On Saturday, October 21, 2023, Place Bell became the epicenter of an unforgettable rock experience. Godsmack, celebrating their 25th anniversary, and I Prevail took the stage, delivering a show filled with energy, talent, and pure rock ‘n’ roll.
The evening kicked off promptly at 6:58 pm, slightly earlier than scheduled. As the lights dimmed, the anticipation in the air was palpable. Although the venue wasn’t completely filled at the start, the crowd steadily grew, adding to the excitement that buzzed through the room.
First up was Flat Black, the new band of former Five Finger Death Punch guitarist, Jason Hook. The undeniable guitar skills of Hook shone through, captivating the audience from the very beginning. Their second song, “Justice Will Be Done,” seamlessly blended heavy and groovy elements, creating a unique and enjoyable experience. The melodious backing vocals from bassist Nick Diltz and Hook added depth to their performance and complemented vocalist Wes Horton’s powerful voice quite well. Drummer Rob Pierce looked cool as a cat, not missing a beat hitting his kit with confidence. Flat Black’s 30-minute set served as a fantastic opening act.
I Prevail perform at Place Bell in Laval. Photo: Sam Duchoeny
Next, I Prevail took the stage, and the energy in the venue reached its peak. Their well-balanced use of tracks and clean vocals were nothing short of awesome. Opening with my personal favorite “Bow Down,” they immediately had everyone hooked. The breakdown in “Self-Destruction” ignited a fire in the crowd, while the chorus of “Bad Things” tugged at our emotions. The heavy breakdown in “There’s Fear in Letting Go” prompted a massive mosh pit, showcasing the band’s ability to unleash chaos. As they concluded their set with “Gasoline,” the audience was left craving more, eagerly anticipating their future headlining shows.
Godsmack perform at Place Bell in Laval. Photo: Sam Duchoeny
Finally, it was time for the main event. Godsmack, the Boston-based quartet, burst onto the stage to celebrate their remarkable 25-year journey. Starting with the high-energy “When Legends Rise,” the crowd erupted with cheers and excitement, setting the tone for an unforgettable party. The pyrotechnics added an extra touch of spectacle, ensuring the audience was fully engaged.
The stage setup, modest yet aesthetically pleasing, perfectly complemented the band’s vibe. Frontman Sully Erna, at 55 years old, proved that age is just a number as he belted out their hit “1000hp” while standing on the floor. With a playful nod to Canadian stereotypes, he humorously revealed his secret to staying youthful lies in tequila, not whiskey.
Godsmack perform at Place Bell in Laval. Photo: Sam Duchoeny
“Batalla de los tambores” showcased the band’s versatility, getting everyone grooving to the beat. The appearance of a second drum kit saw Erna engaging in an epic drum battle with drummer Larkin, leaving the audience in awe. The regular set concluded with the powerful anthem “Whatever,” igniting a chorus of chanting that shook the very foundation of the venue.
Godsmack perform at Place Bell in Laval. Photo: Sam Duchoeny
Godsmack returned for a three-song encore, which included a heartfelt tribute during “Under Your Scars” to the legendary rock musicians we have lost over the years such as Chris Cornell, Chester Bennington, Eddie Van Halen & Amy Whinehous to name a few. The band’s ability to connect with the audience and send energy back to the higher grounds was truly moving.
The show was an intense and celebratory experience that left no room for boredom. Time seemed to slip away as the music enveloped us, and the desire for an even longer set grew stronger. Godsmack and I Prevail’s performances were nothing short of mesmerizing, leaving a lasting impression on all fortunate enough to witness this incredible night of rock ‘n’ roll.
If you want to see if Godsmack is coming to a city near you visit : https://www.godsmack.com/tour
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