As the summer continues to move on, so does the summer concert schedule. The co-headlining tour of Godsmack and Staind made its way through the WNY are this past Sunday night. Even though the weather was less than ideal (scattered rainstorms blanketed the area for Godsmack’s set), the fans stayed put and witnessed another terrific night of music at Darien Lake PAC.
First up was Staind. The band has been on and off touring for the last several years. This is due to lead singer Aaron Lewis focusing more on his solo career. Guitarist Mike Mushok has been a part of Saint Asonia as well. So, between the both of them it’s been hit and miss on when Staind can consistently record and tour. The band is getting ready to release new material for the first time in 12 years called ‘Confessions of the Fallen.’ It should arrive later in 2023. The band dove headfirst into their set by playing the lead single off their new record called “Lowest in Me.” Its defiantly has that Staind flavor to it with crunchy guitar riffs layered with that Lewis voice. That was the only new track played as the band focused on their past material. Of course, “So Far Away” and “It’s Been a While” were highlights for the fans. This was a really a no frills set as the band stuck to the music without exhibiting any elaborate stage setup. I will say that Aaron Lewis still has one of the best rock voices on the planet. Few have the range to belt it out and sing in a lower register when needed. Lewis makes it look so easy.
Closing the show was Boston’s own Godsmack. Earlier this year, the band released its 8th studio record titled “Lighting Up the Sky.” The band made an impressible start to their show as for “1000hp,” plenty of pyro was set off throughout the song. This wasn’t full headlining set, so Godsmack tried to balance playing their well most known material vs. incorporating new material. I though both new tracks “You and I” and “What About Me” flowed seamlessly in the set. In fact, “What About Me” might have been my favorite performance of the evening. I loved the flow of guitarist Tony Rombola’s playing and the rhythm section of drummer Shannon Larkin and bassist Robbie Merrill. The dueling drums is always a highlight of the Godsmack’s set and its always a treat to see. It never gets boring to see Erna and Larkin play off one another. Sully Erna talked about the song “Under My Scars” and the birth of their charity the Scars foundation from it. He went on to say how it started and what they do. For more information you can go to: www.scarsfoundation.org. The web address was on the side of the piano. Overall, I noticed for this show, Godsmack had the lights dimmer throughout the set. It gave off a more of an edgier mood, I think.
Despite the weather trying to dampen the mood of the attendees, the spirits of true rock and rollers shined through. I didn’t see anyone leaving even the people on the lawn who braved the rain that came through. Godsmack made it all worth their while as they put on another stunning show at Darien Lake PAC.
Godsmack setlist:
When Legends Rise
1000hp
Cryin’ Like a Bitch!!
You and I
Something Different
What About Me
Awake
Surrender
Voodoo
Batalla de los tambores (Enter Sandman – Metallica cover-snippet)
Rocky Mountain Way (Joe Walsh cover)
Whatever
Under Your Scars
Bulletproof
I Stand Alone
Staind setlist:
Lowest in Me
Not Again
Just Go
Eyes Wide Open
Fade
Something to Remind You
Right Here
Outside
Wannabe
So Far Away
For You
It’s Been Awhile
Mudshovel
We would like to thank Ron Perks from Livenation for the credentials to review the show.
