Creed/Alter Bridge guitarist Mark Tremonti returns to the U.S. on Thursday (February 21) in Pontiac, Mich., with his solo band for a short, nine-show run of dates.

Tremonti is supporting his first-ever solo album, "All I Was," and he tells us that the continual touring both here and overseas has helped establish him as an artist outside of his well-known groups:

"I feel like it's really gotten some traction now. I think doubling back, doing a few tours on it now, the crowds are growing. People are becoming more familiar with the songs...It's exciting to see things spreading. It's a completely different feel. Each band, to me, feels like a new band and a new challenge. It's definitely keeping me on my toes, especially having to keep recreating new sounds for each band."

Tremonti's tour -- with Wolfgang Van Halen as his full-time bassist -- wraps up March 5 in Hollywood. The guitarist will then return to work on Alter Bridge's fourth album, although he's also planning a second Tremonti album as well as some additional dates with the solo band later this year.

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