The Godsmack Best Of Times World Tour stop in Camden, NJ on Saturday, October 28th, 2023, was a night to remember. The concert, which took place at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, marked the end of the tour and featured Extreme as the supporting act.
The evening kicked off with Extreme, who took the stage at 6:30 PM. Their set was a mix of their classic hits and new songs from their latest album, “Six.” They opened with “It (‘s a Monster)” and followed with crowd favorites like “Comfortably Dumb,” “Decadence Dance,” and “#REBEL.” The band also performed “Am I Ever Gonna Change,” “Play With Me,” and “More Than Words.”
The audience was then treated to a cover of James Brown’s “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine,” during which Nuno Bettencourt played a rendition of Van Halen’s “Eruption.” The set ended with a powerful performance of “Flight of the Wounded Bumblebee / Get the Funk Out” and “RISE.”
Godsmack took the stage at 8:10 PM, opening with a Mix Master Mike intro that included a medley of “Back In Black,” “Walk This Way,” “Enter Sandman,” “Moby Dick,” and “Tom Sawyer.” The band then launched into their set with “When Legends Rise,” followed by “1000hp,” “Cryin’ Like a Bitch!!,” “What About Me,” “Surrender,” and “You and I.” The energy in the venue was palpable as they continued with “Awake,” “Red White & Blue,” and “Voodoo.”
One of the most electrifying moments of the night was undeniably the “Batalla de los Tambores,” a drum duel that has become a staple of Godsmack’s live performances. This drum battle featured Sully Erna, the band’s lead vocalist who also plays rhythm guitar and drums, and Shannon Larkin, the band’s primary drummer. The two musicians faced off in a rhythmic showdown that showcased their exceptional drumming skills and the band’s overall musical prowess.
Following an incredible performance of “Whatever,” in a thrilling finale to their set, Godsmack brought the members of Extreme back on stage for a surprise performance of AC/DC’s iconic hit, “Highway to Hell.” The crowd at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, NJ, was electrified as the two bands joined forces to deliver a powerful rendition of the classic rock anthem. The performance was further elevated by the virtuosic guitar skills of Extreme’s Nuno Bettencourt, who added a series of dizzying turnarounds, scale licks, and Eddie Van Halen-inspired two-hand tap runs to the mix.
The encore began with a heartfelt performance of “Under Your Scars.” This song was dedicated to Sully Erna’s nonprofit, the Scars Foundation, which aims to raise awareness of mental health issues and provide resources for those in need. The band’s connection with the audience was evident throughout the night, and their performance was a testament to their status as one of the leading bands in the hard rock genre.
Following “Under Your Scars,” the band continued the encore with performances of “Bulletproof” and “I Stand Alone”. “Bulletproof” is a hard-hitting track from their 2018 album ‘When Legends Rise,’ and it showcases the band’s ability to blend melodic elements with their signature heavy sound. “I Stand Alone,” one of Godsmack’s most popular songs, was a fitting end to the concert. This track, from their 2001 album ‘Faceless,’ is a fan favorite and a staple of their live performances.
The Godsmack Best Of Times World Tour stop in Camden, NJ was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of hard rock music. Both Godsmack and Extreme delivered performances that were powerful, engaging, and visually stunning. The concert was a fitting end to the tour, leaving the audience with memories that will last a lifetime.
Extreme
Godsmack
