The 2023 outdoor concert season kicked off with a bang for me, braving the drizzling rain and making a beeline to FirstBank Amphitheater on May 23th. The bill for the night had Godsmack and I Prevail headlining, two bands renowned in the rock scene for their electrifying performances. Godsmack, marking their 25th anniversary in the industry, were promoting their heart-stirring album “Lighting Up The Sky”, potentially their last collection of original material. Meanwhile, I Prevail were carrying the momentum from their latest album, “True Power.”
Upon arrival, I was immediately greeted by the dynamic performance of I Prevail. Despite my first live encounter with the band, they left an indelible mark with their stagecraft and compelling energy. The vocal duo, Brian Burkheiser and Eric Vanlerberghe, displayed remarkable versatility, ranging from their intense performance of “Bow Down”, “Body Bag”, and “Self-Destruction” to the emotional fan-favorite “Hurricane”. One memorable surprise was their ingenious mashup of their track “FWTYK” with System of a Down’s “Chop Suey”. In a standout moment of crowd interaction, Eric ventured off the stage, traversing to the back of the venue to engage with fans. The day following the concert, my Spotify playlist was dominated by I Prevail, evidence of their impactful performance.
Next, the hard rock veterans Godsmack took the stage. Promoting their latest album “Lighting Up The Sky”, the depth of emotion in this potentially final collection of original material was palpable. As Sully Erna described it, this album represents their best work, filled with every ounce of energy and emotion they could muster. That sentiment was distinctly mirrored in their performance that night, which was a vibrant mix of new tracks and iconic hits. Each song was accentuated by blazing pyrotechnics that truly captured the spirit of rock and roll.
The spirit of old-school rock was alive when Sully invited the men to lift their ladies onto their shoulders, lighting up the amphitheater with cell phones. Amid the show, a fan got her Sully Erna painting autographed, a testament to Godsmack’s love for their fans. The night was filled with highlights, including the time when Brad Whitford from Aerosmith joined Godsmack on stage for a jaw-dropping performance of “Dream On”, truly an unreal moment for any rock fan.The “Batalla de los tambores” dueling drums performance between Sully and drummer Shannon Larkin was as enchanting as ever, showcasing traditions that never lose their charm.
This concert was more than just a fantastic musical experience. It was a night that embodied the unity that rock and roll has always fostered, transcending generations. If you’re an old-school rock enthusiast or a newcomer eager to experience the magic of live rock music, this tour is a must. Check out Godsmack and I Prevail’s upcoming tour dates and make sure to grab your tickets. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
