Concert Review
Alter Bridge
Big Wreck
Tim Montana
Sunday November 8, 2026
Buffalo RiverWorks
Buffalo, NY
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto
Sunday evening on a chilly, windy November evening in Buffalo Alter Bridge returned as it had been three years since they last played here. It also marked their first visit to the Buffalo RiverWorks. In the early going it seemed it would be a moderate crowd but by the time Alter Bridge hit the stage the whole floor was pretty packed. Big Wreck and Tim Montana held the support slots to warm the crowd up. Boy did they.
Alter Bridge released their self-titled album in January and have done a few legs to support the album. This run has them in 18 cities to conclude the What Lies Within tour which will run til December 5th. The band touched on “Silent Divide” and “Tested and Able” from the new release. With seven other albums to choose their set from they were able to touch on five of them.
The band formed in 2004 with guitarist Mark Tremonti, bassist Brian Marshall and drummer Scott Phillips all from the band Creed. They were joined by former Mayfield Four vocalist/guitarist Myles Kennedy. The dynamic thing about Alter Bridge is the vocals of Kennedy mixing in perfectly with guitar playing of Tremonti.
The band kicked off their set with “Silent Divide” which also starts off the new album. It was an interesting set that not only showcased the band’s strengths but managed to keep the audience’s interest with nothing that would be considered a bathroom break song like some bands have.
“Tested and Able”, the band’s latest single was unique in that it featured Tremonti taking lead vocal in the chorus. The contrasting vocal stylings of Tremonti and Kennedy made for one of the highlights of the night. The lone downer was the muddy mix of the sound which appeared to take away from the overall ambience  giving the show a flat dirty sound. While it was less than ideal it did not hinder the band’s performance. The audience just sang along almost as if they expected it as the RiverWorks is not known for its good acoustics.
Of course the band played the usual suspects like the band’s first hit “Open Your Eyes” from the debut and “Rise Today” from Blackbird. The encore featured the lone two tracks from the band’s third album AB III in “Slip to the Void” and “Isolation”. It was a perfect way to end the night.
Between all the schedules of Myles Kennedy and the different things he has going on along with the re-emergence of Creed in 2024, makes it harder to find time for Alter Bridge to go out on the road. That also made this run so special as you never know what the future may hold. One thing certain is when the band is able to tour, the fans will show up just like they have ever since the band began back in 2004.
Big Wreck the four piece band fronted by Ian Thornley along with bassist Dave McMillan, guitarist Chris Caddell and drummer Brett Haggarty preceded Alter Bridge with a standout 45-minute set.
Opening the show was Tim Montana who gave everyone a short 30-minute set culminating in highlight “Devil You Know”.
Alter Bridge
Big Wreck
Tim Montana
Alter Bridge
Silent Divide
Addicted To Pain
Cry of Achilles
Fortress
Tested and Able
Open Your Eyes
Before Tomorrow Comes
Watch Over You
Burn It Down (Mark Tremonti on Vocals)
Silver Tongue
Blackbird
Rise Today
Metalingus
Encore
Slip to the Void
Isolation
Big Wreck
The Oaf
Locomotive
Bombs Away
Come Again
Inhale
Mistake
Albatross
Dog With A Gun
That Song
Tim Montana
Beautiful Hate
Get You Some
Shut Me Out
Brown Sugar
Watch Me Drown
Devil You Know
