Review by Rebecca Clark
Photos by Renee Clark Quade
It was a night that celebrated every era of rock music at Lakeview Amphitheater on June 30, as “The Rise of Rock World Tour” featuring Dorothy, Stone Temple Pilots, and Godsmack delivered three memorable sets for a packed crowd in Syracuse, New York. From soulful hard rock and ’90s nostalgia to a headlining performance filled with humor, emotion, and thunderous musicianship, the evening showcased why live rock music continues to resonate across generations.
Dorothy kicked off the night with an energetic set that opened with “Down to the Bottom” before rolling into favorites including “The Devil I Know,” where she joked that Syracuse was “wet today,” poking fun at the sticky, muggy weather. She kept the energy high with “Raise Hell,” encouraging the crowd to make some noise before continuing with “After Midnight.”
One of the most powerful moments of her set came during “Rest in Peace,” which she dedicated to anyone going through a breakup. Before the song, Dorothy reassured the audience that everything would be okay, and hearing the lyric “You can’t hurt me now, Can’t hold me down ” carried an extra emotional weight for anyone navigating heartbreak.
She slowed things down with “Medicine Man,” closing her eyes throughout much of the performance as she became completely immersed in the song. An early release, “Dark Nights,” featured an extended outro that gave the song a fresh live feel before she wrapped up by telling the crowd she had sold out of the CDs she normally brings to shows. She introduced the closing song, “Elevate,” as her “favorite fucking song.”
Dorothy proved once again why she’s one of hard rock’s strongest vocalists. Her voice effortlessly blends soulful emotion with powerful rock vocals, and it was refreshing to see such a commanding female frontwoman open a bill of this caliber. More importantly, you could tell she wasn’t just performing songs; she was genuinely connecting with them and with the audience.
Stone Temple Pilots immediately transported fans back to the ’90s, opening with “Dead & Bloated” before rolling through classics including “Wicked Garden” and “Vasoline.”
Early in the set, vocalist Jeff Gutt spotted a young fan celebrating his birthday and wished him a happy birthday by handing over his sunglasses while promising to try not to swear, though he admitted he’d probably “fuck that up.” Longtime fans couldn’t miss the nods to the late frontman, Scott Weiland, scattered through the performance. Gutt wore a button-down shirt and vest straight out of Weiland’s stage wardrobe, and every so often, a familiar mannerism would surface, subtle enough to feel like tribute rather than imitation.
The band continued with favorites including “Big Bang Baby,” “Big Empty,” “Interstate Love Song,” “Crackerman,” and “Trippin’ on a Hole in a Paper Heart.” Hearing “Big Empty” was especially nostalgic, instantly bringing back memories of The Crow soundtrack, where the song became one of the film’s defining tracks.
Fans enthusiastically sang along throughout the set, fists pumping to the beat as songs like “Interstate Love Song” echoed across the amphitheater. Before launching into “Crackerman,” Gutt asked if everyone had brought their dancing shoes.
Stone Temple Pilots closed with “Sex Type Thing” before tossing guitar picks and drumsticks into the crowd. The band gathered at center stage for one final bow as Gutt thanked the audience, telling everyone to have a great summer, take care of each other, and promising, “See you real soon.”
While decades have passed since their breakthrough, Stone Temple Pilots proved their music remains timeless, with Syracuse embracing every song from beginning to end.
When Godsmack finally took the stage, the atmosphere shifted immediately. The opening notes of “When Legends Rise” had the crowd shouting every word of the chorus back to Sully Erna before the band tore through “You and I,” “Cryin’ Like a Bitch!!,” “Straight Out of Line,” “Awake,” and “Surrender.”
Godsmack’s live sound remains one of the biggest in rock. Every kick drum and bass note could be felt throughout the amphitheater, giving each song a massive presence that simply can’t be replicated through headphones.
“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to the fucking show, man!” Erna shouted as the crowd erupted.
His personality shined between songs as well. When a crew member dressed as a Viking removed his microphone, Erna joked that he “can’t get any good help around here” before thanking Syracuse for welcoming the band back.
Throughout the night, Erna balanced comedy with heartfelt storytelling. Between jokes about missing guitar picks, the sweltering heat, and even briefly confusing a pre-roll for something else, he reflected on what has kept Godsmack together for more than three decades.
“We don’t want computers. We don’t want click tracks. We just get up there, if we fuck up, we fuck up. That’s a special, special moment,” Erna told the crowd while discussing the band’s commitment to authentic live performances.
Celebrating 31 years together, Erna introduced drummer Michael Mangini and guitarist Sam Bam Koltun before sharing the story of the $80 guitar he purchased when Godsmack first formed. Held together with duct tape during the band’s earliest days and recently restored, the guitar served as the perfect introduction to a nostalgic trip back to the band’s debut album as they launched into “Keep Away.”
The band’s visual production added another layer to the performance. During “Voodoo,” the lighting pulsed with the song’s signature sounds while Erna spread his arms wide during the chorus, almost conducting the audience as thousands of voices sang along.
One of the evening’s highlights was the signature drum battle between Erna and Mangini. As Erna disappeared from the stage, the curtain lifted to reveal another drum kit rolling forward. The two traded impressive rhythms before Erna accidentally dropped a drumstick after tossing it into the air, laughing at himself before continuing without missing a beat. The jam seamlessly worked in AC/DC’s “Back in Black” and a snippet of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” before transitioning into “Whatever.”
After encouraging Syracuse to get their hands in the air, Erna looked toward the younger fans in attendance, including a 16-year-old and a 7-year-old in the crowd.
“No matter how good the technology is, you are never, ever, ever gonna be able to replicate the energy of a live show,” he said, encouraging parents to keep bringing their children to concerts instead of experiencing music solely through a screen.
“The future of rock comes from all of you.”
The moment became even more emotional when Erna read a fan’s sign that said, “Seven months without our brother Shawn. My first show without him. You were his favorite band. This one’s for you, Shawn.” After acknowledging the family, he later gifted a signed copy of Live at Mohegan Sun, the final live recording featuring Godsmack’s original lineup, to the 7-year-old fan, encouraging him to learn guitar and help carry rock music into the future.
The night’s most powerful moment came during the encore.
As a piano rolled onto the stage for “Under Your Scars,” the entire amphitheater grew remarkably quiet while Erna explained the inspiration behind the song and spoke about the Scars Foundation, the band’s nonprofit organization supporting those struggling with mental health, addiction, PTSD, bullying, and suicidal thoughts.
“I’ve learned that these imperfections are exactly what makes us perfect,” Erna said, encouraging anyone who needs help, or knows someone who does, to reach out through the Scars Foundation’s resources.
The words “We Are Imperfectly Perfect” were displayed across the front of his piano as he dedicated the song to Shawn and reflected on loved ones and musicians, including Chris Cornell, who have been lost too soon. During the performance, the stage lights dimmed as thousands of phone lights illuminated the amphitheater, creating one of the evening’s most moving moments.
Godsmack quickly shifted gears with the explosive “Bulletproof,” getting the crowd to sway their arms together before closing the night with the unmistakable opening riff of “I Stand Alone.”
More than three decades into their career, Godsmack continues to prove why they’ve remained one of hard rock’s most enduring bands. Between their crushing live sound, genuine connection with fans, and Erna’s ability to balance humor with meaningful conversations about life and mental health, the Syracuse stop was a reminder of why live music continues to matter.
Photo Gallery – Godsmack – Syracuse, NY – June 30, 2026
Photo Gallery – Stone Temple Pilots – Syracuse, NY – June 30, 2026
Photo Gallery – Dorothy – Syracuse, NY – June 30, 2026
