Godsmack brought their massive “The Rise of Rock World Tour” to Pine Knob Music Theatre Sunday night. The card was stacked with special guests Dorothy and the Stone Temple Pilots. The triple threat card was about to have its way with the packed venue on a Sunday night that called for rain throughout the concert, the rain knew better not to show. Kicking the night off with Dorothy the crowd was ready to rock the hill. Dorothy along with fellow bandmates take the stage and greet the early crowd with “Down to the Bottom” followed by “The Devil I Know” trading guitar licks while Dorothy prowl’s the stage with her incredible voice ringing through the venue, now that’s how you take control.
Dorothy was about to raise a little hell with her fans with hitting them with “Raise Hell” with drummer Jake Hayden hitting the drums with some thinking it was the sound of slow rolling, deep sounding, thunder we all her before the big one hits you. The 8-song set ended with “Elevate” Dorothy voice delivered the power while the band delivered the electricity with some ripping cords. Dorothy took the time to address the crowd about life and your dreams in life, saying don’t ever stop chasing it’s yours go get it.
After a short makeover aka stage change you were moments away from getting jolted, or hit by a bus, however you take it, it’s going to hurt. Hitting the stage Michigan own Jeff Gutt from Marine City about 53 miles east of Pine Knob was ready to take command. Drummer Eric Kretz made his way out to the kit with Dean and Robert DeLeo following greeted by the crowd waiting on Michigan homeboy to take center stage. Gutt hits the stage wasting no time opening with “Dead and Bloated” loud cheers, fists in the air, and screams could be heard from miles away. Gutt prowling up and down the stage with his strong, commanding, voice getting into his familiar stance aka photographer row. At this point the crowd was in a frenzy, and we were only 3-minutes into the set. “Wicked Garden” followed and so did the crowd’s energy singing alongside Gutt like a bonfire get together.
The 90’s kept coming with the classics like “Vasoline” and “Plush.” The DeLeo brothers getting together to see who hit the cords better delivering shred after shred. The 12-song one hour set got better towards the end. As the saying goes save the best for last and that they did. First hitting you with “Interstate Love Song” only to be followed with some fuel for the fire with “Crackerman.” The sea of people looking down from the top of the hill with hands in the air was a sight to see and people dancing and screaming was remarkable. By the way “Crakerman” and what was to follow are my all-time favs. Like a boxing match you were it with a left and a right upper cut with “Sex Type Thing” closing out the night. Good lord take it easy on us we still have Godsmack to watch. Jeff took the time to thank Michigan. I used to come here to watch concerts and now I’m playing here in front of all you. Thank you, without you guys this won’t be possible, thanks for your support. Gutt has been with STP since 2017.
The last of the triple bill delight was about to hit the stage. The new energetic Godsmack lineup behind a giant black curtain pyro’s replaced with lasers hit the stage with “When Legends Rise” yeah, we felt the crowd behind us. Shannon Larkin was replaced by Dream Theater drummer Mike Mangini and guitarist Sam Koltun replacing Tony Rombola both who have retired from during. Things got heated with “Cryin’Like a Bitch” not going to lie to you the goosebumps set in. The crowd was like sharks circling their prey ready to strike. Erna strong voice pounded of the walls, Koltun beating his guitar with rips and solos with loud approval from the crowd. Going back to 2000 with “Awake” and staying in the 2000’s with a Godsmack classic “Love-Hate-Sex-Pain.”
Erna takes some time to let the Pine Knob crowd know who much he loves Michigan. Erna also could be seen sporting a Detroit Pistons jersey a young fan gave him. The highlight of the evening of course was the epic battle, you know what I’m talking about the “Batalla de los tambores” battle between Erna and Mangini. Snippets of “Back in Black” Areosmith’s “Walk this Way, Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” and if that wasn’t enough for you throw in some Rush “Tom Sawyer.” The crowd had a different look to them their jaw wasn’t in its usual position. Two band members displaying some crazy skills and showmanship, the ears were still ringing the next morning from all the high-pitched Detroit Rock City love thanking Erna and Mangini.
“Under My Scars” tugged on everyone string for a bit. Emotions were definitely seen on many faces with Erna playing the piano looking out to the hill with every cell phone lit up swaying side to side groups of people joining hands some with tears. Erna pays tribute to the late Chris Cornell, Chester Bennington and Eddie Van Halen. After we wiped away the tears, we were ready to finish out the night with a couple of heavy bangers starting with “Bulletproof” and finishing with “I Stand Alone.” The guitar shredding that took place with “I Stand Alone” along with power plant like electricity was no way to end the night. The band from Boston is showing no signs of letting of the gas anytime soon. The tour concludes on September 26 in Idaho which leaves you plenty of chances and no excuses to get out and see Godsmack in a city near you. Horns up America and keep rocking.
