There’s something about a Monday night show that boosts a crowd’s morale in ways a weekend show doesn’t. Perhaps it’s the shared excitement that we have something to look forward to that can get us through the work week. It could just be a different energy. No matter what night of the week it is, the crowd will always show up for bands that deliver.
On this particular Monday night, fans knew they were in for a good dose of rock and roll at the Mission Ballroom, led by Alter Bridge and supported by Mammoth and Pistols at Dawn.
Despite it being a quieter night than usual, the room steadily filled up as the night progressed. As a local, it’s nice to see people coming back to shows. We can all agree — as bands, fans, and music communities — that we’ve desperately missed live music as a means of connection and sanity.
Pistols at Dawn woke us up and took the stage at 7:00 p.m. Their energy shook the place, and fans were raving over their guitarist, a mere 22 years old and the clear star of the show. New to Denver, the band made a solid first impression, showing off their style and really working the crowd. If their performance is any indication of what’s to come, it’s safe to say they’ll be back here soon.
Next up was Mammoth WVH, the solo project of singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Wolfgang Van Halen. The crowd went wild for Wolf’s talent — between his voice, which flew on effortlessly and caught our attention at every turn, and his ability to both pay tribute to the sounds and nostalgia of Van Halen while paving his own path in music. The band’s energy highlighted key moments in their set perfectly. It’s clear they have deep roots in music, and they know how to warm up a crowd of new and old fans alike.
Finally, our headliner. Alter Bridge wasted no time getting on stage. The crowd buckled in for the long setlist they had planned for us and met the band’s energy as soon as the first note rang out. Their lighting and production were beautiful and perfectly reflected the atmosphere created by the band and the music. These guys never put on a bad show, and everyone in the room knew it. Their songwriting carries such weight and impact, it’s impossible not to feel how much their songs mean to their fans when you hear them sing the words back. The voices filled the room during songs like “Addicted to Pain, “Come to life,” “Open your eyes,” and of course, “Rise Today.” Why is it so easy to bring tears to our eyes when you blast these songs?
Alter Bridge is undoubtedly among the great musicians who fuel the world with meaning. Their power is undeniable, and it’s clear that their fans are forever grateful.
