2025 has kicked off great in regard to live gigs! On a cold night in Stockholm, at Debaser strand, Tremonti and Florence Black from Wales, UK gave an astonishing performance which left everyone happy and fulfilled at the end.
The Welsh power trio, who support Tremonti on their European tour on selected dates, started right on time and according to the schedule (which was followed by all means throughout the night) and gained the audience’s warm applause with their groove, heavy and cool attitude on the scene. They caught up our interest from the beginning and the crowd was already on our feet, they had such an incredible energy and connection with the audience! The sound may have been a bit blurry in the first couple of songs, but later it boosted their songs’ performance and things got pretty well for them. Despite the lack of a second guitar, their sound was not only super heavy but this proved no problem at all. This is a band I would really like to see again and will definitely follow their discography.
Following a small 10-15 mins break, it was about time to see the almighty Mark Tremonti on stage with his solo band (last time I saw them was a few years back, again in Stockholm). They started their gig with the new album, recently released, “The end will show us how”, and the track ‘All the wicked things’, a perfect start which combines Tremonti’s brilliant vocals, super heavy riffs and captivating melodies. The band is in great form, has just kicked off their European tour, they have a new album in their pockets and things can only get better and better for them. After all, the always busy and multi-tasking Tremonti is a restless soul who never gets at ease. Right from the very beginning, the crowd got engaged and seriously attached to the show, singing along almost on all 19 songs (!) they played. The playlist spans from every Tremonti album, focusing on the very best from their catalogue, playing a few new ones, and leaving no one unhappy. On a personal note, I just wished for 2-3 more from their ‘Cauterize’ and/or ‘Dust’ albums, but this is just a minor comment.
Major elements of the show: a cataclysm of riffs (with Tremonti’s signature contribution), super heavy and massive sound, excellent chemistry of all 4 band members (special mention here to Tremonti’s ‘brother I never had’ Eric Friedman who played fantastic!), where Tanner Keegan and Ryan Bennett really kicked our ass off! I must admit that this is probably the best line-up this band has ever had! But, what is always remarkable and amazing is Mark Tremonti’s vocal performance, what this guy does on and off stage with his vocals is just incredible. Closing the show with ‘Wish you well’ was just awesome, on a night that started off the year, where we hope to see and enjoy a lot great gigs in small or bigger venues. One thing is for sure: Mark Tremonti knows very well to captivate the audiences with his incredible musicianship, his performer status and having those 3 companions with him, bright days lie ahead for him.
Thank you Tremonti and Florence Black for an awesome gig!
Text and pictures by Antonis Mantzavinos
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Florence Black on Facebook