By Dave Parsons
On October 23, 2024, Godsmack stormed into WesBanco Arena, bringing their Best of Times World Tour to Wheeling, WV. With Flat Black and Nothing More opening the show, it was shaping up to be an unforgettable night of rock.
Flat Black started things off with a short, high-energy set. Their lead singer, Jason Hook, used to be with Five Finger Death Punch. There were hints of his former gig, mixed in with a new sound, that gave them a gritty, in-your-face presentation. The performances of Wash It All Away, (a FFDP cover) and It’s Your Lack of Respect, highlighted Hook’s blistering guitar solos which stole the spotlight. It was an overall great way to kick off the evening and set the stage for all that was to follow.
It was a little surprising to see how many tour shirts in the audience had Nothing More on them, considering they were an opening act. They soon showed why they have such a fan base already as they brought the energy up to the next level with an interesting blend of progressive metal and alternative rock. They opened with Carnal and House on Sand as the lead singer worked both sides of the stage non-stop. A nice finish to their set was the last song This is the Time (Ballast) which turned into a sing-along, with the band turning the song over to the audience at one point.
I met a very sweet lady in the audience on the break between bands. She was wearing a homemade neon shirt that said I am 72 and this is my first Godsmack concert. Her daughter had surprised her with tickets, and when the lights went out again, and Godsmack took the stage, I turned around to see her on her feet and smiling.
Godsmack started the show with Surrender, the first single from the CD Lighting Up the Sky. Sully Erna, the lead singer, dominated the stage with his vocals, and the rest of the band were tight and relentless. They worked their way through a set that touched on most of their releases, along with new material.
When Legends Rise and Awake were standouts early in the set, as was the anticipated drum battle between Erna and drummer Shannon Larkin. With each on their own drum kit, and the sound bouncing off the concrete arena walls, it brought an entirely different type of excitement. There is so much chemistry between the band members both musically, and that they truly enjoy what they do. The stage was impressive, and complemented the music perfectly. The last encore I Stand Alone was the perfect show closer.
Since the usual pyrotechnics show was shelved, because it was a smaller indoor arena, a huge confetti cannon erupted and large beach balls cascaded over the audience, turning Wesbanco Arena into a party zone.
Flat Black Setlist:
1.) It’s OK to Be Angry
2.) Justice Will Be Done
3.) Sideways
4.) A Bit of Lightning
5.) Wash It All Away (Five Finger Death Punch cover)
6.) It’s Your Lack of Respect
7.) Tidal Wave
Nothing More Setlist:
1.) | CARNAL |
2.) House on Sand
3.) Angel Song
4.) If It Doesn’t Hurt
5.) Go to War
6.) | HEAD |
7.) EXISTENTIAL DREAD
8.) STUCK
9.) Jenny
10.) Fadein/Fadeout
11.) Ocean Floor
12.) This Is the Time (Ballast)
Godsmack Setlist:
1.) Surrender
2.) You and I
3.) When Legends Rise
4.) 1000hp
5.) Cryin’ Like a Bitch!!
6.) Speak
7.) Straight Out of Line
8.) Awake
9.) Keep Away
10.) Voodoo
11.) Batalla de los tambores
12.) Whatever
Encore:
13.) Under Your Scars
14.) Bulletproof
15.) I Stand Alone
