Photos by Deanna Glatczak

A whopping 25 years ago, Godsmack and Staind first shared the stage together on the “Warped” Tour, and though each heavy act’s paths wound in different directions, both are back together in one of this summer’s hugest co-headlining combinations.

Between each band, the hits are too numerous to mention, but that shared quantity is exactly what filled the American Family Insurance Amphitheater with fans, who at this point, span multiple generations.

It was the “Best Of Times” when Godsmack closed the aggressive evening, to quote a single from its new album “Lighting Up the Sky,” marking the first in half a decade, yet finding Sully Erna and company as hungry as ever.

However, the guys made sure previous chart-toppers such as “Cryin’ Like a B****!,” “Voodoo,” “Bulletproof” and “I Stand Alone” appeared with the front man delivering an extra dose of intensity and ensuring, “This band still plays our instruments, no clicks and tricks, so Milwaukee, let’s party!”

All the while, Godsmack brought along one of the most enormous, impressive and flawlessly synchronized pyrotechnics displays imaginable, which alongside balloons, confetti and even bringing four kids on stage to symbolize the future of rock, made for a thoroughly thrilling set.

Staind didn’t bring nearly as many bells and whistles beyond a solid video screen production, but was nonetheless loved by longtime listeners and newcomers alike, many of whom seemed eager to hear how Aaron Lewis and everyone would sound since “It’s Been Awhile.”

Though the group reunited on stage every so often, 2023’s “Confessions Of The Fallen” marks its extremely belated to follow-up to 2011’s self-titled project, though thankfully, the players maintained their original essence.

The current “Lowest In Me,” plus the tried and true sing-a-longs “Not Again,” “Right Here” and “Outside,” were just a few of the favorites throughout a pairing of titans that truly took everyone to hard rock heaven.

For additional information on Godsmack and Staind, visit Godsmack.com and StaindOfficial.com.

For a list of upcoming Live Nation concerts, visit LiveNation.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater include Jelly Roll (Aug. 18); Los Bukis (Aug. 24); The Lumineers (Aug. 26); The Offspring (Aug. 29) and Pentatonix (Aug. 31). For additional details, visit AmFamAmp.com.

Related Articles

Fireball-enhanced Godsmack rise up to the legend, toast late Soundgarden, Linkin Park leaders Godsmack: “When Legends Rise” Tour at Fiserv Forum Ludacris: “Together Again” Tour at American Family Insurance Amphitheater Alter Bridge, Mammoth WVH (Wolfgang Van Halen), RED blow the roof off the Riviera Hard Rock Live hosts scorching start to tag team of heavyweights Skillet, Theory Of A Deadman Staind singer Aaron Lewis continues outlaw country reboot at The Venue Q101 Piqniq provides Northerly Island an alternative party starring Incubus, Paris Jackson Epic Muse expands “Will Of The People” for United Center, spine-chilling support from Evanescence