Godsmack returned to their Massachusetts roots with a thunderous hometown performance at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, with special guests Dorothy, and Stone Temple Pilots.
The first band of the evening was Dorothy, an American rock band fronted by songwriter and vocalist Dorothy Martin. The band formed in 2014 in Los Angeles, and consists of drummer Jake Hayden, guitarist Sam Koltun, and bassist Eliot Lorango. They released their first project, a self-titled EP, in 2014. Rolling Stone deemed them “a [band] you need to know”, and named Dorothy’s band number 14 on their 50 Best New Artists of 2014 list. In May of 2026, Sam Bam Koltun would announce his departure from the band to pursue his role as the lead guitarist in Godsmack.
Dorothy proved once again why she is one of modern hard rock’s most compelling frontwomen during her performance. Opening for Godsmack and Stone Temple Pilots on the Rise of Rock Tour, Dorothy and her band wasted no time making a lasting impression, delivering a blistering set that combined raw power, blues-infused swagger, and undeniable charisma.
From the moment the band hit the stage, Dorothy commanded the crowd with a confidence that rivaled the night’s headliners. Her unmistakable voice—equal parts grit, soul, and controlled fury—cut through the summer air with remarkable clarity. Whether belting fan favorites like “Raise Hell” or the emotionally charged “Rest in Peace,” she balanced power with vulnerability, drawing cheers from longtime fans and newcomers alike. Audience reactions shared online echoed that the songs sounded especially strong live, with many praising her vocal performance.
The band matched Dorothy’s intensity note for note. Thunderous guitar riffs, a rock-solid rhythm section, and polished musicianship created an energetic backdrop that kept the audience engaged throughout the set. Even as an opening act, Dorothy played with the confidence of a headliner, refusing to let the energy dip for a single moment.
Visually, the performance embraced classic rock aesthetics without relying on elaborate production. The focus remained squarely on the music, and that worked to the band’s advantage. Dorothy’s stage presence was magnetic, effortlessly interacting with fans while delivering every lyric with conviction.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the performance was Dorothy’s ability to connect with a crowd that had come for multiple legendary rock acts. By the end of the set, many attendees who may not have been familiar with her catalog were singing along, applauding enthusiastically, and leaving with a newfound appreciation for the band’s blend of hard rock, blues, and Southern influences.
In an era where many opening acts struggle to stand out, Dorothy did far more than warm up the audience—she set the tone for an unforgettable night of rock. Her performance at the Xfinity Center was a reminder that authentic vocals, passionate songwriting, and genuine stage presence never go out of style.
The next band of the evening was Stone Temple Pilots, an American rock band formed in San Diego, California, in 1989. Originally consisting of lead vocalist Scott Weiland, drummer Eric Kretz, and brothers Dean (guitar) and Robert DeLeo (bass), the band’s lineup remained unchanged from its formation until the firing of Weiland in February 2013. Linkin Park vocalist Chester Bennington joined the band in May 2013, but left amicably in November 2015. Weiland died that December, while Bennington died two years later. In 2016, the band launched an online audition for a new lead vocalist; Jeff Gutt was ultimately announced as their new lead singer on November 14, 2017.
Stone Temple Pilots reminded fans why they remain one of rock’s most enduring bands during their performance at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, Massachusetts. Taking the stage before headliners Godsmack, the legendary quartet delivered a set that balanced nostalgia with renewed energy, proving their music has lost none of its impact decades after first dominating rock radio.
Opening with confidence, the band immediately had the crowd on its feet. Guitarist Dean DeLeo’s unmistakable riffs and brother Robert DeLeo’s melodic bass lines sounded as tight as ever, while drummer Eric Kretz anchored each song with precision and power. Together, the trio recreated the signature groove that has defined Stone Temple Pilots since the early 1990s.
Frontman Jeff Gutt continued to demonstrate why he has become a natural fit for the band. Rather than attempting to imitate the late Scott Weiland, Gutt honored the original performances while bringing his own voice and stage presence to classics like “Vasoline,” “Wicked Garden,” and “Interstate Love Song.” His vocals carried the emotional weight of the material while adding fresh energy that resonated with both longtime fans and younger concertgoers.
The setlist celebrated every era of the band’s career, with massive singalongs erupting during “Plush” and “Big Empty.” Every familiar riff drew cheers from the packed amphitheater, creating a shared sense of nostalgia that united fans across generations. It was clear these songs remain staples of modern rock, sounding just as powerful live as they did when they first hit the airwaves.
Visually, the performance relied less on elaborate production and more on musicianship. The lighting complemented the music without overshadowing it, allowing the band’s chemistry to remain the focus. Dean DeLeo’s expressive guitar work drew frequent applause, while Robert DeLeo’s effortless stage presence and infectious smile underscored how much the band continues to enjoy performing together.
Perhaps the evening’s greatest strength was Stone Temple Pilots’ ability to bridge past and present. They honored their legacy without becoming trapped by it, delivering performances that felt authentic rather than nostalgic for nostalgia’s sake. Jeff Gutt has now firmly established himself as an integral part of the band’s ongoing story, helping breathe new life into a catalog that continues to influence generations of rock musicians. By the time the band closed its set, the Xfinity Center crowd responded with thunderous applause, appreciative of a performance that celebrated one of alternative rock’s richest catalogs. Stone Temple Pilots didn’t simply revisit their greatest hits—they reaffirmed why those songs have endured for more than three decades.
The final band of the evening was Godsmack, an American rock band from Lawrence, Massachusetts, formed in 1995. The band is currently composed of lead singer and rhythm guitarist Sully Erna, bassist Robbie Merrill, lead guitarist Sam Koltun and drummer Mike Mangini. Since its formation, Godsmack has released nine studio albums, one EP (The Other Side), four DVDs, one compilation album (Good Times, Bad Times… Ten Years of Godsmack), and two live albums. Their most recent album, Lighting Up the Sky, was released in 2023.
Since its inception, Godsmack has toured with Ozzfest on more than one occasion and has toured with many other large tours and festivals, including supporting its albums with its own arena tours. They released three consecutive number-one albums (Faceless, IV and The Oracle) on the Billboard 200, and have had 25 top-ten rock radio hits and 12 at number one. In honor of the band’s success and the release of their sixth studio album, 1000hp, Mayor Marty Walsh declared August 6 as “Godsmack Day” in the city of Boston.
For Godsmack, performing in Massachusetts is more than just another stop on the tour—it’s a homecoming. That hometown pride was on full display as the Boston-born hard rock veterans closed out an unforgettable night with a performance that blended arena-sized spectacle, exceptional musicianship, and heartfelt appreciation for the fans who have supported them for three decades.
As darkness settled over the amphitheater, the anticipation reached a fever pitch. The moment the band took the stage, thousands of fans erupted as frontman Sully Erna welcomed the crowd home before launching into a relentless set packed with the band’s biggest hits. From the opening notes, it was evident that Godsmack remains one of rock’s premier live acts, delivering a performance fueled by precision, power, and passion.
Erna’s commanding vocals sounded as strong as ever, effortlessly shifting between melodic verses and the aggressive intensity that has become the band’s trademark. His connection with the audience was unmistakable, frequently pausing between songs to thank the hometown crowd and reflect on the band’s Massachusetts roots. Those personal moments transformed the concert from a standard arena rock show into something that felt genuinely special.
Guitarist Sam Koltun delivered crushing riffs with effortless precision, while bassist Robbie Merrill and drummer Mike Mangini formed an unstoppable rhythm section that kept the energy surging throughout the night. Every song was executed with remarkable tightness, a testament to the chemistry developed over decades of performing together.
The setlist was a celebration of Godsmack’s remarkable catalog. Crowd favorites including “Awake,” “Straight Out of Line,” “Keep Away,” “Whatever,” “Voodoo,” and “Bulletproof” had nearly every fan singing along, while the thunderous finale of “I Stand Alone” transformed the Xfinity Center into one massive chorus. Every familiar riff was met with roaring approval, reminding everyone just how many radio staples the band has amassed over its career.
One of the evening’s highlights came during the legendary drum battle between Sully Erna and Mike Mangini. Equal parts musical showcase and entertaining spectacle, the extended percussion duel remains one of Godsmack’s signature live moments. The pair traded increasingly complex rhythms while feeding off each other’s energy, earning one of the loudest ovations of the night.
The production matched the music’s intensity. Towering video screens, synchronized lighting, columns of fire, and bursts of pyrotechnics elevated the performance without overshadowing the songs themselves. Every visual cue enhanced the emotional peaks of the set, creating an immersive arena-rock experience worthy of a hometown headliner.
What made the performance especially memorable, however, was the bond between the band and its audience. This wasn’t simply another concert—it felt like a celebration between longtime friends. Fans who have followed Godsmack since their earliest club days stood shoulder-to-shoulder with younger listeners discovering the band for the first time, united by songs that continue to resonate across generations.
After thirty years, Godsmack shows no signs of slowing down. Their performance at the Xfinity Center demonstrated why they remain one of hard rock’s most reliable live bands: exceptional musicianship, authentic emotion, and an unwavering commitment to giving fans everything they have every night.
Godsmack’s hometown performance was everything fans could have hoped for—a high-energy, emotionally charged celebration of three decades of hard rock excellence. Combining world-class production with powerful performances and genuine appreciation for their Massachusetts roots, the band delivered a concert that will be remembered as one of the summer’s standout rock events.
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