GODSMACK AT PNC BANK ARTS CENTER IN HOLMDEL

Fact: seeing Godsmack live is not only an amazing time, but it is always a truly unique experience. Now add another legendary band like Staind, and it is an absolute guarantee that the show is going to literally kick “you know what”! With that being said, Godsmack and Staind have teamed up for a North American Summer Tour. They made 2 stops in Jersey this past weekend, and I was lucky enough to catch them at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ. 

As the sun started to fade with some heavy storm clouds moving in, the crowd patiently waited for Aaron Lewis and Staind to hit the stage. With the luck of some quick moving thunder and rain, the sun made its way back out and Staind hit the stage with force. The crowd erupted after having the fear of the show being canceled due to weather. The show started off with “Lowest in Me”, “Not Again”, and “Just Go”. Mike (Mushok), Johnny (April) and Sal (Giancarelli) would take a small break as Aaron played the classic “Epiphany” acoustic style. As that ended, it was literally just hit after hit, and both Staind and the crowd going absolutely crazy. As I heard “Right Here”, “So Far Away”, “Outside”, and “It’s Been Awhile”, I literally had flashbacks to my teens years, and just was flooded with memories from that era. This being my first time seeing them live headlining and not playing a shorter set at a festival, it was, well, simply amazing. Aaron gave his thanks and had some words for his fans, and then that famous bass line hit and we knew what was coming next to end their set. “Mudshovel” would close the set for Staind and leave us all not only wanting more from Staind, but literally screaming for Godsmack to hit the stage, ASAP! 

Now if you haven’t seen Godsmack live before, well first off shame on you. Second, it truly is an experience each and every time. From some of the best heavy metal hits from the past few decades, a ballad that any hard rocking heavy metal lover will give 2 thumbs up to, and a double drum solo between both the lead singer and drummer himself, you, my friends, are loving life during a Godsmack show! Let’s not forget Sully giving his love and thanks for 25 amazing years due to the fans - truly just a remarkable night. From starting the show with “When Legends Rise” and “Cryin’ Like a Bitch!!”, and then cue in the pyro blasts and artillery shell bombs for 1000hp, you my friend are continuing to love life and experience just why Godsmack has been around for so long. How about some confetti blasts and a mix of cover snippets from classics such as “Back in Black”, “Walk This Way”, “Enter Sandman”, and more? It was literally a non-stop, action packed show with hit after hit and surprise after surprise. Godsmack is promoting their newest album on this tour, Lighting Up the Sky, but that didn’t stop them from making sure they played a bunch of Godsmack hits from their arsenal of songs. I have quite a few favorites from these guys. I was ecstatic to hear a few of them: ”Bulletproof”, “Awake”, “Keep Away”, and “I Stand Alone”. It is never easy to fully express in words just how amazing a show is that a band you loved put on recently. If you love music, and whether you are a fan of this band or genre, or you have never heard of them but are open to trying something new, this is one band you should add to your bucket list as a must see before your time on this planet is over! Godsmack is Sully Erna, Tony Rombola, Robbie Merrill and Shannon Larkin.