Bud Insider

#BGReviewer: Godsmack and Volbeat

May 13, 2019

Before I start in on my review, I just wanted to give a huge shout out to Budweiser Gardens and Downtown London for making last night possible.  Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!  For those who are reading, please understand that all opinions of this incredible night are my own.

As the rain fell in a melodic state outside, a storm was brewing inside Budweiser Gardens – a storm of epic guitar riffs and pyrotechnics. So it began!     

Stitched Up Heart

This rock band of four hail from the City of Angels in California, formed back in 2010 by the lead singer Alecia Demner.  They took the stage promptly at 7:00 p.m. to already thousands of people gathered inside.  This reviewer wishes more people would make the effort to turn out for the opening band, you just never know what you could be missing!  Stitched Up Heart could be headlining stadiums in 2020 and I, and 1000 others tonight could say “I saw them in London in 2019 with Godsmack and Volbeat and they kicked butt!”.

Set List:

  1. This Skin
  2. Warrior
  3. Catch Me When I Fall
  4. Darkness
  5. Straightjacket
  6. Finally Free
  7. Lost (ft. Sully)

Volbeat

Michael, Jon, Rob and Kasper form the Danish band, Volbeat.  [Wikipedia says, The band name "Volbeat" was derived from Dominus's third album name, Michael’s previous band, which was called Vol.Beat (read as: Volume Beat). After selling 1,000 copies of their "Beat the Meat" demo tape, Volbeat was signed to a record deal by Rebel Monster Records, a sub-label of Mascot Records.]

As these Danish gods took to the stage to the sound of a roaring crowd, they didn’t leave us waiting for long as they opened their set with “The Devil’s Bleeding Crown” and held all our attention as they melodically pulsated our rock souls with their hits such as “A Warrior’s Call” and “Doc Holliday”.  Their voices didn’t waver throughout their set, if anything, their voices only became stronger as their set continued. 

Set List:

  1. The Devil's Bleeding Crown
  2. Lola Montez
  3. Sad Man's Tongue
  4. A Warrior's Call
  5. Let It Burn
  6. Black Rose (with special guest, Danko Jones!)
  7. The Everlasting
  8. 16 Dollars
  9. Dead but Rising
  10. Fallen         
  11. Hallelujah Goat
  12. Marie Laveau
  13. Doc Holliday
  14. Seal the Deal
  15. Still Counting

Godsmack

This Massachusetts quartet formed GODSMACK back in 1995. Their most recent album, ‘When Legends Rise’, celebrates 20 years of their music. Their self-titled album ‘Godsmack’ was released back in 1998 (the same year I started dating my now-husband, who was also at tonight’s concert with me!)

Shortly after 9:30 p.m. the speakers began belting out a spiced up version of ‘We Will Rock You’.  People began to stand, stomp their feet and scream in anticipation. Then the familiar opening riff of ‘When Legends Rise’ (their second single from the same titled album) brought those not already on their feet to their feet - singing along to each and every verse.  They kept the crowd on their feet throughout the night, enticing those few to crowd surf amongst their peers.

Sully is like a fine wine, his voice just keeps getting better (much better!) with age. 

Set List:

  1. When Legends Rise
  2. 1000hp
  3. Say My Name
  4. Keep Away
  5. The Enemy
  6. Awake
  7. Unforgettable
  8. Voodoo
  9. Batalla de los tambores
  10. Whatever
  11. Under Your Scars (<- my favourite!)
  12. Bulletproof
  13. Highway to Hell
  14. I Stand Alone

#BGReviewer: @2_Huskies

Photos by: Bill Woodcock

BGReviewer-Blog Image.jpg