Godsmack have released ‘Live at Mohegan Sun’, a release that doubles as both a celebration and a full stop on a major chapter of the band’s history.
The album captures the final performance from the band’s original lineup, and frontman Sully Erna isn’t pretending it’s just another live record (per Loudwire).
“It’s emotional,” he admitted. “You’re looking at four brothers that spent three decades together and went through life, they’ve been the biggest part of my life for so long. And you can see it in the show, especially when it comes toward the end, you can just see the emotion starting because I’m going, ‘Oh my god, the song’s about to end, this is the last one.’”
A live album with purpose
For Erna, this wasn’t just about nostalgia, there’s a clear intent behind the release, especially in an era where live musicianship isn’t always front and centre.
“I always wanted to do something of this nature, but more importantly, to keep the younger generations in tune with real bands that play their instruments,” he said.
“There’s nothing cooler to me than real bands like the Foo Fighters, Metallica…they’re on stage, they play their instruments.”
It’s a familiar argument, but one that hits differently coming from a band that’s spent over 30 years proving it on stage.
The next version of Godsmack
While Godsmack‘s ‘Live at Mohegan Sun’ closes the door on the original lineup, it’s not the end of the band, not even close.
Erna made it clear that new music is on the horizon, though it won’t feature the full classic lineup following the departures of guitarist Tony Rombola and drummer Shannon Larkin.
“But I do feel like we completed that part of our lives. We’re onto a new chapter. So there will definitely be new music coming at some point. It just won’t be with the original members … It’s going to be good. I’m even interested to hear where we go with the new music.”
Still pushing forward
Godsmack are already gearing up for their next move, including ‘The Rise of Rock’ tour alongside Stone Temple Pilots and Dorothy.
“We have a whole new burst of energy so we’re going to go hit it just as hard as we always do and take the thing to another level and just see what we can do,” Erna said.
“This thing could taper off and fade or this thing could go to stadium level. We’re just here for the ride, like we’ve always been.”
For a band over three decades deep, that kind of uncertainty isn’t a weakness, it’s fuel.
Side A
Surrender
You and I
When Legends Rise
1000hp
Side B
Cryin’ Like A Bitch!!
Speak
Straight Out of Line
Awake
Side C
Keep Away
Voodoo
Battle of The Drums
Side D
Whatever
Under Your Scars
Bulletproof
I Stand Alone
Find out more and pick your copy up here.
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