GODSMACK at the Grand Opening of the MGM Music Hall at Fenway

The grand opening of Boston’s newest music venue went off without a hitch Saturday night. Selecting Boston’s own Godsmack to headline was the perfect choice for this show. Everything at the brand new MGM Music Hall at Fenway was well thought out and beautifully executed. From the modernized and simple to use bag checking area to the sound system to the vendors, everything went off perfectly.

Starting the night off was the band OTHERWISE. Their opening song was the powerful “Die for You” track. Lead singer Adrian Patrick entertained the crowd from the moment he stepped on the stage and never slowed down.

The jammed packed crowd filling the new 5,000-seat venue was loving every minute of this energy packed opener. After a cover of the cult favorite “No Rain” originally by Blind Melon was played to a singing audience the biggest Otherwise track closed their night out. “Soldiers” came out in 2012, but is still a hit that is heard regularly on Sirius XM Octane so it was a perfect way from the guys in the band to finish off their set.

Otherwise @ MGM Fenway - Photo by Lori Hynes-01

Otherwise @ MGM Fenway - Photo by Lori Hynes-02

Otherwise @ MGM Fenway - Photo by Lori Hynes-03

Otherwise @ MGM Fenway - Photo by Lori Hynes-04

Otherwise @ MGM Fenway - Photo by Lori Hynes-05

Otherwise @ MGM Fenway - Photo by Lori Hynes-06

Otherwise @ MGM Fenway - Photo by Lori Hynes-07

Otherwise @ MGM Fenway - Photo by Lori Hynes-08

Otherwise @ MGM Fenway - Photo by Lori Hynes-09

Otherwise @ MGM Fenway - Photo by Lori Hynes-10

Otherwise @ MGM Fenway - Photo by Lori Hynes-11

Otherwise @ MGM Fenway - Photo by Lori Hynes-12

Otherwise @ MGM Fenway - Photo by Lori Hynes-13

Otherwise @ MGM Fenway - Photo by Lori Hynes-14

Otherwise @ MGM Fenway - Photo by Lori Hynes-15

Before Godsmack took the stage we were graced with Mistress Carrie’s presence. She reminded everyone that the proceeds from ticket sales and merch items from the show were going to benefit The Scars Foundation and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Before Godsmack even stepped on stage their merch table was completely cleared out. Even the shirt samples that were hanging when folks walked in were gone. Clearly this crowd loves supporting their Boston band and these worthy charities.

The anticipation for Godsmack grew as they started their set behind a massive black curtain. Once the curtain fell and “1000hp” started to roar fans were on their feet singing along with the always passionate Sully Erna. With so many hits under Godsmack’s belt, many of which are within the past few years from the album When Legends Rise, it is always amazing to see how crazy the fans get when they hear 1998’s “Whatever”. Tonight was no different. After “Whatever” played fans cheered for an encore and were gifted 3 additional tracks for the night.

It is no easy task keeping up such high levels of energy for 14 songs, but the mighty Godsmack finds a way. The night had everything from the dueling drum sets to hit after hit song to the encores. This was such a perfect way to have a grand opening of a gorgeous new Boston venue. The MGM Music Hall at Fenway is here to stay.

After the show Godsmack announced online that they raised over $100,000 for the mental health nonprofit, The Scars Foundation and for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute!