
Feature Photo: Foto: Stefan Brending
What began as a solo project for renowned guitarist Mark Tremonti has evolved into one of modern metal’s most respected acts. Formed in 2011, Tremonti started as an outlet for the heavier musical ideas that didn’t fit within Mark’s other bands, Creed and Alter Bridge.
The band has released six studio albums to date: All I Was (2012), Cauterize (2015), Dust (2016), A Dying Machine (2018), Marching in Time (2021), and The End Will Show Us How (2025).
Their sound is characterized by thrash metal influences combined with melodic vocals, setting them apart from Mark Tremonti’s other musical ventures. The band has toured extensively, including supporting Iron Maiden in Europe in 2018, and has established themselves as a formidable force in the hard rock and metal scenes worldwide.
Tremonti has undergone several lineup changes since its inception. Initially featuring former Submersed members alongside Mark Tremonti, the band has evolved with each album. What started as a creative outlet for material that was “too metal” for Alter Bridge and Creed has become a fully-fledged band with a dedicated following.
Their music consistently showcases technical prowess, powerful riffs, and Mark Tremonti’s growth as a vocalist. With each release, the band has refined their sound while maintaining the aggressive edge that sets them apart from Mark’s other projects.
The band’s sixth studio album, The End Will Show Us How, was released on January 10, 2025, through Napalm Records. Produced by longtime collaborator Michael “Elvis” Baskette, the album featured Mark Tremonti, Eric Friedman, Tanner Keegan, and Ryan Bennett. The band supported the release with a European tour in 2025.
Mark Tremonti
Mark Tremonti is the founder, lead vocalist, and lead guitarist of the band. Born on April 18, 1974, in Detroit, Michigan, Mark established himself as one of rock’s premier guitarists through his work with Creed, which he co-founded in 1994.
His distinctive playing style, technical proficiency, and songwriting abilities quickly garnered critical acclaim, earning him a Grammy Award with Creed for “With Arms Wide Open” in 2001. After Creed’s initial breakup, Mark formed Alter Bridge in 2004 with fellow Creed members Brian Marshall and Scott Phillips, bringing in vocalist Myles Kennedy.
In 2011, Mark began expressing interest in creating a solo project to showcase his heavier material and vocal abilities. This eventually evolved into the band Tremonti. He plays lead guitar and handles lead vocals on all Tremonti albums, demonstrating his versatility as a musician.
His work with Tremonti has allowed him to explore thrash metal influences that weren’t appropriate for his other bands. Mark has contributed to all six Tremonti albums, developing his skills as a frontman while continuing to deliver the exceptional guitar work he’s known for.
Beyond his work with Tremonti, Creed, and Alter Bridge, Mark has released a Sinatra covers album called Tremonti Sings Sinatra and is widely respected as one of the most influential guitarists in modern rock.
Eric Friedman
Eric “Erock” Friedman serves as the rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist for Tremonti. Born on June 28, 1984, in Yorba Linda, California, Eric began his musical journey at a young age. At 13, he became the youngest guitarist endorsed by Fender after being pulled onstage for a jam session with Kenny Wayne Shepherd as a young musician.
Before joining Tremonti, Eric was the lead guitarist for Submersed, playing on their debut album In Due Time, and also played with Daughters of Mara until both bands disbanded in 2008.
Eric’s relationship with Mark Tremonti began when they met at a NAMM show, where they jammed together and discovered their complementary playing styles. Despite their different influences—Mark coming from a metal background and Eric from a blues background—they formed a strong musical connection.
Eric has been with Tremonti since its inception in 2011, performing on all six of the band’s albums. In addition to his role in Tremonti, Eric has served as a touring guitarist for Creed during their reunion tours in 2009 and 2010. He’s also a member of the supergroup Projected.
His blues-influenced playing style adds depth to Tremonti’s sound, and his backing vocals complement Mark’s lead vocals, creating a rich sonic landscape. His contributions remained central to the band’s sound on their sixth album, The End Will Show Us How, released in 2025.
Wolfgang Van Halen
Wolfgang Van Halen joined Tremonti as their bassist in September 2012, replacing Brian Marshall, who had been the touring bassist. Born on March 16, 1991, Wolfgang is the son of legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen and actress Valerie Bertinelli.
Before joining Tremonti, Wolfgang had been playing bass with Van Halen since 2006, when he replaced Michael Anthony. His addition to Tremonti came suddenly when he received a call from Mark Tremonti while in New York, asking if he could fill in as their bassist. Wolfgang reportedly learned the band’s entire setlist in one night before joining them on tour the next day.
Wolfgang became an official member of Tremonti in 2013 and played on two of the band’s studio albums: Cauterize (2015) and Dust (2016). Both albums were recorded during the same sessions, with Wolfgang providing the bass work that helped drive their heavy sound.
Mark Tremonti praised Wolfgang’s abilities, calling him “the best of the best out there on bass” and noting how quickly he learned material. Wolfgang’s time with Tremonti was intermittent due to his commitments with Van Halen.
He eventually moved on to focus on his own project, Mammoth WVH, which released its debut album in 2021 following Eddie Van Halen’s death in 2020. During his time with Tremonti, Wolfgang brought technical proficiency and a strong rhythm section partnership with drummer Garrett Whitlock that elevated the band’s sound on their second and third albums.
Garrett Whitlock
Garrett Whitlock was the original drummer for Tremonti, joining in 2011 and remaining with the band until taking a leave of absence in 2018. Before joining Tremonti, Garrett made a name for himself as the drummer for Submersed, where he also played alongside Eric Friedman.
After Submersed disbanded in 2008, Garrett played with former TNA Impact Wrestling star Christy Hemme before connecting with Mark Tremonti for his solo project.
Garrett’s drumming on Tremonti’s first four albums—All I Was (2012), Cauterize (2015), Dust (2016), and A Dying Machine (2018)—showcased his technical ability and heavy playing style.
His approach to drumming fit perfectly with the thrash metal influences in Tremonti’s music, creating a solid foundation for the band’s aggressive sound. In interviews, Garrett expressed his enjoyment of being able to play heavier material in Tremonti compared to his time with Submersed, describing it as being “like a kid in a candy store.”
In September 2018, Garrett took a necessary leave of absence from the band’s touring schedule for undisclosed personal reasons. Ryan Bennett began filling in on September 15, 2018, during the tour supporting A Dying Machine.
Garrett did not return as the band’s regular touring drummer, and Bennett subsequently took over the position. After leaving Tremonti, Whitlock continued working as a drummer and was associated with Wolfgang Van Halen’s Mammoth WVH project.
Ryan Bennett
Ryan Bennett joined Tremonti as their touring drummer in September 2018, initially filling in for Garrett Whitlock, who had taken a leave of absence. Ryan was a longtime friend of guitarist Eric Friedman, which helped facilitate his entry into the band.
What started as a temporary position became permanent when it was later confirmed that Ryan would replace Garrett Whitlock. Bennett quickly established himself as an important part of Tremonti’s rhythm section during the band’s extensive touring schedule.
Ryan has played on Tremonti’s two most recent albums: Marching in Time (2021) and The End Will Show Us How (2025). His drumming style has helped maintain the heavy, aggressive sound that has become Tremonti’s signature while bringing his own flair to the band.
As part of the rhythm section with bassist Tanner Keegan, Ryan has contributed to the evolution of Tremonti’s sound in their latest works. His technical proficiency and powerful playing have made him an integral part of the band’s lineup.
Before joining Tremonti, Ryan was associated with several rock and metal projects, including Eye Empire, Texas Hippie Coalition, Straight Line Stitch, and Madame Mayhem. That experience helped prepare him for the demanding material and touring schedule he encountered with Tremonti.
Tanner Keegan
Tanner Keegan is the current bassist for Tremonti, joining as an official member after serving as a touring bassist beginning in 2015. His first studio appearance with the band was on their fifth album, Marching in Time (2021), followed by The End Will Show Us How (2025).
Tanner stepped into the touring role following Wolfgang Van Halen’s commitments elsewhere, bringing his own style to Tremonti’s rhythm section. He was performing live with the band well before appearing on their studio recordings, helping maintain the consistency of their concert performances.
Working alongside drummer Ryan Bennett, Tanner has helped shape the band’s sound on their most recent albums. His contributions as bassist have maintained the heavy foundation that Tremonti’s music is built upon while adding his own character to the band’s evolving sound.
Tanner also provides backing vocals during live performances, adding depth to the band’s sound on stage. His permanent addition to the lineup has solidified Tremonti’s current formation as they continue to create and perform their distinctive brand of heavy metal music.
Brian Marshall
Brian Marshall briefly served as Tremonti’s touring bassist when the band first formed. Born on April 24, 1973, in Jackson, Mississippi, Brian is best known as the bassist and co-founder of both Creed and Alter Bridge, where he has played alongside Mark Tremonti for most of his career.
When Tremonti began as Mark’s solo project, Brian joined as a touring musician, performing with the band for their early shows in 2012, including their first concert at The Social in Orlando, Florida, on July 17, 2012. His tenure with Tremonti was short-lived, as he was replaced by Wolfgang Van Halen in September 2012.
After leaving Tremonti, Brian continued his work with Alter Bridge, where he has remained the bassist. His brief involvement with Tremonti represents just one chapter in his long musical partnership with Mark Tremonti, which spans across three major bands.
Brian’s bass playing has been integral to the sound of both Creed and Alter Bridge, with his powerful and precise style providing a solid foundation for Mark Tremonti’s guitar work throughout their collaborations.
Tremonti has established themselves as a formidable force in the modern metal scene. What began as Mark Tremonti’s outlet for his heavier musical ideas has evolved into a fully-fledged band with its own identity, distinct from his work with Creed and Alter Bridge.
Through lineup changes and six studio albums, the band has maintained a consistent focus on combining thrash metal influences with melodic sensibilities, creating a sound that appeals to metal fans while showcasing the members’ technical proficiency.
Each member has contributed to the band’s evolution, from Eric Friedman’s continued presence since the beginning to the rhythm section changes that have brought fresh energy to recent albums. Mark Tremonti’s growth as a frontman and the band’s willingness to explore new sonic territories have kept their music relevant and exciting.
As they continue to create powerful, technically impressive metal, Tremonti remains a testament to the creative vision of its namesake and the collaborative spirit of all its members, past and present.
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Updated October 26, 2026
Complete List Of Tremonti Band Members article published on ClassicRockHistory.com © 2026



























