Atmosphere & Concept Shift
Godsmack’s Vibez Tour, starting in February 2024 and ending May 5, focused on intimate, stripped‑down acoustic/electric performances, diverging sharply from their usual explosive arena shows.
In Indio on April 12, that concept crystallized: the band played without pyro or massive production, embracing a more personal, emotionally resonant experience in a theatre setting.
The venue—the Special Events Center at Fantasy Springs—was arranged with candlelit ambiance and two gargoyle statues flanking the stage. Ethereal lighting and multimedia visuals gave a trippy, hypnotic scene akin to MTV Unplugged style, but with Godsmack’s darker edge.
Opening & Setlist Highlights
The evening began with a bold, moody cover of Pink Floyd’s “Time”, immediately signaling a shift from high-energy rock to reflective introspection.
That was followed by early originals like “Love‑Hate‑Sex‑Pain” and “Voodoo”, rendered in acoustic-electric arrangements that still carried weight and presence, just minus the volume and pyros.
The full setlist included fan favorites like “Turning to Stone,” “Spiral,” “One Rainy Day,” “Serenity,” “Touché,” “Truth,” and tracks from their 2023 album Lighting Up the Sky like “Lighting Up the Sky”, “Under Your Scars”, and “Bulletproof”.
They closed with covers—the final song was “Long Train Runnin’” by The Doobie Brothers—which led into heartfelt introductions to each member and even a fan celebration right onstage
Musicianship & Guest Talent
Rather than rely on stage theatrics, Godsmack emphasized musicianship and storytelling. The Indio show featured additional performers: guest guitarist Tim Theriault and keyboardist Chris Decato, expanding the band to six members and enriching the arrangements.
One standout moment was the extended guitar jam on Led Zeppelin’s “No Quarter”, where Theriault and Tony Rombola traded licks in a way that had the crowd roaring. Shannon Larkin’s exuberant drumming cracked smiles and infectious rhythms; Robbie Merrill held down a deep, resonant bass groove; Chris Decato’s keys added atmosphere on piano ballads like “Under Your Scars” and “One Rainy Day”
Storytelling & Emotional Core
Sully Erna frequently interacted with the crowd, sharing personal anecdotes and reflections on music’s emotional impact. The pacing included shifting from high‑energy pieces to deeply introspective moments. His solo piano rendition of “Under Your Scars” was especially poignant—he dedicated it to appreciation of the band’s 25‑year journey and remembered late icons like Chris Cornell and Chester Bennington.
The show also featured a full vocal performance of Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters,” which built genuine reverence in the audience, with fans singing along in hushed chorus before erupting into applause.
Between songs, Sully would weave in commentary on mental health, their work with The Scars Foundation, and the profound connections forged through shared musical experience.
Performance Flow & Final Touches
This was not a standard Godsmack gig—no mosh pits, no pyrotechnics—but the energy remained palpable. The sequencing allowed emotional peaks and valleys: introspective ballads followed rock anthems like “Bulletproof,” which even included an improvised birthday celebration for a fan
The farewell felt earned—“Long Train Runnin’” offered a groovy, crowd‑pleasing finale, built around respect, gratitude, and shared experience. Introductions and toasts capped a set that balanced tight musicianship, vulnerability, and genuine fan reciprocity
Overall Evaluation
Godsmack’s April 12, 2024 Vibez Tour show in Indio transformed their familiar hard rock identity into a richly emotional, acoustic‑electric concert experience. It gave fans access not just to riffs, but to stories—each song feeling like a chapter in the band’s legacy. The stripped‑down format highlighted versatility, intimacy, and musical craft.
Critics and reviewers echoed this sentiment: Live Music News & Review described the show as an “intimate evening of music and untold stories,” delivered in a venue of around 2,000 seats—far removed from stadium spectacle
Shannon Larkin called Vibez “the coolest thing we’ve done in many years,” praising the closeness to the audience and the opportunity to vary setlists every night
In sum, Godsmack’s Vibez Tour stop on April 12, 2024 in Indio, CA, proved to be a defining live moment: thoughtful, mellifluous, and deeply sincere. It showcased a band at ease with reinvention, leaning into storytelling and stripped-down power. For fans craving authenticity and musical depth—rather than spectacle—this was Godsmack at their most resonant.
