With the cold winds sweeping across the Great Lakes and with snowfall becoming inevitable, it was a treat to see that these conditions didn’t damper the spirits of nearly 1,700 fans (capacity) eagerly anticipating the doors opening at The Rapids Theatre located in breathtaking Niagara Falls, New York. This memorable night played host to The Last Hero Tour (1/21 – 2/22), featuring the heavy metal sounds of Freddie Ordine of Weapons of Anew along with the up and coming alternative hard rockers out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida’s Nonpoint, followed by the explosive vocals and reverberating riffs of the one and only, Alter Bridge.
As the house lights dimmed, Weapons of Anew took the stage with an explosive energy, as guitarist and songwriter Freddy Ordine (formerly of Axiom & HavocHate) along with Ray West on vocals to the audience up on their feet with their November 11, 2016 debut of “Killshot”. The synchronicity of both bassist Stefan “Reno” Cutrupi and Chris Manfre on percussion, was as tight as ever, as both continually teamed up to deliver fast paced chest caving beats, feeding the ever-growing frenzy of the crowd.
Hot on their heels and judging by the exuberant and ever present fans of Nonpoint, this seven-song setlist beginning with “Miracle” was without a doubt, going to be an over-the-top performance. By the time B.C. Kochmit (lead guitar) accompanied by rhythm guitarist/backup vocalist Rasheed Thomas laid down their first few notes on their track “Divided…Conquer them”, I finally realized that these artists’ interaction with their fan base was beyond any I’ve witnessed in many years. Elias Soriano’s range of vocals rose the top in their renditions of “In The Air Tonight” (Phil Collins cover) concluding their set with “Bullet With A Name”, drummer Robb Riviera showed that not only he had what it took to keep Adam Wolosyn in check with his ferocious beats, but also displayed a unique knack for inciting their Nonpoint fans to near hysteria!
Last but certainly not least, Myles Kennedy and Mark Termonti took the stage, along with members Brian Marshall on bass, and drummer Scott Phillips of Alter Bridge. Promoting their fifth and latest full length album ‘The Last Hero’, this quartet hailing from the states of Florida, Michigan and Massachusetts respectfully, entertained the welcoming fans with a sixteen-song set-list ranging from “The Writing on the Wall” to “Addicted to Pain” to “Ties that Bind” and “Blackbird”. Kennedy’s vocals on the acoustical number “Watch Over You” had nearly every woman present swaying and swooning on his each and every word as if he were singing to each one personally. If the meticulously mastered tracks of sixteen wasn’t enough, Kennedy and Tremonti
As the venue lights came on and stagehands began breaking down equipment, I couldn’t help but think that 2017 was off to an excellent start, full of promising new artists as well as the big bands we’ve grown up with. Having said that, I would also like to extend my humble gratitude to Shaun Reinert, Business Manager of Nonpoint, for showing this old boy that their fans are what’s most important to them, but also for calling my attention to yet another fabulous band that I have no doubt will be a headliner in years to come. The Last Hero Tour will wrap up at the end of this month, so if you have yet to experience this epic event, you still have time! Based upon the variety of musical content, crowd excitement and continual interaction with all three bands, I have no choice but to give this performance a five-out-of-five-star rating If only there was a replay button for tonight’s show! I was left in total awe.
Thank you Niagara Falls and The Rapids Theatre for starting us off to a great year!!