The day was hot and humid but it didn’t really matter due to the fact that I was going to see Godsmack and Shinedown, two of my favorite bands.  This review will concentrate on Godsmack’s performance.  Look for Shinedown’s review also in this Issue.  The drive to the Oklahoma City Amphitheater was smooth and without any big traffic jams or hold ups. Parking was well organized and also very easy to find thanks to the workers of the event. I had been at the Amphitheater before to see concerts so I knew what to expect but never in a million Years would I have thought that the place was going to be this packed and completely sold out. It was mind blowing how many people were there to see the two great bands perform especially with the heat and humidity in the air. Thank god the weather changed a little right before the show started and it cooled off and made it a lot more comfortable for everyone.

The event started with the opening act Like a Storm, a hard rock band from New Zealand which was formed by the brothers Chris, Matt & Kent Brooks. They are an amazing band and I was in total awe as I watched the lead singer, Chris Brooks, play the didgeridoo while showing off his great vocals. Who would have thought that hard rock and the didgeridoo would go so well together? It was the perfect start to a great evening and an even better atmosphere.

The transition between stage setups was quick and smooth, and before I knew it, the stage was set up and ready for Godsmack. The music started and the crowd and I were equally excited to see the band as the first song “When Legends Rise” started. There’s nothing more invigorating than having a band open a show with a high energy song and matching performance. When we heard the beginning of the second song “1000hp” we noticed the sound of a motor revving in combination with flames in the background of the stage and it was impossible to stand still, the crowd and I were pumped. Looking around I saw people cheering, jumping up and down, throwing their arms in the air and just enjoying the show. Without a break in performance the band then went into the song “Keep Away” and the crowd once again sang along as loud as they could. The next song was from the new album When Legends Rise and was titled “Unforgettable”. Now it was time for the song “Awake”, which is one of their older Hits from the album with the same name “Awake” and the audience continued rocking and their attitudes reached a new level of high energy excitement. Nobody was getting tired or wanted to go home because it was so much fun and the atmosphere was so awesome. Sully Erna (Lead Vocalist) asked the guys in the crowd to take their girlfriends or wife’s and put them up on their shoulders like the rock concerts from the 80’s. To my surprise a lot of guys actually did it and put their women high up in the air, with some girls losing their Tops in the process. By losing their Tops I mean actually lifting their shirts as if wanting Jerry Beads. The song “Someday” started to play and cell phones lit up and the crowd made it another magical moment with women up in the air on their guy’s shoulders and the amphitheater lit up from back to front. Next was their very well-known and fan favorite song “Voodoo” from their album All Wound Up which was released in 1997 and of course everybody sang along.

Next was the big moment I was waiting for and I could hardly keep my excitement contained when I saw Sully’s drum kit emerge from the back wall of the stage and move on its own power across the stage. I’ve heard so much about this part of the show that I was just overwhelmed. Here it was “Batalla De Los Tambores”, the drum off between Sully Erna and Tommy Stewart. OMG what a show! I absolutely loved it and from looking around me I was not the only one. The crowd went crazy and everybody cheered, screamed, applauded and enjoyed the performance. It was worth the price of admission just to witness this battle in person. But time to move on to the next song, which was another classic Godsmack song titled “Whatever” and to top it all off continue with their new song “Bulletproof”. Such a great night and just when you think it can’t get any better than this, you get another surprise with the performance of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell”, with the members of Shinedown and Like A Storm together with Godsmack.

Wow!!! What a night!!!  I knew it was going to be a great show with great performances but I was blown away. They had totally outdone my expectations. It was the perfect place, perfect weather and the perfect bands on the Bill. I, for sure will see all three bands again and I am already excited knowing that I will go and see them again in the future. I already have their new albums downloaded on my ITunes and I love listening to them. Go check out their webpages for future concert info and also go on ITunes or YouTube and check out the new songs and albums. I promise you will not be disappointed at all and if they come close to your area, go and see them!!!

• When Legends Rise
• 1000hp
• Keep Away
• Unforgettable
• Awake
• Someday
• Voodoo
• Batalla De Los Tambores
• Whatever
• Bulletproof
• Highway To Hell (AC/DC cover)

Reviewed by: RacerX / BackStage360

Email: Michelle@backstage360.com

Zoo Amphitheater Oklahoma City-OK.