Occasionally, there's a moment of awe as you gaze at a wall, thinking, 'We're really here': Wolfgang Van Halen invites Alter Bridge into the revered halls of the iconic 5150 Studios to record their fresh album
Alter Bridge, led by Mark Tremonti and Myles Kennedy, are working on their eighth studio album, set to be their first since 2022's Pawns & Kings. The band has chosen to record this new album at the legendary 5150 Studios in California, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that has been described as a "dream come true."
This unique chance came through the band's friendship with Wolfgang Van Halen, Eddie's son. The iconic studio, famous for Eddie Van Halen's groundbreaking work, has provided a deep inspiration during the album's creation.
For this album, the band sought to change their usual process by moving into 5150 Studios for writing, pre-production, and drum recording over a month-long session, working with longtime producer Michael “Elvis” Baskette. Guitarist Mark Tremonti expressed that working in such a "hallowed ground of rock ‘n’ roll" gave them confidence and inspiration, sometimes leading to moments where they had to remind themselves where they were.
In addition to 5150 Studios, parts of the album were recorded in Florida at Elvis’ recording studio, making this a bi-coastal project.
The new Alter Bridge album features Tremonti's pedal creations, along with PRS guitars and Dumble amps. Tremonti has been road-testing his hotly anticipated pedal line, and one of his creations is poised to be "going after the Klon."
Tremonti's association with Eddie Van Halen dates back to his Creed days, when he was taken under Eddie's wing. This relationship continued, with Wolfgang Van Halen spending time in Tremonti's solo band and helping out in Alter Bridge.
In a memorable encounter during Creed's two shows supporting Van Halen in 1998, Tremonti found himself playing to a crowd that included Eddie Van Halen. The next day, Eddie gifted Mark his "most prized possession."
Eddie Van Halen attended an Alter Bridge show in LA and was supportive, further strengthening the bond between the two musicians. The band's friendship with Wolfgang Van Halen has been instrumental in achieving this different approach to their recording process.
The album, while still untitled, promises to be a testament to the band's enduring spirit and their respect for the legacy of rock 'n' roll, as embodied by Eddie Van Halen. The release date for the new album is yet to be announced.
[1] Rolling Stone, "Alter Bridge Record New Album at Eddie Van Halen's 5150 Studios", Link [2] Guitar World, "Alter Bridge's New Album Recorded at 5150 Studios", Link [3] Ultimate Guitar, "Alter Bridge Talk About Recording New Album at 5150 Studios", Link [4] Loudwire, "Alter Bridge Discuss Recording Process for Upcoming Album", Link [5] Blabbermouth, "Alter Bridge's Michael 'Elvis' Baskette Talks About Recording New Album", Link
- Mark Tremonti, guitarist of Alter Bridge, is using pedals from his own line, alongside PRS guitars and Dumble amps, in their upcoming album recorded at 5150 Studios.
- The band Alter Bridge, lead by Mark Tremonti and Myles Kennedy, chose to record their eighth studio album at the iconic 5150 Studios in California, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
- The new Alter Bridge album is a bi-coastal project, with parts of it being recorded in Florida at a studio owned by Wolfgang Van Halen.
- Working in Eddie Van Halen's 5150 Studios inspired Alter Bridge, making them feel confident and creative, sometimes leading to moments where they had to pause and remember where they were.
- The upcoming Alter Bridge album, yet to be titled, will pay homage to the enduring spirit of rock 'n' roll, embodying the legacy of iconic musician Eddie Van Halen.
