Godsmack, the long-renowned, multi-Platinum, and Grammy-nominated hard rock band, finally took their acclaimed Vibez Tour to Miami Beach, Florida. This coastal outing offered fans an intimate evening full of equally captivating acoustic and electric performances, both sides intertwined with soul and stories abound. The show, held at the Jackie Gleason Theater on March 15, 2024, showcased the band's versatility and raw talent in a setting more subdued than their usual fare.
While Godsmack has long whet its teeth on pyrotechnics and dramatic lighting, such extravagance feeding into their more well-known stage personalities, this stop on the Vibez Tour was more concerned with the soul of the music and the band's connection with its audience. Such a noble principle made this Godsmack show one of the most powerful in the band's history.
For nearly three decades, Godsmack has resonated with their audiences through their music, offering a cathartic experience that speaks to fans on a deeply personal level. The Vibez Tour carried the spirit of this tradition and provided a platform for Godsmack to share the band's inspirations. Most importantly, however, the band shared the sheer power of music and how it connects its fans across the globe.
The stage at the Jackie Gleason Theatre was adorned with numerous mystical elements, undoubtedly reminiscent of Godsmack's Vodooo era. Two enormous gargoyles flanked the stage, while several candlelit arrangements further set the mood. The scene was nearly reminiscent of the dreamlike mystique that dominated the MTV Unplugged series in the 90s. The opening chords, calling upon the specter of Pink Floyd's "Time", were accompanied by the imagery displayed with an enormous video wall. This efficiently set the tone for an evening of emotional music and storytelling yet to come.
In sharp contrast against the powerfully but subdued Pink Floyd rendition of the opening song, Godsmack amped up the heaviness a bit as they dove into their rocking anthem “Love, Hate, Sex, Pain,”. After concluding the song, Sully finally addressed the audience directly for the first time, stating that it was good to be back in Miami despite the long time that had passed since their last performance. He further remarked on Miami's lack of rock radio in a lighthearted jab, jokingly saying: "You guys don't have rock n' roll radio, it's all…" He thereafter mimicked the sounds of techno music, a moment that was soon followed by raucous laughter and applause.
Entwined throughout the set were the stories behind many of Godsmack's songs, united by the theme of music serving as a universal connection between its artists and its listeners. Sully spoke about how he personally has been dumbfounded by the impact of playing music, and how it translates his feelings into an entirely new medium, soon followed by him playing the initial chords of Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters.” There were few moments as touching as this when a silent but reverent crowd erupted into screams, voices joining in a familiar chorus that nearly drowned out Sully himself as he brought new life to this anthemic track.
Another highlight of the evening was the band's cover of Led Zeppelin's "No Quarter", with Sully's vocal delivery and Rombola's virtuosic guitar playing stealing the spotlight. The band's homage to classic rock (and beyond) continued throughout the nights, with nods to many well-known sonic staples, including instrumental teases of Vince Guaraldi's "Linus & Lucy", Led Zeppelin's "Heartbreaker", Nazareth's "Hair of the Dog", The Police's "Roxanne", Kansas's"Carry on Wayward Son", AC/DC's "Back in Black", Ted Nugent's "Stranglehold", Earth, Wind & Fire's "Fantasy", and Blue Oÿster Cult's "Don't Fear the Reaper". It was as though a classic rock playlist had been brought to life right before the audience's eyes.
However, it was the most intentional moments of intimacy that truly stood out the most. Sully's heartfelt rendition of their recently premiered single "Truth", accompanied by his personal anecdote regarding the heartbreaking circumstances through which the song was created, brought a sense of vulnerability to the performance. These moments, and this open-heartedness, reminded all those in attendance about the power of authenticity in music.
As the night progressed, anthems like "Lighting Up The Sky", "Under Your Scars" and the crowd-favorite "Bulletproof" further revved up the energy, the latter cut followed with an impromptu celebration for a fan in attendance named Ashley. This spontaneous party was complete with a rendition of "Happy Birthday" and a tease from Sully to a toast with tequila, while the band played a few notes of "Tequila" by The Champs. The evening was finally brought to a close with another band-led rendition, this time around The Doobie Brothers's "Long Train Runnin'" preceded by the customary introduction of each of the band's members.
This stripped-down version of Godsmack's live presentation undoubtedly proved that their music transcends the usual high-octane theatrics they are known for. The Vibez Tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the band's raw talent, musical depth, and the stories that shaped their iconic sound. As they continue to traverse the country, captivating audiences with their unique blend of rock and soul, one thing is certain: this trek is not to be missed.
Special thanks to Samantha Buckman for her writing contributions to this article.
