Godsmack, Stone Temple Pilots & Dorothy Ignite Toronto: Rise of Rock Tour Delivers a Massive Night at RBC Amphitheatre
Summer officially arrived with a bang as Godsmack returned to Toronto on Wednesday night, bringing their Rise of Rock World Tour to the RBC Amphitheatre. Supported by rock veterans Stone Temple Pilots and powerhouse vocalist Dorothy, the sold-out crowd witnessed an unforgettable evening that celebrated the enduring strength of hard rock.
From the moment fans began pouring through the gates, the atmosphere was electric. Concertgoers of all ages filled the waterfront venue wearing vintage tour shirts, Godsmack merchandise, and Stone Temple Pilots classics, all eagerly awaiting one of the most anticipated rock packages of the year.
Dorothy opened the evening with confidence and swagger, proving once again why she’s become one of modern rock’s fastest-rising stars. Her commanding stage presence and gritty vocals immediately grabbed the audience’s attention, delivering a set full of attitude and raw energy that perfectly warmed up the crowd.
Stone Temple Pilots followed with a masterclass in alternative rock. Their set balanced fan favorites with deep musical chemistry, reminding everyone why they remain one of the most influential rock bands of the 1990s. Tracks including “Vasoline,” “Wicked Garden,” “Big Empty,” “Interstate Love Song,” and “Plush” had thousands of fans singing every word. The band sounded remarkably tight, with soaring guitar work and a rhythm section that never missed a beat.
As darkness settled over Toronto’s lakeshore, anticipation reached its peak. The lights dimmed, the opening intro echoed throughout the amphitheatre, and the crowd erupted as Godsmack stormed onto the stage.
From the opening song, it was evident that the band had come to deliver more than just another concert—they came to remind everyone why they remain one of the biggest names in hard rock. Sully Erna commanded the stage from start to finish, effortlessly connecting with the audience while delivering powerful vocals and the charisma that has made him one of rock’s most recognizable frontmen.
The band was firing on all cylinders, delivering crushing riffs, thunderous grooves, and a performance that balanced precision with pure intensity. Every member played with confidence, feeding off the energy of the packed amphitheatre as fans sang along to nearly every lyric.
The setlist was exactly what longtime fans hoped for, featuring one anthem after another. Classics like “Awake,” “Whatever,” “Keep Away,” “Straight Out of Line,” “Bulletproof,” “Voodoo,” and the explosive “I Stand Alone” transformed the venue into one massive singalong. The audience responded with raised fists, deafening cheers, and nonstop energy from the opening notes until the final encore.
Visually, the production was spectacular without overshadowing the music. Towering LED screens, dramatic lighting, and perfectly timed effects enhanced every song while allowing the band’s performance to remain the evening’s main focus. The sound mix was exceptional throughout the night, ensuring every guitar riff, bass line, drum hit, and vocal came through with impressive clarity.
One of the evening’s most emotional moments came during “Under Your Scars.” As Sully Erna’s heartfelt vocals echoed across the amphitheatre, thousands of fans illuminated the night with the lights from their phones, creating a breathtaking sea of light throughout the venue. The powerful performance served as a moving tribute to those lost to mental health struggles and reinforced the band’s ongoing message that no one has to face those battles alone. Erna encouraged anyone who may be struggling to reach out for help, highlighting the work of The Scars Foundation, the nonprofit organization he founded to promote mental health awareness, provide resources, and remind people that hope is always within reach. It was a deeply personal moment that transcended the music and left a lasting impact on everyone in attendance.
SCARS + DWP WELLNESS LOUNGE FESTIVAL ACTIVATION!
Perhaps what stood out most was the connection between Godsmack and their fans. There was a genuine appreciation flowing both ways, with Erna frequently acknowledging the Toronto audience for their passion and support. It created an atmosphere that felt less like a typical concert and more like a celebration between a band and the fans who have stood by them for decades.
By the time the final notes rang out, it was clear that Toronto had witnessed one of the city’s premier rock concerts of 2026. With stellar performances from Dorothy and Stone Temple Pilots setting the stage, Godsmack delivered a headline set that was powerful, polished, and packed with unforgettable moments.
The Rise of Rock World Tour lived up to its name, proving that guitar-driven rock remains alive and thriving. For those fortunate enough to be inside the RBC Amphitheatre, it was a night that will be remembered long after the amplifiers went silent.
Erin Gr8rix
