In a change to my usual modes of transport to a gig, this one involved a flight to Paris and an UBER ride into the city from the airport the day before the show. The walk to the venue from my hotel on gig day took all of two minutes, depending on traffic. (I was staying in the hotel diagonally across the street)

So, who had me flying from Glasgow to Paris for one show?

Myles Kennedy & Co!

As is my want, I’d booked the VIP meet and greet experience and along with 40 others from all over the world, enjoyed hearing part of the band’s soundcheck in the afternoon. It also gave me an insight into some of the songs I could expect to hear later.

The Elysee Montmartre originally opened in 1807. After a fire in 2011, it reopened as a venue in 2016 with a capacity of circa 1300. It is a really pretty venue inside and out.

Sadly, the show wasn’t a sellout, but it is festival season and, as a friend explained, close to holiday season too.

No need to pray to the rail gods for this show. There was no rail! Instead, I found myself standing right in front of a rather high stage!

There was only one support act on the bill, Lancashire’s finest, Massive Wagons. I’ve listened to these guys on Planet Rock radio over the last few years, but this was my first opportunity to see them play live.

Massive Wagons are a lively bunch to say the least with front man Barry Mills, barely standing still for a second. Unfortunately, the lighting wasn’t being kind to those at the very front and we were getting blinded by one of the lights. This got worse when the strobe effect was brought into play. So, it’s fair to say, Massive Wagons sounded great, but I still feel as though I’ve barely seen them.

The five piece played a nine-song set that included all the songs I was familiar with from the radio. Set highlights for me were The Good Die Young, House of Noise and Bangin’ In Your Stereo.

A “bangin’” performance that got the growing crowd warmed up nicely.

At 8:45 the familiar strains of Freddie King’s Going Down signalled that the headliners were about to begin.

Myles Kennedy accompanied by Tim Tournier on bass and “pedal” duties plus drummer Zia Uddin, who was caged for the night behind his perspect screens, stepped out to a rapturous reception. Paris certainly made some noise for them!

Having seen four of the UK shows late last year, I had more than a rough idea of the musical delights that were to come over the next ninety minutes.

Myles opened the fifteen-song set with Nothing More To Gain, and The Art of Letting Go, the title track from his current album. The fabulous A Thousand Words from The Ides of March completed the opening trio of songs.

A Thousand Words – Myles Kennedy @ Elysee Montmartre 15/06/25

I’m biased. I openly admit it. I’d listen to Myles sing and play absolutely anything but, despite still shaking off the remains of a cold/respiratory infection, he was sounding fantastic.

What I love about these MK & Co shows is that these guys get to have some fun. The arrangements invariably differ slightly from the album versions, solos are longer and they have the freedom to improvise – simply put, its live music at its finest. Three skilled musicians who share a great chemistry, playing real music. You just can’t beat it!

It’s a treat to watch Myles play Behind the Veil. It’s an epic song off the current album. Watching him fully immerse himself in the solo is a beautiful sight to behold. It just keeps getting better and better. Love it!

Year of the Tiger, title track from the first solo record followed. For me, the live version of this one truly showcases what an awesome drummer Zia Uddin is. I love those thundering, jungle drums!

At the soundcheck, a fan had asked bout a particular song and Myles true to his word, slotted it in mid-set. And the song? The gorgeous Mayfield Four song, White Flag. This one has really grown on me.

White Flag – Myles Kennedy @ Elysee Montmartre 15/06/25

This show was flying by far to quickly!

Another set highlight for me was Love Can Only Heal. I love this song. It’s beautiful and oh so poignant. The heartbeats added towards the end by Zia reach into your very soul!

The last three songs of the main body of the set re-ignited the energy into the show. Miss You When You’re Gone is almost a natural follow on from Love Can Only Heal…well, it is in my head.

Miss You When You’re Gone – Myles Kennedy @ Elysee Montmartre 15/06/25

Get Along and Say What You Will followed expertly on.

What a set!

After a brief moment or two off stage Myles returned alone complete with acoustic guitar to open the two-song encore with the only Alter Bridge song of the night. As soon as the French fans heard the opening strum of the guitar, every fan in the room knew Watch Over You was to follow. Such an emotional song. With his voice tiring a tad, Myles encouraged the fans to help him out with the vocal chores. The crowd didn’t disappoint! I’ve heard this song live many times, but this was a memorable rendition.

Watch Over You – Myles Kennedy @ Elysee Montmartre 15/06/25

The evening was brough to a climax with In Stride, another of my favourites and the only song on the set to feature Myles’ resonate guitar. Even although this one was bringing the show to an end, the guys played as though we were all about to party all night.
What a night it had been!

Till next time, guys.