April 20, 2019
Review by David Urmanski
Photos by David Urmanski
Website: www.Godsmack.com
www.Facebook.com/Godsmack
BAND MEMBERS: GODSMACK
Sully Erna – Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar
Tony Rombola – Lead Guitar & Backing Vocals
Robbie Merrill – Bass & Backing Vocals
Shannon Larkin -Drums & Percussion
With over 20 million albums sold worldwide, to include three consecutive number-one albums, as well as 23 top 10 rock radio hits, four Grammy Award nominations and a “Rock Artist of the Year” win at the Billboard Music Awards under their belt, Godsmack has never been afraid of hard work. Touring in support of their seventh album, When Legends Rise, which was released just a year ago in April 2018, the band graced the fans at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee with their presence Saturday night as part of their highly-anticipated North American Spring Tour with special guest Volbeat and opening act Stitched Up Heart.
In fact, Godsmack is no stranger to Wisconsin and proves to be a regular staple at various concert venues throughout the state, whether it be as a headlining favorite at popular summer music festivals, Rock USA in Oshkosh and Rockfest in Cadott, or more intimate settings like The Rave/Eagles Ballroom just down the road from the Fiserv Forum. If the truth be told, as witnessed again Saturday evening, Godsmack continues to live up to their reputation of providing a high-energy performance, momentous and unforgettable riffs, a thunderous rhythm section and precision vocals leaving adoring fans wanting more long after the stage lights go down.
When it comes to visual appeal, Godsmack’s stage production was equally impressive with stimulating scenery featuring pyrotechnics and well-timed lighting…not to mention the amazing and ever-impressive drum duel “Batalla de los tambores” between frontman Sully Erna and drummer extraordinaire, Shannon Larkin. After nearly 25 years of producing and performing as one of rock’s most explosive acts, Godsmack keeps breaking one ceiling after another without compromising the edge and integrity they have built their career on. When it comes to their latest release, When Legends Rise, it’s a must have for anyone who identifies themselves as a true rock fan. Regardless of how they got to be rise to the epic act they are today, Godsmack has earned their status as a rock legend and continues to prove to the world they are in it for the long-haul with no end in sight.
SET LIST:
“When Legends Rise”
“1000hp”
“Say My Name”
“Keep Away” (Moon Baby Outro)
“Cryin’ Like a Bitch”
“Awake”
“Unforgettable”
“Something Different”
“Voodoo”
“Batalla de los tambores”
“Whatever”
ENCORE:
“Under Your Scars”
“Bulletproof”
“Come Together” (The Beatles cover)
“I Stand Alone”
CONCERT REVIEW RATING SCALE:
1 = Poor
2 = Average
3 = Good
4 = Excellent
5 = Extraordinary
GODSMACK Concert Rating: 5
THE VENUE: FISERV FORUM
Address: 1111 Vel R Phillips Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203
Phone: (414) 227-0500
Website: www.FiservForum.com
www.Facebook.com/FiservForum
Upcoming Events & Tickets: www.FiservForum.com/Events
Box Office #: (414) 227-0511 Hours: 10am to 5pm Monday through Friday; 12pm - 4pm Saturday
The Fiserv Forum is a new multi-purpose arena in downtown Milwaukee. The Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center is much more than just the new home for the Milwaukee Bucks basketball. Designed to reflect the heritage, history and personality of Milwaukee while actively projecting progress, accessibility and a renewed sense of community, this state of the art, 714,000 square foot arena is the hub of entertainment in Wisconsin and the engine that drives growth in downtown Milwaukee.
Why Fiserv?
At Fiserv, we believe in putting our signature on our work, the mark of our commitment to excellence in everything we do. We’re proud to partner with the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks as we put our name on this visible symbol of partnership, connection and community. Proud to be first to amplify the role of financial services technology in this way, and to call more attention to the importance of technology in the advancement of financial and payment experiences.
Even more proud to shine a brighter light on the vital role our clients play in helping their customers move money and information with ease, speed and convenience. “We are excited for this unprecedented opportunity to elevate and further differentiate our brand in support of our purpose of delivering value and excellence to our clients every day.” Jeff Yabuki, Fiserv President and CEO
With this new home, this state-of-the-art venue for world-class sports and entertainment, we proudly deepen our connection to our hometown, our clients and the millions of consumers who rely on our clients and our technology. Solutions that enable financial services in step with the way people live, work and play. On behalf of our 24,000 associates worldwide, we’re honored to introduce Fiserv Forum: A place that uniquely connects our past, the present and our optimism for the future. We can’t wait to see you there.
The Design
The period – or proof point – that follows ‘Fiserv’ in our wordmark has always embodied our full-hearted commitment to excellence in everything we do. In our visual identity for Fiserv Forum, that point evolves into a connection point. It represents where our brand promise – to be Partners in Possibility – meets our local community, where our legacy of leadership in financial services technology meets our future of bringing our aspiration and purpose to a newly broadened audience. This point connects Fiserv and our clients to all the vibrancy that Fiserv Forum will hold: games, shows, celebrations, family, friends, and fun. Using our brand typeface, our graphic system makes use of its numerous weights, allowing room for expression, play, and a vocal energy that is as diverse as the experiences Fiserv Forum has to offer.
What's in a Name?
The name ‘Fiserv Forum’ is a nod to our annual world-class client experience, where the best and brightest technology and business professionals gather each year to exchange ideas, learn, and experience financial technology. Like our annual client conference, which bears the same name, this new Fiserv brand touchpoint is designed to showcase diverse and unique experiences and perspectives.
