Godsmack vocalist Sully Erna just released his second solo effort titled “Hometown Life” on BMG Records on September 30 , 2016. Erna has always had a strong following in the Western New York area he just marked his fifth solo appearance in the Buffalo area since 2008 and third at the famed Riviera Theater in North Tonawanda, NY. Taking the stage at about 7:40 pm, Erna was accompanied by Tim Theriault on lead guitar and Chris Lester on acoustic guitar and bass.
Erna’s shows are always very intimate which keeps bringing the fans back time and time again. He told stories about growing up with his teenage daughter and his new puppy which he was tempted to bring out, but unfortunately didn’t. Erna’s set list including telling stories between songs. He even mimicked a woman who was trying to be discreet going to her seat and drew a lot of laughs. Of course, Erna is one hell of a musician and his playing is what everyone came to see. Just to remind everyone, seeing Erna solo is a completely different experience than seeing him with his band Godmsack. This is the first audience that I think finally got that memo and weren’t disruptive by shouting out Godsmack songs all night.
Erna and his band pretty much stuck to the basic set of songs he has played the times when he has come before but he also added four (4) tunes from “Hometown Life.” At times, Theriault exited leaving just Erna and Lester on the stage. They each played their Korg pianos to “Blue Skies” and that really defined the mood of the evening. Lester played off of Erna and his acoustic on “Falling to Black.” Erna showed his tambourine prowess on “Father of Time.” He dedicated “My Light’ to his daughter.
He made sure he told the audience that Godmack is stronger than ever and they will not be breaking up. In fact, he said they are prepping a tour that will celebrate the release of the band’s self-titled record first released back in 1998. He said that will probably happen at the beginning of 2018 and is hoping a new record can coincide with that.
I’m a big fan of Erna’s solo career and really enjoy seeing him perform live. His latest effort is more of a straight up acoustical effort than what Avalon was. This performance showed just that. I think the fans really showed their love and appreciation throughout the show. I’m sure Erna will be back at some point to do it all over again and show the love back.
Setlist:
Avalon
Sinner’s Prayer
Your Own Drum
Eyes of a Child
Don’t Comfort Me
Faliing to Black
Nutshell (Alice in Chains cover)
Blue Skies
Broken Road
Father of Time
Guitar duet (Tim Theriault and Chris Lester)
My Light
Nothing Else Matters (Metallica cover)
Different Kind of Tears
Running Blind
Another Brick in the Wall part 2 (Pink Floyd cover)
Touche (Godsmack cover)
Encore:
Until Then
Dream on (Aerosmith cover) /Hey Jude (The Beatles cover)
We would like to thank Sully himself for the credentials to review his show.
