THE RISE OF ROCK: GODSMACK AND STONE TEMPLE PILOTS STILL IN ASCENSION
THE FIRSTBANK AMPHITHEATER - FRANKLIN, TN
THE RISE OF ROCK WORLD TOUR rolled into FirstBank Amphitheater this past Tuesday, May 19th, and impressed the fans that came from near and far to enjoy the show. Godsmack and Stone Temple Pilots are co-headlining, with support from LA rock band Dorothy. This combo attracted a mixed crowd: young fans raised on their music, and loyal fans who have loved these bands for so long.
Dorothy came out swinging from the very first song and immediately grabbed the crowd’s attention. There was no “warming up” for frontwoman Dorothy Martin — the energy was there instantly. She walked the stage with confidence and assertiveness while perfectly hitting all the notes. Between the hair flips, powerful vocals, and movement across the stage, the set felt electric from start to finish. Some highlights from her short set were “Raise Hell,” “Rest in Peace,” and “BONES” from their latest album The Way. Her voice sounded massive live, carrying a sort of blues grit and hard rock punch that quickly had fans captivated.
When Stone Temple Pilots took the stage, the atmosphere shifted into nostalgia. The set felt like a tribute to the band’s history — honoring both Scott Weiland and Chester Bennington — while also showing how naturally Jeff Gutt has settled into the role of lead vocalist over the last decade. There’s pressure attached to stepping into a role once held by someone so iconic, but Jeff has clearly found his place in the band. Through the night, Jeff would occasionally stop, look upward, and blow kisses to the sky in tribute to Scott. It was subtle, genuine, and one of the most touching moments of the evening. Rather than trying to imitate Scott, Jeff honors the spirit of the music while still making the performances feel natural and alive. Songs like “Plush,” “Vasoline,” and “Interstate Love Song” were met with huge reactions from the crowd, with nearly every person in the amphitheater singing along.
DeLeo brothers Robert and Dean, respectively bassist and guitarist, continue to have amazing synchronization onstage, the same as when they first started the band back in 1989. More than anything, the set felt like proof that the band’s legacy is still alive and will continue for many generations.
By the time Godsmack hit the stage, the night exploded into a full arena-rock spectacle. Their production alone was massive — giant lighting rigs, lasers cutting through the air, and the moon shining in the sky to accompany the band. Vocalist Sully Erna had total control of the audience from beginning to end. Whether leading massive sing-alongs or commanding the heavier moments of the set, he kept the energy at a peak. Songs like “Whatever,” “Voodoo,” and “I Stand Alone” created those moments where the audience becomes just as loud as the band itself. Musically, Godsmack sounded locked in and powerful. Every riff hit hard, the drums thundered through the amphitheater, and the production elevated the experience without overshadowing the music.
By the end of the night, nobody seemed in a hurry to leave. Fans lingered around the amphitheater, still talking about the sets and trying to hold onto the energy a little longer before heading home. From Dorothy’s intensity, to Stone Temple Pilots honoring their history while continuing to evolve, to Godsmack turning the entire venue into a massive party, the night never lost momentum. Nights like these show me that these legendary bands are still ascending, even after all these years. Their performances keep getting better, and I cannot wait to see them a few years from now and be surprised once again.
