extended guitar solo from lead guitarist John William James Jr. This band brought their A-game when it came to playing for a crowd like the one they had at the Midland. It was a very energetic performance. I have a strong chance they earned some new fans that night. Check out their latest album, Ascension.

Mammoth WVH was the direct support of the bill. This was the third time in less than two years I’ve got the chance to check these guys out, and they never disappoint. They replicate their debut album onstage tremendously, and I have to give Wolfgang Van Halen all the credit for assembling these incredible musicians. The Kansas City area means so much to Wolfgang because Mammoth WVH played their debut show in Lawrence, Kansas, so seeing him come back to play the Midland was surreal. I’m hoping Mammoth WVH is putting out their new album by the end of this year.

Lastly, Alter Bridge was ready to take the stage. This was my first time seeing them live, and I could not ask for a better one. Myles Kennedy’s vocals were incredible. Mark Tremonti’s guitar-playing was exceptional. These musicians are in incredible form. I loved when every time there was a guitar solo, the other band members let either Mark or Myles have their moment. If that’s not strong band camaraderie, then I don’t know what is. They played quite a few tracks off of their latest album, Pawns & Kings, including their latest single, “Holiday”. They even let Mark Tremonti sing some songs, including one of my favorites, “Waters Rising”. After playing their main set, ending with “Metalingus”, they came back for an encore, playing “Rise Today” and “Open Your Eyes”. The crowd was incredible, singing very well to every lyric. The Midland Theatre is such a perfect fit for this band. So glad this band is still kicking ass and taking names twenty years later.

Alter Bridge

Mammoth WVH

Pistols At Dawn

All images © Robert A Chadwick


Follow our socials, only take a second and is free by finding us on:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram