Tim SchumannGodsmack drops some Voodoo on West Texas
Godsmack rolled in El Paso, Texas last Saturday night at none other than Speaking Rock Entertainment Center for another free outdoor show, oh yeah, the hits just keep on coming. Those Boston Bad Boys invaded Speaking Rock with The Rise of Rock World Tour 2026 to a massive crowd on a warm Texas evening out here in West Texas. 6 September has been circled on my calendar since the show was announced and more than likely, I wasn’t alone on that one. National touring acts such as Godsmack are always huge draw but make it an outdoor free event and they show up with a vengeance. Bus loads were crossing the bridge from Juarez as well as from every direction, yeah, last Saturday, all roads lead to El Paso. Word was Speaking Rock was expecting 20 to 25k people in attendance for Godsmack. Cypress Hill was at 15k and that was packed, so another 10k for tonight’s show, I thought, Well, this should be interesting.
Okay, a little history as always. The band has been together since 95, has toured everywhere and with everybody, that’s no shit. 9 releases in 29 years. Your current lineup is as follows, Sully Erna- Vocals/ Guitar, Robbie Merrill on Bass, Sam Koltun – Lead Guitar and Mike Mangini on Percussion (Touring) This line just changed recently having Tony Rombola and Shannon Larkin leaving the band last year. Truth be told, Godsmack is as tight as ever as a well-oiled rock and roll machine. Branded as an Alternative Metal/Hard Rock outfit, Sully and company surely fit that bill. As in awards, nominated for almost everything, between Billboard and Boston Music Awards, 17 winners, not to shabby. This makes the third time I’ve seen Godsmack, first time was in Tampa over 25 years ago and after last weekend the boys haven’t missed a step just like a fine wine, as it should be.
On this tour Godsmack as two supports, Stone Temple Pilots and Dorothy. For this event, no STP, but yes, Dorothy was on the evenings card. But unfortunately, Dorothy’s camp never responded to my request to cover her as well in this review. Day of the TM never said anything about shooting Dorothy, so the powers to be there in production suggested I do not photograph her, not to mention, word has it she doesn’t want to be shot. So, I went to the car and got off my feet for those 45 minutes, made it back inside and got into the pit just before their 8:45 start, perfect. I can always tell when a band has an introduction song, Godsmack’s was AC/DC, For Those about to Rock, it came with a light show to boot. You could clearly sense the anticipation was building with these rabid fans as the song came to its close, it was time. Godsmack hit the stage like an unstoppable rebel force, with Sully Erna as the master and commander in total charge. I got to tell ya, this place went absolutely nuts to the point I had to turn around for a second to witness sheer madness going on behind me, oh yeah, quite a sight. Hit after hit was the order of the evening, of course my favorites were 1000HP, Straight Out of Line and When Legends Rise. It was a 15-song set list and as stated, hit after hit also with a Beatles cover, Come Together, finishing up with Bulletproof and I Stand Alone. In closing, this Godsmack show was one of more hard-hitting powerful shows I’ve covered in a minute. Sully’s crowd interaction and stage presence is second to none, a true journeyman at his craft. Singing along and crowd participation was at full tilt, these shows are full of fun and energy and not to mention, unforgettable, you’ll be talking about it for days afterwards. Special thanks to Karl and Matt there at Speaking Rock for again, bringing blue ribbon entertainment to El Paso, Texas, thanks again guys. Check those listings for Godsmack, they’re out there touring and they’re coming to a city near you, you won’t be sorry. Thank you and of course, we’ll see you at the next rock show.
Story and Photography by Tim Schumann
Set List-
Surrender
You and I
1000HP
Straight Out of Line
Awake
When Legends Rise
The Oracle
Keep Away
Love-Hate-Sex-Pain
Voodoo
Whatever
Come Together
Under Your Scars
Bulletproof
I stand Alone
