Netflix has officially released the long-awaited Alter Bridge documentary, “The Untold Story: Riffs, Brotherhood, and the Rise of Modern Rock,” offering fans a raw, in-depth look into one of the most influential hard rock bands of the 21st century. Now streaming exclusively on the platform, the film traces the band’s journey from its formation in the aftermath of Creed’s breakup to its status as a global force in modern rock. Through never-before-seen footage, emotionally charged interviews, and electrifying performance clips, the documentary delivers an experience that feels both epic and deeply personal.
Directed by acclaimed music documentarian Alex Garland Jr., the film doesn’t shy away from the complexities behind Alter Bridge’s two-decade career. It begins in 2004 with the unlikely alliance of Mark Tremonti, Brian Marshall, and Scott Phillips, who found themselves rebuilding their musical identities after Creed’s implosion. When Myles Kennedy entered the picture, the chemistry was instant—and the film captures that moment with behind-the-scenes footage of their first rehearsals, showing a band on the brink of discovering something powerful and new.
One of the most compelling threads throughout the documentary is the focus on the unshakable bond between Myles Kennedy and Mark Tremonti. Though very different in personality and style, their mutual respect and musical synergy are highlighted through studio sessions, candid conversations, and emotionally candid recollections from the early days. The film explores how this creative duality helped define the band’s unique sound—melodic yet heavy, introspective yet explosive.
The documentary also delves into the toll that near-constant touring and personal loss took on the group. Myles opens up about the emotional weight behind songs like “Blackbird” and “Watch Over You,” while Tremonti reflects on the pressures of carrying the band’s identity through shifting industry landscapes. These vulnerable moments are juxtaposed with jaw-dropping live footage from their shows in London, Berlin, and New York, reminding viewers of the band’s enduring power onstage.
Fans will be especially thrilled by the inclusion of previously unreleased footage from the recording sessions of Blackbird, Fortress, and their most recent album. Watching the songs take shape—from acoustic demos to full-blown studio anthems—gives a rare glimpse into the band’s meticulous creative process. The documentary also features commentary from producers like Michael “Elvis” Baskette and fellow musicians including Slash and Wolfgang Van Halen, adding context and praise to Alter Bridge’s underappreciated influence on modern rock.
What sets this documentary apart is its refusal to gloss over the rough edges. The film acknowledges the band’s periods of tension, creative exhaustion, and moments when walking away felt like a real possibility. But it also emphasizes their resilience, fueled by a brotherhood that has weathered personal and professional storms without ever compromising artistic integrity.
Throughout the documentary, the band’s fanbase—known for its fierce loyalty—also gets the spotlight. Stories from longtime followers, including international fans who’ve traveled thousands of miles to see Alter Bridge live, are woven into the narrative, giving the film an emotional grounding that speaks to the impact of their music on real lives. It’s a reminder that Alter Bridge isn’t just a band—it’s a shared experience between artists and listeners.
Visually stunning and emotionally resonant, “The Untold Story: Riffs, Brotherhood, and the Rise of Modern Rock” is more than a band documentary—it’s a time capsule of a group that refused to fade into the background. It charts the rise of a band that built something lasting not by chasing trends, but by staying true to their vision. Every frame feels like a celebration of perseverance, passion, and powerful music.
Now streaming exclusively on Netflix, this is essential viewing not only for diehard Alter Bridge fans but for anyone who loves music documentaries that tell the whole story—the highs, the lows, and the lasting legacy of a band that found greatness on its own terms.
