Godsmack – The Armory – Minneapolis MN – October 14th 2026

Some nights remind you exactly why you love live music, and for me, Godsmack at The Armory in Minneapolis was one of those nights. From the moment I experienced the packed, intense atmosphere inside the venue and the powerful sound coming from the stage, I knew this was the kind of hard-rock show that would leave a lasting impression.

The crowd was energetic, the vocals and instruments sounded great together, and both Dorothy and Godsmack delivered performances that made this a fantastic night of rock and roll.

I was curious to see how Dorothy would fit into the lineup, and I came away impressed. Her blend of Southern rock, Southern blues, and a gritty, raspy voice gave her performance a character of its own. She brought a soulful edge to the evening and helped set the tone for what was to come.

Dorothy also took a little time between songs to speak to the audience about a few things that clearly had meaning to her. She touched on the women’s empowerment, and the importance of being beautiful in your own skin. I appreciated that she used part of her time onstage to share a message about confidence and being comfortable with who you are.

It added another dimension to her performance beyond the music.

Some of the songs that stood out to me were “Devil I Know,” “Gun in My Hand,” “Medicine Man,” and “Elevate.” Those tracks showcased the combination of bluesy grit, hard-rock energy, and powerful vocals that made Dorothy such a great addition to the show.

She did exactly what you hope an opening act will do: get the night going, make an impression, and leave you ready for the headliner.

Then it was time for Godsmack, and this is where the night really came together for me.

The sound was powerful, the heavy music hit hard, and the balance between the vocals and instruments was excellent. Godsmack remains such a force in hard rock, and seeing the band deliver that sound live reminded me why their music continues to connect with fans.

For me, Sully Erna was one of the biggest highlights of the entire night. His vocals and stage presence were outstanding. He has a commanding way of carrying himself onstage that draws your attention and makes you want to take in every moment of the performance.

His voice is such a defining part of Godsmack’s identity. Hearing that power live, backed by the band’s heavy instrumentation, made the experience even better.

Some of my favorite songs of the night were “When Legends Rise,” “Straight Out of Line,” “Awake,” “Speak,” and “Voodoo.” Hearing those songs again in a live setting was a real highlight for me. They represent so much of what makes Godsmack’s sound distinctive: heavy riffs, memorable vocals, intensity, and an unmistakable hard-rock attitude.

The stage production was another major part of the experience.

Godsmack brought a full arena-style production to The Armory, with colored lighting, strobes, spotlights, and lasers adding to the atmosphere. Three individual lighting trusses came down from the rafters, adding another dimension to the lighting setup.

The production complemented the music rather than taking away from it. With the heavy guitars, powerful vocals, and lighting working together, the show had the scale and intensity you’d expect from a major hard-rock performance.

For me, the combination of the sound, the music, and the production was one of the strongest aspects of the night. Everything came together to create the kind of atmosphere that makes seeing a band live different from simply listening to its albums.

One of the more memorable moments came when Sully took time to tell a story about a guitar he bought at a pawn shop for just $80.

According to the story he shared, that was the guitar he used to write the band’s entire first album, which went on to sell five million copies.

I thought that was a fascinating reminder of how something that seems ordinary at the time can become part of something much bigger. It was a personal story that connected the music to the work and history behind it.

It also offered a different perspective on a band whose songs have become such a recognizable part of hard rock.

Another moment that stood out was when Sully reached out to the children in the crowd, who ranged in age from approximately five to fifteen. He spoke about them being the future of rock and roll.

I thought that was a meaningful part of the show. Rock music has always been about passing the music and the energy along to the next generation, and seeing those younger fans included in the conversation was a reminder that the future of the genre depends on keeping that connection alive.

It’s easy for a concert to become all about the volume, the lights, and the spectacle. Moments like that add a more personal side to the experience.

Beyond his accomplishments as a musician, Erna has also used his platform to bring attention to mental health awareness through the SCARS Foundation.

Established by Erna, the foundation reflects his commitment to supporting people facing mental health challenges, including depression, and raising awareness about issues that too often remain hidden. His work in this area has personal significance, shaped in part by the loss of fellow artists and friends to suicide.

I believe it matters when musicians use their influence to address issues that extend beyond the stage. Mental health struggles can be difficult to talk about, and many people face them privately. Raising awareness, encouraging people to seek support, and helping others recognize that they are not alone can make a difference.

This aspect of Erna’s work adds another dimension to his legacy. His impact is not limited to the songs he has written or the audiences he has entertained; it also includes the effort to help people who may be struggling in their own lives.

It was a reminder that the voice of a rock musician can reach people in ways that go far beyond entertainment.

The encore brought the evening to a powerful close.

Godsmack finished with “Bulletproof,” “Under Your Scars,” and “I Stand Alone.” The performance of “Under Your Scars” was particularly meaningful in the context of remembering loved ones and musicians who have passed away, including rock and metal legend Ozzy Osbourne.

It was a fitting way to bring the night toward its conclusion, combining the band’s hard-rock sound with the more personal and emotional connections people have to music.

Then came “I Stand Alone,” a song that perfectly fits Godsmack’s identity and provided a strong closing point for the evening.

After everything that came before it—the heavy music, the powerful vocals, the production, and the stories shared from the stage—the ending felt like a fitting finish to a fantastic night of rock and roll.

If you’re a fan of hard rock, I definitely recommend seeing Godsmack when they come back to Minnesota. The combination of the music, the production, and Sully’s commanding stage presence makes this the kind of show worth experiencing for yourself. Godsmack brought the power, Dorothy helped set the tone, and Minneapolis brought the energy.

If you get the chance to see them next time they’re in Minnesota, don’t miss it. You will not be disappointed!