Review by Peter Finn for MPM
It’s been too long since MPM Tog Manny Manson and myself have headed to the iconic Rock City in Nottingham together, primarily due to work and family commitments. However, when two legends of the Rock scene, in the forms of Myles Kennedy and Devin Townsend are appearing on the same bill, it becomes a must to shoe-horn them into my schedule. Tonight’s show is sold out, and there’s also a charitable donation request for anyone who’s on the Guest List, of which both myself and Manny are big fans of.
Devin Townsend is a multifaceted Canadian musician, producer, and visionary, renowned for his innovative approach to metal and progressive music. He first garnered attention in the late 1990s as the frontman of the heavy metal band Strapping Young Lad, which became known for its aggressive sound and complex compositions. Following the disbandment of Strapping Young Lad, Townsend embarked on a prolific solo career, releasing a diverse discography that includes celebrated albums such as ‘Ocean Machine: Biomech,’ ‘Terria,’ and the expansive ‘Deconstruction.’ His distinct musical style blends elements of metal, ambient, and orchestral music, often characterized by lush production and deeply personal lyrics. Over the years, Townsend has collaborated with a variety of talented musicians, forming his own project, the Devin Townsend Project.
Through his dynamic sound and captivating live performances, Townsend has established himself as a true innovator in the music scene, inspiring countless fans and musicians alike. Tonight, Devin Townsend is performing an acoustic set.
The hall lights go out and Townsend strolls out onto the stage, an acoustic guitar at the ready and opens with ‘Let It Roll’ a track from his self-titled band album ‘Synchestra’ released in 2006. He is chatting and joking with the audience, telling them about his pre-gig nerves.
Devin Townsend returns to his Strapping Young Lad days, with ‘Love?’ recorded in 2005 on the ‘Alien’ album. A gargantuan metal anthem with heaps of unclean vocals, is transformed before the eyes into an acoustic classic, complete with a bass growl to match his vocal as he screams the words.
‘Bring Him Home’ was written by Claude-Michel Schönberg and is from the musical ‘Les Misérables’. I was entranced and forgot to make notes, other than, what an incredible voice.
The Devin Townsend Project’s 2009 album ‘Addicted’ provides ‘Ih-Ah!’. It begins with a quick tempo, Townsend hears someone singing out loud with him, stops playing, and then passes his mic down to the guy in the crowd who then sings the first verse as Townsend plays the guitar. Once normal proceedings have resumed, the crowd clap and sing along as Townsend leads them into the chorus.
Townsend tells us he has been married for 36 years, and this song is about relationships, he also asks for a show of hands from those under 36 years old, causing him to laugh and shake his head, making him feel old. 2003’s ‘Accelerated Evolution’ is the source of ‘Deadhead’ originally recorded by The Devin Townsend Band. Townsend quick strumming working in contrast to the even controlled voice, the strumming slows as his tone takes on rage like qualities.
‘Hyperdrive’ is taken from ‘Ziltoid the Omniscient’ 2007 and a re-recorded version also appears on ‘Addicted’. The strumming has a heavier bass sound emphasising his high vocal even more.
A more recent track is ‘Lightworker’ and is taken from his 2022 album ‘Lightwork’. A more traditional almost folk sound, but full of passion, well-illustrated when Townsend holds the notes. Townsend thanks the attentive Rock City crowd, then realizes he still has a minute left of his allocated slot, so we’re treated to a very fast snippet of ‘Life’ from ‘Ocean Machine’ released in 1997.
Devin Townsend has given the Rock City crowd a magnificent performance, with a of medley of tracks that have taken us on a magical journey of his work. His ability to turn his tracks that usually includes a full band, into a one-man acoustic show has been brilliant. He has also the talents and wit of a razor-sharp stand-up comedian. So, if you’re off to one of the remaining shows, make sure you get there in time, you don’t want to miss him.
Setlist: Let It Roll; Love?; Bring Him Home; Ih-Ah!; Deadhead; Hyperdrive; Lightworker; Life.
Myles Kennedy, the acclaimed frontman known for his powerful vocals and dynamic guitar work, has made a significant mark in the world of rock music, as the lead singer of Alter Bridge, Slash’s band and as a solo artist. Launching his solo career with the release of his debut album ‘Year of the Tiger’ in 2018, Kennedy showcased his remarkable ability to blend personal storytelling with a rich musical tapestry that spans various genres. His solo work features contributions from talented musicians, including drummer Zia Uddin, bassist and guitarist Mike McCready of Pearl Jam fame, and others who add depth to his sound. Following the success of ‘Year of the Tiger,’ Kennedy released ‘The Ides of March’ in 2021, further cementing his status as a versatile artist unafraid to explore intricate themes and experiment with his sound. In October 2024, Kennedy released his third album ‘The Art of Letting Go’. As he continues to evolve as a solo performer, Myles Kennedy remains a celebrated figure in the rock landscape, captivating audiences with his emotive songwriting and exceptional musicianship.
For this current run of shows, Kennedy’s band consists of drummer Zia Uddin and bassist/manager Tim Tournier. The band make their way out onto stage, a wave to the crowd, a quick nod to each other before opening with the title track to the new album ‘The Art of Letting Go’. Uddin’s beat and Kennedy’s riff get us going. They’re sounding good as the sound fills the hall. This stripped back set-up is working well. Kennedy comes to the stage edge for his solo, the Rock City crowd are entranced.
A quick guitar change, and staying with the new release, we get ‘Nothing More to Gain’. The blues marching beat is shaking Rock City, Kennedy’s vocal is crystal clear. The minimal back-line is delivering maximum punch. Tournier’s bass riff compliments Kennedy’s guitar sound brilliantly. Myles Kennedy thanks Devin Townsend for opening the show, and Rock City applauds too.
It’s a track off the 2018 debut album ‘Year of the Tiger’ next in the form of ‘Devil on the Wall’. It begins slow as Kennedy strums his guitar as he sings, the rhythm section come in and the boogie begins. Rock City adding backing vocal harmonies. Kennedy calls for Rock City to clap along, there’s no need to ask twice before leaning back into the solo.
‘A Thousand Words’ is from ‘The Ides of March’ released during 2021. The crowd join in from the start, the quick/slow tempo has the crowd nodding along as Kennedy belts out the lyrics. He eases the track to a close.
It’s guitar changes all round, then Uddin brings in ‘Mr. Downside’ from ‘The Art of Letting Go’. Kennedy’s smile is telling all that he’s enjoying this, Rock City is too. A mid-section jam sees the band rocking out.
Once Kennedy has decided which finger to put the bottle slide on, it’s time for the bluesy swamp rocker ‘Tell It Like It Is’ from ‘The Ides of March’ gets the crowd clapping from the first note. The sea of nodding heads and swaying bodies emphasizes the party mood, Uddin’s beat has the crowd clapping again. Kennedy doing his version of a Chuck Berry walk as he plays the solo. That was a very popular track.
Kennedy introduces his favourite track from the new record, saying it’s great fun to play, it’s ‘Behind the Veil’. It begins with Kennedy playing a Led Zepplin-esque riff, then gently singing as he plucks the strings. The pace builds, Rock City claps. Tournier’s bass is moving the air. The jam is dirty blues and sounds fantastic as the crowd soak up the experience, Kennedy with his eyes closed as he plays is doing likewise. Absolutely fantastic.
Kennedy now has an acoustic guitar slung over his shoulder, and has the stage to himself. He asks how many in Rock City remember Alter Bridge playing here, there is a good show of hands, he continues by saying he likes to mix the next bit up a bit. He begins ‘Haunted By Design’ which is from the first album ‘Year of the Tiger’. Rock City is clapping, when he reaches the solo, he “yodels” it, receiving a huge cheer from the crowd.
Uddin and Tournier are armed with their instruments, Kennedy strums and starts narrating the lyrics to ‘Love Can Only Heal’ from ‘Year of the Tiger’. Rock City joins in singing and swaying. Kennedy stands back from his mic stand and encourages the crowd to take over. Tournier brings his bass in; Uddin hits the skins and the track builds.
‘The Ides of March’ provides ‘Wake Me When It’s Over’, Kennedy claps to the quick beat, then starts belting out the words as Rock City bounces. It’s fast and punchy. Arms aloft Kennedy acknowledges the crowd’s participation.
From ‘The Art of Letting Go’ it’s ‘Miss You When You’re Gone’, it starts with Kennedy’s resonating guitar, Uddin increases the tempo with a driving beat, Kennedy is full of emotion as he sings, nodding at the crowds response.
It’s time for the title-track of the 2018 debut album ‘Year of the Tiger’, Kennedy is standing at the edge of the stage, smiling at the crowd, the chill out jam is replaced by clipped riffs and Uddin’s bass drum beat. Kennedy chants the lyrics with the beat behind him. The pace builds as the band go in for the kill.
‘Get Along’ is from ‘The Ides of March’, Kennedy teases the crowd as he plays the intro, then starts narrating the lyrics as Rock City claps in time. Kennedy gesticulating like an orchestra conductor as he sings, before prowling the stage as he plays his solo. The band rock-out to close the track, Kennedy has his guitar above his head pointing at the ceiling.
‘In Stride’ off ‘The Ides of March’, sees Kennedy put on his bottle slide again, it has a blues rock vibe with plenty of swagger. Uddin has the crowd clapping as he launches a salvo of drum beats. Kennedy gets the crowd singing back with “Woah’s”, then repeating his words. He thanks the Rock City crowd who reciprocate. He then introduces his band mates. The band play out to a crescendo finish before thanking the audience, wave and leave (kind of), before returning for one of those not leaving/returning encores.
The band are applauding the audience, then for their encore, start ‘Say What You Will’ from ‘The Art of Letting Go’. It’s quick with a rapid Uddin beat, Kennedy’s lyrics and guitar riffs soaring effortlessly around Rock City, the crowd punching the air in time as the band play out to a big finish. The band hand out mementoes’ as they leave the stage once again Rock City shows their appreciation by clapping and whistling.
Setlist: The Art of Letting Go; Nothing More to Gain; Devil on the Wall; A Thousand Words; Mr. Downside; Tell It Like It Is; Behind the Veil; Haunted By Design; Love Can Only Heal; Wake Me When It’s Over; Miss You When You’re Gone; Year of the Tiger; Get Along; In Stride; Say What You Will.
Tonight, we have been treated to a great nights entertainment, by two of the finest guitarist/vocalists out there. There has been a clever and enthralling mix of styles and tempos. Check out the remaining dates and get yourself a ticket.
Photography by Manny Manson for MPM
