Photo by Matthew Guzman
A few legends stopped by the Houston area to tribute rock music in the most in-your-face way possible. Artists Godsmack, STP (Stone Temple Pilots) and Dorothy stopped in the major Texas city to perform the Rise of Rock World Tour.
Dorothy opened the night with their 2017 standalone single “Down to the Bottom.” Due to the hard bass and drums, it was the perfect song to get the crowd standing and engaged.
As the night went on, Dorothy highlighted some fan favorites including “Raise Hell,” “After Midnight” and “Rest in Peace.” Approaching the end of the set, right before “Whiskey Fever,” lead singer Dorothy Martin reminded the crowd of what the night had left to offer. The crowd burst into cheers after the artist exclaimed “Who’s ready for some F—ing Godsmack!” This change in energy set the tone for the rest of the night.
Photo by Matthew Guzman
The Stone Temple Pilots may have aged, but the sound never changed.
The Stone Temple Pilots have undergone several changes since their debut, notably parting ways with lead singer Scott Weiland in 2013. Following his departure, Chester Bennington took over. Moreover, after Bennington pursued a career with Linkin Park, the band has been with singer Jeff Gutt since 2016.
Gutt started by asking, “Houston, are you ready?!” The crowd in return screamed “I am,” kicking off “Dead & Bloated” as the first song in the set. The song took the crowd away instantly with the audience standing and pumping their fists.
The DeLeo brothers performed a music technique known as trading eights during the song “Down.” During the song, the sibling pair hit a flow state that only comes after manning a band for 30 years.
Stone Temple Pilots saved some of its best for last, mesmerizing the crowd with “Plush.” Gutt exclaimed, “Can you feel it, Texas?” In response, the crowd replied, “I feel it,” striking chills in those who could hear the music.
To conclude their time with Houston, Gutt asked the question, “Are you ready for some Godsmack?” As the crowd continued to cheer, Gutt shouted “We only have time for one more, are you f—ing ready?” It was then that Stone Temple Pilots laid the foundation for their grand exit by playing “Sex Type Thing,” leading the stadium to repeat “I am, I am, I am.”
Photo by Matthew Guzman
The time the crowd had been waiting for.
Godsmack entered and an eruption of cheers followed. The band started their set with “When Legends Rise,” giving a nod to the statement that the band wanted to make that night.
Godsmack’s set was built around momentum. Songs surged forward with pounding rhythms and massive choruses that engineered the crowd. “Love-Hate-Sex-Pain” cued up in the set as vocalist Sully Erna belted the chorus. Every word and every beat of the drum had fans pumping their fists towards the stage.
“This is such an awesome part of the country,” Erna exclaimed to the crowd, “truly the best rock and roll in America.”
Erna paused the set for a moment to introduce the musicians who helped build Godsmack over the years. He spoke about founding the band with Shannon Larkin 31 years ago, and one by one introduced his bandmates. This part of the set served as a reflection of the band’s journey, from starting in small clubs to sold-out amphitheaters.
After the reflection, Erna asked “Should we do some old f—ing Godsmack right now?” The deafening response was good enough for the band to proceed with classic material from the late 1990’s to early 2000’s.
Photo by Matthew Guzman
A tribute to the past
As the main set appeared to be winding down, a second drum kit came out complimenting Godsmack drummer Wade Murf. The crowd immediately recognized what was happening and roared to approve Godsmack’s legendary drum battle. What began as a simple dual blossomed to a full-scale percussion spectacle as Erna hopped on the second set and the pair traded rhythms and challenged one another as every cadence escalated the intensity.
The performers tributed legends in the 16 minute drum off by weaving together movements of AC/DC, Aerosmith, Metallica and others. All bands that led to the inspiring creation of Godsmack back in 1995. Just when it seemed like the drum off would come to a close another section would emerge and the crowd couldn’t get enough.
In the final act, Murf and Erna made sticks fly in the air, crashed their symbols in a thunderous fashion, and both performers stood triumphantly on their platforms to receive a standing ovation from all the attendees.
Now while the drum battle concluded, the night still shined and Erna asked “Are you guys still with us?”
The band then performed one of the band’s most iconic songs “Whatever.” The energy was through the roof as Erna belted “I’m doing the best I ever did,” with the crowd responding “go away” in a never ending loop.
Following the end of the song the band made a dramatic exit, but it was clear that this wasn’t the end the band intended the crowd to witness.
This is rock and roll
Cheers and yells filled the pavilion even in the absence of music. A kid in the audience was up on his seat screaming “Godsmack” over and over again. This is the passion, and the culture that the band has built. To no one’s surprise, Erna walked back on stage to a spotlighted piano.
From there, Erna shifted the energy to what he wanted the concert to mean for fans.
Erna played chords on the piano as he addressed the audience about the band’s Scar Foundation. He spoke openly about losing family members and friends to suicide and addiction. He then reflected on many artists whose music shaped generations before their lives were cut short. Names like Chris Cornell, Chester Bennington, Scott Weiland and Amy Winehouse drew the crowd to illuminate the stage with the flashlights on their phones.
“We’re still down here waving the f—ing rock and roll flag for them,” yelled Erna. The scene was set for the next song “Under Your Scars” to be a communal moment for the band and the audience. As the moment continued to build up, the song had a clear impact on the crowd.
Once the song was over Godsmack made sure they didn’t end the night quietly.
The end
“I love that you guys are raising a whole new generation of rock people,” Erna told the crowd. Following his statement, Erna faced the crowd and told every fan under the age of 18 to scream and shake the stage in volume. “No matter how good AI gets, no matter how good the digital world becomes, you will never be able to replicate the energy of a live show through a computer screen.”
The band launched into an extended rendition covering “Come Together” by the Beatles. The moment flowed effortlessly between tributes and guitar riffs of Led Zeppelin and several of the previously mentioned bands.
The show was loud, chaotic and completely unapologetic. At the conclusion of the song, Erna stood on stage with his arms wide open and his eyes wide shut. He stood taking in the cheers of the crowd and as his head tilted up, it was clear the legends of the past would hear the screams of the crowd and be happy with what rock and roll is today.
Finally, with “I Stand Alone” serving as the night’s final exclamation point, the band delivered its last thunderous notes.
“One, two, three, let me hear it!” Erna shouted.
As the final Chords echoed through Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion, band members tossed their drumsticks into the crowd along with picks and setlists before gathering for their last bow. For a brief moment they stood side-by-side, soaking in the cheers for the last time.
For one night in Houston, rock and roll wasn’t just alive, it was thriving harder than it ever has before.
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