GODSMACK AT CHARLOTTE METRO CREDIT UNION AMPHITHEATRE IN CHARLOTTE
The crowd filtered into the Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre for a midweek rock show with Godsmack and guest New Years Day. As the sun started to set over Charlotte, New Years Day made their appearance and immediately the crowd from the barricade to the lawn perked up and locked on the stage. Vocalist Ash Costello brought the heat, lighting up the crowd and using the whole stage to reach as many people as she could. There was no lack of headbanging amongst the band - their energy level was through the roof, and even though they were openers they were going all out and had the presence of a headlining act. Between the mix of a hard rock/ metal instrumentals mixed with compelling lyricism, they are definitely a band I would love to see perform again.
Upon returning to the pit I notice a large black kabuki with Godsmack’s logo has been raised in front of the stage and exuded an air of mystery. A remix of “We Will Rock You” started to blast through the speakers and the lights scanned the crowd. Everyone in the packed amphitheater was on their feet. The curtain dropped and we saw Shannon Larkin, going wild on the drum kit as it spun from facing the back of the stage to confronting the audience.
These guys know how to get a crowd going. Frontman Sully Erna hit the stage with guitarists Tony Rombola and Robbie Merill flanking the stage. Kicking off the night with heavy hitter, “When Legends Rise”, Godsmack set the tone for their set right out of the gates; every person in the crowd was captivated. Their lighting rig was clever and accentuated each song especially when combined with pyro blasts, while a simple stage design kept focus on the band. In true rock fashion during a moment mid set, women in the crowd were encouraged to get on the shoulder of someone around them and jam for a song. It was such a fun environment and the fans were very in sync during the show, by far the most horns up I’ve seen to date.
For how sweltering the heat was, I commend these guys for putting on such an electric show that I would recommend catching!