Live Review: Tremonti - O2 Institute, Birmingham
Support: Florence Black
11th February 2025
Words & Photos: Tim Finch
Creed/Alter Bridge guitarist Mark Tremonti is a man of many talents, as highlighted not only by his work in the two aforementioned bands, abut also his solo work and even his Frank Sinatra tribute albums. Just a few short weeks ago he released the latest of his solo albums and tonight he arrives in Birmingham to show off his latest tunes.
Florence Black stormed the stage to kick off the evening. The Welsh power trio delivered a thunderous set that proved why they are one of the most exciting rising bands in hard rock today.
Kicking off with ‘Start Again’ the band wasted no time in setting an electrifying tone for the night. The track's driving riffs and infectious chorus immediately captivated the crowd, pulling them into Florence Black’s raw, unfiltered energy. Frontman Tristan Thomas’ commanding vocals and blistering guitar work were on full display, while bassist Jordan Evans and drummer Perry Davies laid down a rock-solid foundation that kept the momentum surging.
‘Bed of Nails’ brought a heavier edge to the set with its thunderous groove, whilst ‘The Deep End’ and ‘Look Up’ showcased the band's dynamic range, transitioning seamlessly from crushing riffs to melodic, emotionally charged moments.
As the set reached its climax with ‘Zulu’ and ‘Sun and Moon, Florence Black cemented their status as a must-watch act in modern rock. ‘Zulu’s tribal rhythms and roaring guitars created an electrifying atmosphere, while ‘Sun and Moon’ provided the perfect closer, blending melody and intensity in a way that left the crowd wanting more.
I’ve seen Florence Black a lot over the years from pre-pandemic Bloodstocks, through a wide array of shows and venues, and this was the first time I’ve seen them omit a cover of Budgie’s ‘Breadfan’ from the set. Whilst it’s good they are focusing on their own material, a little groove to that Welsh rock classic was missed by all (well me at least).
But it’s on to the main event, Mark Tremonti delivering a masterful performance through a two hour show, in which he showcased his signature blend of heavy riffs, soaring melodies, and his deep back catalogue.
Opening with the explosive ‘Wish You Well’, Tremonti wasted no time in igniting the crowd. The energy carried through into ‘Cauterize’ and ‘You Waste Your Time’, both of which highlighted his knack for combining crushing guitar work with anthemic choruses.
‘Tomorrow We Will Fail’ and ‘The Things I've Seen’ provided a shift in pace, allowing for more atmospheric moments to shine. Midway through the set ‘Throw Them to the Lions’ and ‘Another Heart’ injected a fresh wave of aggression, with intricate solos and punishing rhythms keeping the crowd engaged. ’It's Not Over’ and ‘So You're Afraid’ continued the momentum.
The latter half of the set featured some of his most emotionally resonant material, with ‘Flying Monkeys’, ‘Dust’ and ‘Catching Fire" allowing more melodic moments. One of many highlight of the evening came during ‘Marching in Time’ where Sophie Burrell joined Tremonti on stage for a breathtaking rendition of this epic number.
Closing the main set with ‘Decay’, Tremonti left the audience in awe before returning for a two-song encore. ‘All the Wicked Things’ and ‘A Dying Machine’ served as the perfect conclusion, encapsulating everything that makes his music compelling!
Birmingham witnessed Mark Tremonti once again proving why he remains one of the most respected figures in modern rock and metal.
Photo Credits: Tim Finch Photography
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