BITE ME! Godsmack Live

GODSMACK @ Universal Ampitheatre

October 9, 2003 Universal, CA.

It was the night of the full moon and I couldn’t have picked a better way to celebrate than with Godsmack. If the concert were outdoors, it would have been even better. I missed Nuno Bettencourt – no biggie. I didn’t even know he had an album out. However, I did manage to score a margarita before Adema left the stage. While in line, I heard someone say that Adema sounded like Linkin’ Park. Uh, hello!!! I so don’t think so. Oh well, everybody has an opinion, but not everyone has an ear for music.

Adema sounds nothing like Linkin Park; however, vocalist Mark Chavez does sound like his older half brother Jonathan Davis (KoRn). Ya can’t fight genetics. The first thing I noticed when I saw Adema on stage was that Mark is a tiny guy. I’m serious, this guy is teeny and the giant stage just about swallowed him up. Size doesn’t matter, however, it is something that Mark needs to learn to work with. Mark’s vocals were not strong enough to fill the arena, and each breath seemed like a struggle. I give him credit for trying, and I don’t doubt that this band is great in a club. Those that were there to see Adema really enjoyed their set. But, the band did not have the attention of the entire audience. So, maybe it wouldn’t hurt to take a few pointers from big brother – just a thought.

I admit - - I love Godsmack. I’ve been lucky enough to see the band in small clubs and big arenas and every single time they have blown me away. Every thing they do is just larger than life. Godsmack is a great live band, and I’m not just saying that because I am a fan. It’s just a fact.

The mighty chords of “Awake” signaled the bands arrival, and the crowd was on their feet before the first chord was even spent. Speaking of little guys, Sully is one of them (though he’s not as tiny as Mark). Despite his short stature (one of the many things I love about him) Sully’s voice is powerful and strong. Sully is a charismatic performer and an excellent musician. Plus, he really knows how to work a crowd. The energy he conjured up was amazing. People were clapping and singing and dancing and moshing, and having a great time overall.

The guy next to me played air guitar through the entire set – stopping only for THE DRUM SOLO!! This was no ordinary drum solo. It was a battle of the drummers: Sully vs. Shannon Larkin. Every Godsmack fan knows that Sully is a multi-talented guy and he really shines when he’s pounding those skins. The boys battled out a medley of tunes ranging from Rush to Aerosmith to Led Zeppelin and by the end the entire arena was speechless.

My second favorite part of the evening was when the band played “Voodoo” and “Serenity”. ‘Stars’ illuminated the ceiling of the arena, while green lasers danced about – drawing magical symbols in the air. An earthly spiritual vibe surrounded the venue. It was very surreal and at that moment I realized that every night on stage was a ritual for Sully and tonight I was lucky enough to participate.

Musically, Godsmack are top notch. Each member was seasoned and confident. The band played the best of the best off all three albums and each song was greeted by loud cheers but it was “Whatever” that got the loudest response of them all. The crowd sang the chorus in unison and loud enough so all of L.A. could hear. Godsmack were so on top of their game. They came, they conquered, and they left their fans hungry for more. -NIN