Archyde News Editor, Mark Jones, sat down with veteran music journalist and rock historian, Sarah Stone, to discuss Godsmack’s recently launched European tour, the band’s future, and their impact on the rock music scene.

Godsmack’s European Tour: A New Chapter?

Mark Jones: Sarah, thanks for joining us. Godsmack’s European tour kicked off with a bang.What’s your initial take on the tour, particularly with the lineup changes we’ve seen?

Sarah Stone: Thanks for having me, Mark. It’s captivating to see Godsmack adapt. They’ve always been a band that delivers, and bringing in Will Hunt and Sam Bam Koltun shows a commitment to keeping things fresh. It’s a testament to their resilience and willingness to evolve, even if the absence of Shannon Larkin and tony rombola raises eyebrows.

Mark Jones: the setlist for the opening night in sofia looked incredible, a real mix of their hits. Does this suggest they’re leaning into a “greatest hits” approach, especially with Sully Erna’s comments about possibly not releasing new albums?

Sarah Stone: Absolutely. The setlist is a party of Godsmack’s career. They know their audience, and they’re giving the fans what they want. Erna’s comments about the changing music landscape are telling. It’s a reflection of the industry shift towards streaming and playlists.It seems they’re choosing to focus on what has made them accomplished rather than trying to fight the current.

Godsmack’s Impact and future

Mark Jones: You’ve followed Godsmack for years. What do you think their legacy will be? how will they be remembered in the annals of rock history?

Sarah Stone: Godsmack has carved out a unique space. They brought a raw energy, a blend of metal and hard rock, that resonated with a generation. Their consistent success, the quality of the musicianship, the emotional depth in their songwriting, and their longevity all contribute to a legacy that’s built to last. They have staying power, and that’s a major accomplishment in an industry as volatile as music.

Mark Jones: With “Lighting Up The Sky” possibly being their last album, what do you think fans can expect moving forward? Will they continue touring? What’s next for Godsmack?

Sarah Stone: Tours like this one, celebrating their catalog, are a strong possibility. they clearly love performing, and their fans adore seeing them live. the core of Godsmack is Sully Erna’s voice and vision, and though they proceed, the musical universe that they’ve created has been a real gift.

The Future of Rock and Fan Interaction

Mark Jones: What would you say is the most significant impact Godsmack has had on Rock?

Sarah Stone: I think it has been breaking down the barriers and encouraging more bands to cross between genres. They had the metal sound and the hard rock energy, taking the best of both worlds. That impact is still seen in the industry today.

Mark Jones: The shift to streaming and curated playlists has changed how we consume music. How can bands like Godsmack stay relevant in this new ecosystem?

Sarah Stone: The key is connecting with the fans. They can keep engaging with their audience through social media, live shows, and special releases. It’s about building a community, and godsmack has always been strong on that front. They’re more than just a band; they’re a brand and a community, and that community has become increasingly important to success.

Mark Jones: One final thought: What is one thing that you think the fan base would love to see from Godsmack to help continue their long music legacy?

Sarah Stone: Oh, there are so many things! One interesting thing would be the band putting together and releasing some sort of documentary, or a tell-all series, about their history.A lot of bands are doing this, and their dedicated fans would love to hear more from them.