Alter Bridge, Skillet + Stone Sour Bring Towering Rock to Michigan Concert

2017-09-01

Story and photos by Anne Erickson

Photos and review: The Jackson County Fair rocked with Alter Bridge, Skillet and Stone Sour

Alter Bridge, Skillet and Stone Sour brought their towering rock sounds to the Jackson County Fair in Jackson, Michigan, on Aug. 7. It proved a strong mix of talent, with all three acts bringing hard-hitting, tight sets to the evening.

While Alter Bridge, Skillet and Stone Sour are very different-sounding bands, they share an obvious love for hard rock with a melodic character. All three groups can dance between heavy, pummeling guitars and melodic, soaring vocals with ease and joy.

Alter Bridge had just a handful of tour dates lined up this summer. They’re touring in support of their latest studio album, last year’s “The Last Hero,” and plan to start writing their new record in the fall of next year, drummer Scott Phillips told Audio Ink.

“We’ve sort of getting there. We’ll finish up this album cycle probably December of this year. I know Mark is working on new Tremonti stuff, and Myles is working on a solo project, which he’s been working on for a very long time but it’s actually going to see the light of day here pretty soon…” Phillips said. “The plan is to probably get together September, October, November of next year and start putting those ideas together and the four of us probably getting some new music out, I would say, in early 2019.”

Alter Bridge also has a new live set on the way, “Live at the O2 Arena.”

Skillet has been touring nonstop this year, armed with fresh tracks off their 2016 set, “Unleashed.” The band’s positive and optimistic music complements any rock bill. From the first, energetic notes of “Feel Invincible” to the majestic rock of “Hero,” Skillet offered an exciting, high-octane set.

Stone Sour just released a new album, “Hydrograd,” and current have a chart-topping rock ballad in “Song #3.” Frontman Corey Taylor also just unleashed a new book, “America 51.” Corey had the crowd memorized the full set, whether aggressively singing “Absolute Zero” or delicately delivering soft vocals on “Through Glass.”

View exclusive photos for the Jackson County Fair concert here.

Photo credit: Anne Erickson

Skillet

Skillet

Skillet

Skillet

Alter Bridge

Alter Bridge

Alter Bridge

Alter Bridge

Alter Bridge

Stone Sour

Stone Sour

Stone Sour

Stone Sour

Anne Erickson
Posted by Anne Erickson | Features, Music, Rock