Godsmack, Sevendust and Sidewise
The Midland Theatre – Kansas City, MO
September 29th, 2015 saw the return of Godsmack to Kansas City. Supporting Godsmack were Sevendust and Sidewise
First to the stage were Kansas City’s own Sidewise. Though they were the first to play, the masses made sure to be in the house to catch the bands set. Playing to an almost packed house, you could tell the boys in Sidewise felt that hometown love and returned it with everything they had. From start to finish the fellas gave it their all and I think they are a great band to be opening the shows for this tour.
Next up was a little band you may have heard of, Sevendust, and if you have not heard of them I am sure you have seen them as they are one of the hardest working bands in the industry. Sevendust are currently touring in support of their new album “Kill The Flaw.” Even before the relocation of front man Lajon Witherspoon to Kansas City, Sevendust has been a local favorite, and has now been adopted by the fans and considered a Kansas City band. There was no need for hype as they hit the stage as everyone in the crowd had been anxiously awaiting their arrival. As they came to the stage and started in with “Black” the packed Midland house went nuts and were singing right along. What would seem to be a set list of what you could call a “greatest hits” they played “Not Today” and “Thank You” off of the Kill The Flaw” album. Something that I also noticed was to the back right of the stage there was a small gathering of friends and family huddling in the back supporting their loved ones as they gave their all to the Kansas City crowd. The little ones with their protective headsets smiling from ear to ear watching and singing along. I do feel that the band enjoyed the behind the scenes support as many a times you could see them catch a quick glimpse of the small group and turn back to the audience with a look of pure joy. It really was an awesome site to see as I am sure that is not an every night luxury.
Closing out this trio of bands was a band from Boston you may know as Godsmack. As the lights went down the screen in the back of the stage came on. If you are not a stranger to Godsmack shows you know they like to start out with a fun little video, and this show was now exception. Sully Erna and Shannon Larkin wrote and starred in a new opening video that was quite hilarious and may have involved a couple of the band members in drag. I am not going to give you the full details as you need to take your butts out to the show to see it yourself. Once security chased the backstage crashes off the stage(part of new video) the guys took to the stage to a roar of approval from the audience and a little Dropkick Murphy’s playing over the PA. As the guitars ripped into “Awake” everyone was up and moving and even a little moshing broke out. If you are familiar with the venue then you know there is not a lot of room for a mosh pit to break out. As Robbie said in the interview I did with him just before the start of the tour, we could expect a fun night with Godsmack, and that it was. In the past they have had the bid stage shows and all of the big production but like they proved that night they do not need it. They were up their just themselves with very little theatrics and delivered a show that I think the fans enjoyed more that seeing all the bells and whistles. It was the fans night out with Godsmack and I think everyone on and off the stage had a hell of a good night.
Ace Sims
RockRevolt Contributor
