Virginia Credit Union Live hosted the ‘Pawns & Kings’ tour, featuring Mammoth WVH, Sevendust, and Alter Bridge Monday night. Despite sever storms moving thru the area fans filled the amphitheater for a night of unforgettable music. The lineup promised a diverse range of rock sounds, and the bands did not disappoint, delivering a memorable evening of music, camaraderie, and electrifying stage presence.
Kicking off the night was Mammoth WVH, the brainchild of Wolfgang Van Halen, son of the legendary Eddie Van Halen. The band brought their A-game delivering a high-energy performance showcasing Wolfgang’s musical prowess not only as a vocalist but also as a skilled guitarist. The crowd was treated to a mix of tracks from their debut album, and their latest album, Mammoth II which was released on August fourth. The band’s performance was a balanced blend of emotional ballads and high-octane rock anthems. Songs like “Distance” and “Another Celebration at the End of the World” resonated with the audience, “Take a Bow,” and “Like a Pastime” were other new tracks to make the setlist with the night ending with, “Don’t Back Down.” The crowd’s response was a testament to the band’s ability to connect with the audience, setting the tone for a night of intense rock energy.
Next up was Sevendust, a band known for their powerful vocals, intense riffs, and tight-knit stage chemistry. The band released their fourteenth studio album, Truth Killer back in July, the album quickly rose to the number three position on Billboard’s Top Hard Rock Albums. The band’s signature blend of alternative metal and hard rock brought a heavier edge to the night with Lajon Witherspoon’s powerful vocals. Lajon’s vocals soared through the venue, backed by the powerful instrumentals that Sevendust is renowned for. The only track from the new album to make the night’s setlist was “Everything” which the band played live for the first time.
As the headliners of the night, Alter Bridge took the stage amidst a sea of cheers and applause. The band’s ability to combine melodic hooks with heavy riffs was on full display, captivating the audience from the first note. Myles Kennedy’s exceptional vocal range and guitar skills were a sight to behold, while Mark Tremonti’s intricate guitar work added another layer of depth to their performance. The setlist was a perfect blend of their catalog, featuring classics like “Blackbird” and “Broken Wings,” as well as newer tracks that resonated just as powerfully. The set kicked off with “Silver Tongue” from the 2022 release, Pawns & Kings, the only other new track to make the set was “Sin After Sin.” Mark Tremonti got in on the vocal action “Burn It Down,” proving that he is much more than just a phenomenal guitar player. The guys mixed in a few acoustic numbers during the set as well with, “Watch Over You,” and “In Loving Memory.” The night wrapped up with “Rise Today” as the band’s encore.
From the raw energy of Mammoth WVH to the heavy intensity of Sevendust and the melodic power of Alter Bridge, the lineup was carefully curated to offer something for every rock enthusiast. As the concert came to a close, fans were left with ringing ears, hoarse voices, and hearts full of rock euphoria.
Mammoth WVH Setlist:
Mammoth
I’m Alright
Epiphany
Like a Pastime
Take a Bow
Distance
You’re to Blame
Another Celebration at the End of the World
Don’t Back Down
Sevendust Setlist:
Face to Face
Denial
Crucified
Karma
Fence
Disgrace
Angel’s Son
Black
Everything (First Time Played Live)
Shine
Alter Bridge Setlist:
Silver Tongue
Addicted to Pain
Ghost of Days Gone By
Broken Wings
Sin After Sin
Burn It Down (Mark Tremonti on Vocals)
Cry of Achilles
Watch Over You (Acoustic)
In Loving Memory (Acoustic)
Blackbird
Come to Life
Fable of the Silent Son
Isolation
Metalingus
Encore:
Rise Today
Alter Bridge’s 2023 North American Tour Dates:
05/06 – Greensboro, NC @ Piedmont Hall !
05/07 – Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues !
05/09 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore !
05/11 – Louisville, KY @ Palace Theatre !
05/13 – Cherokee, NC @ Harrah’s Cherokee
05/14 – Chattanooga, TN @ The Signal !
05/16 – Pensacola, FL @ Saenger Theatre !
05/17 – New Orleans, LA @ The Fillmore !
05/19 – Dothan, AL @ The Plant !
05/20 – Daytona Beach, FL @ Welcome to Rockville
08/01 – Buffalo, NY @ Outer Harbor Event Complex *
08/02 – Asbury Park, NJ @ Stone Pony Summer Stage *
08/04 – Charlestown, WV @ The Event Center at Hollywood Casino !
08/05 – Grantville, PA @ Hollywood Casino Outdoors *
08/07 – Richmond, VA @ Virginia Credit Union Live *
08/08 – Cleveland, OH @ Jacobs Pavilion *
08/10 – Quebec City, QC @ Agora Port De Québec *
08/12 – Mashantucket, CT @ The Premier Theater (at Foxwoods Resort Casino) *
08/13 – Johnstown, PA @ 1 St Summit Arena *
08/16 – Springfield, IL @ Illinois State Fair #
08/17 – Fayetteville, AR @ JJ’s Live !
08/19 – Corpus Christi, TX @ Concrete Street Amphitheater *
08/20 – San Antonio, TX @ Boeing Center at Tech Port *
08/22 – Memphis, TN @ Orpheum Theatre ^
08/23 – Cincinnati, OH @ Andrew J Brady Music Center ^
08/25 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Glc Live at 20 Monroe ^
08/26 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Eagles Ballroom ^
08/28 – Fargo, ND @ Outdoors At Fargo Brewing ^
08/29 – Minneapolis, MN @ The Fillmore ^
08/31 – Council Bluffs, LA @ Harrah’s Stir Concert Cove ^
! = w/ Sevendust
* = w/ Sevendust and Mammoth WVH
# = w/ Mammoth WVH
^ = w/ Sevendust and MJT