Godsmack and Company Annihilate BankNH
Wow. I am just going to come out and say it right away. BUY. THE. TICKET. Bring everyone you know. This was such a high-energy hard rock show that cannot be missed. BankNH Pavilion we have been going to more and more for our reviews. We love the venue and its intimate feeling. More bands are also starting to put on shows at this location and skipping other New England spots. Nestled in the scenic Lakes Region of New Hampshire, it offers a picturesque setting with views of the surrounding woodlands and the nearby Lake Winnipesaukee. The venue is known for its intimate atmosphere, with a capacity of around 7,000 people, which creates a closer connection between performers and the audience. The Pavilion is well-regarded for its excellent acoustics and the beautiful natural backdrop that enhances the overall experience.
Flat Black was the first band to get the crowd going for the ultimate headliner of Godsmack. They were nothing short of terrific. Their whole vibe was just about having a good time. Energetic and very charismatic on stage really set the tone of what was to come for us all night. Great opener and Godsmack couldn’t have chosen a better support band. Next up, we had NOTHING MORE. I was supposed to see them at a local festival that basically went bankrupt. This was sort of refreshing for me when I saw them on the ticket. They came out and they came out hard. Jonny, the lead singer knew exactly how to target the majority of middle aged fans that were in attendance. Loud and aggressive they proved to be another perfect support for Godsmack. The crowd was alive after this set.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the anticipation reached maximum level. The lights dimmed, and the unmistakable thundering beat of “When Legends Rise” blasted through the pavilion, signaling the arrival of Godsmack. The band’s entrance was nothing short of spectacular, with fSully Erna leading the charge as they launched into a high-octane rendition of the song. The setlist was a thrilling mix of their greatest hits and newer material, ensuring that both long-time fans and newcomers were treated to a memorable experience. Highlights of the night included:
"I Stand Alone": As one of their most iconic songs, it was a natural choice to close out the set. The crowd’s response was electric, with Erna’s powerful vocals cutting through the night air and the arena shaking with the intensity of the guitar riffs.
"Voodoo": The band’s performance of “Voodoo” was a masterclass in live rock. The song’s tribal drums and haunting melody were amplified by the live setting, creating an immersive experience that had fans head-banging and singing along in unison.
"Whatever": This track’s raw energy was palpable as Godsmack delivered a blistering performance. The call-and-response interaction between Erna and the audience turned this song into an anthem of the night. I wish I could post the video. At this point we knew the crowd was AWAKE.
"Bulletproof": A standout moment in the set, “Bulletproof” showcased the band’s ability to blend hard rock with melodic elements. The crowd was engaged and vocal, matching the intensity of the band’s delivery.
"Awake": Mid-way through the set, “Awake” was a powerful reminder of Godsmack’s impact on the hard rock genre. The song’s driving rhythm and soaring chorus were delivered with a fervor that left a lasting impression.
The setlist was absolutely perfect. The highlight as always is when Erna himself gets behind the drum kit and has a sort of square off with drummer Shannon Larkin. Sully is a top level talented musician and its perfectly showcased in during this high energy, drum stick tossing battle of the beats.
The stage production itself was lacking at this show. I have seen Godsmack before and they love pyrotechnics. We didn’t get any of that during this performance. It was definitely a scaled back performance visually but the band didn’t’t need all the extras. They delivered on every aspect a live show could provide musically. They were the pyrotechnics. The energy made the Pavilion feel like it was on fire. The light show that backed them showcased perfectly with every beat of every note of music. This show should be unmissable when they come around. Sully announced that the band will be performing at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut this fall. You better believe that New England Music Media will be there to update you on everything. You already know to buy the ticket. Get ready for them to go on sale.
Click HERE to see more photos from this show!
