GODSMACK AT NEW JERSEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER IN NEWARK
Godsmack performed an alternatE (and absolutely amazing) type of concert on May 4th, 2024, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. It was phenomenal. It was peace and serenity. It was capturing the essence of rock with electrifying energy and powerful performances by the band. However, this was no ordinary Godsmack show that usually has heavy riff hitting, dual drum solos/battles, and pyro flames on constantly to where you start to feel the burn on one’s face. As both a photographer and a music lover, I was absorbed by the visual setup for the band, and the acoustic spectacle that was unfolding in front of me on stage.
From the moment the lights dimmed and the first chords were strummed, the crowd’s energy continued to thrive and shake the hall. The band’s captivating front-man, Sully Erna, commanded the stage with a magnetic presence, engaging the audience with every note. His vocal ability, coupled with the band's tight instrumentation, delivered a performance that was both new, raw, and graceful. As Sully would speak in between songs and tell his stories, it truly was a moment in time I was thrilled to share with all those in attendance.
Photographically, the concert was a feast for the eyes. Tonight’s show was held at NJPAC in Newark, NJ. Godsmack performed in the Prudential Hall Betty Wold Johnson Stage. The appearance is simply breathe taking on first entry and once you fully make your way in and truly get to gaze around the entire room, I was left speechless. The lighting design was masterfully implemented, with dramatic spotlights and vibrant color schemes that perfectly complemented the intensity of both the band and the music, and even the calm and chill ambiance that was felt during story time. Capturing Sully Erna's dynamic movements and the passionate expressions of the band members in high-definition clarity (and looking for that sharp shot as many photographers do) was a new and exciting challenge this evening. The interplay of shadows and highlights created by the stage lights provided plenty opportunities for remarkable, high-contrast shots that conveyed the raw energy of the performance. Simply put, capturing a great shot was both a challenge and enjoyment while shooting one of my favorite bands at a completely new venue for me.
The venue itself, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, offered excellent acoustics and a layout that allowed for both intimate close-ups and wide-angle shots that captured the full grandeur of the event. The sound quality was impeccable - literally some of the best in regards to sounds at a live event. One detail from this night that certainly cannot be ignored was the staff at NJPAC. I had a chance to meet and speak with the Supervisor for this evening. Tracey Robinson, who has been a proud employee of NJPAC since the late 90’s, was energetic and beyond a sweetheart to speak with. Even after dealing with a long day of both staff and visitors in attendance for Godsmack and another show in the Victoria Theater, Tracey had her attention fully focused on me as I approached her and began speaking. I basically wanted to thank her and the entire staff for treating me as a person/human being and not just an item that spent money for a show. She was super thankful and had nothing but great things to say about her co-workers and the venue itself. It was an absolute pleasure to meet Tracey, along with several other employees that evening: Ashanti Godette, Bria Johnson, Arman Burnett, and Thelma Wingfield (just to mention the few that I was able to connect with and ask for their names).
In conclusion, the easiest and most understanding way to sum up this entire evening and experience is greatness. For anyone who appreciates both the art of photography and the thrill of live music, this concert was an unforgettable highlight of 2024.