Godsmack’s Rise of Rock World Tour Ignites Irving with Unstoppable Energy

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Sully performing with Godsmack in Irving. Photo by Craig Youngblood

Under the blazing Texas sun, hordes of diehard rockers flooded the iconic Toyota Music Factory in Irving for the Rise of Rock World Tour 2026—a triple-threat lineup featuring Dorothy, Stone Temple Pilots, and Godsmack. The diehards were out early, snaking in lines for first dibs on exclusive merch and prime territory in the pit, while others scouted the perfect patch of lawn to soak in the sonic onslaught. This tour brought together a sea of fans spanning generations and backgrounds, a living testament to the enduring power of live rock. As showtime neared, the venue buzzed with anticipation—fans juggling beers, wolfing down food, and feverishly donning their new band tees as they raced to stake their claim for the opening salvo.

As the crowd buzzed with anticipation, Dorothy’s powerhouse drummer Jake Hayden emerged, striking a pose behind his kit—setting the tone for what was about to be an electrifying set. Bassist Eliot Lorango and guitarist Nick Perri swaggered on, followed by the charismatic frontwoman herself, Dorothy, who was greeted by a tidal wave of cheers. Wasting no time, the band blasted into ‘Down to the Bottom,’ sending a jolt of energy through the crowd as fans sang, danced, and moshed across the floor. Dorothy and her crew prowled the stage, trading licks and feeding off the crowd’s raw energy. The momentum surged into ‘The Devil I Know,’ the audience roaring every word back at the band. A haunting spoken-word intro ushered in ‘Raise Hell,’ with thunderous drums and blazing solos igniting a frenzy. Between songs, Dorothy took a moment to connect with the fans, delivering an inspiring rally cry about chasing your dreams no matter the odds, a classic rock ‘n’ roll moment that resonated with every soul in the room. With a set that was equal parts fire and soul, Dorothy proved she’s a force to be reckoned with, priming the masses for the night’s coming sonic assault.

After a swift stage overhaul, it was time for the legends—Stone Temple Pilots—to take command. As the house lights dropped, drummer Eric Kretz strode to his throne, soon joined by Dean DeLeo, Robert DeLeo, and magnetic frontman Jeff Gutt. The opening salvo? None other than ‘Dead and Bloated,’ which detonated the crowd into a sea of headbanging and fists in the air. Nostalgia flooded the venue as STP ripped through classics, the band prowling the stage with veteran swagger and Jeff Gutt channeling the spirit of Scott Weiland while making each song his own. ‘Wicked Garden’ followed, and the crowd responded with a deafening roar, every lyric echoing from the pit to the rafters. The set list was a masterstroke, weaving hits and deep cuts as the crowd soaked up every riff and chorus. A poignant moment came as ‘Big Empty’ was dedicated to the late, great Weiland—fans lighting up the night in tribute. At one point, Gutt left the stage to stand atop the barricade, leading a cathartic singalong and cementing his role as a true showman. STP closed with a thunderous ovation, the band bowing together, basking in the electric atmosphere they’d conjured.

After a final gear shuffle, it was time for the main event: Godsmack. The stage, draped in a massive black curtain emblazoned with their logo, amped up the tension to fever pitch. Suddenly, the lights dropped—then, chaos: the opening thunder of ‘When Legends Rise‘ crashed over the crowd as the curtain dropped and Godsmack stormed the stage. Sully Erna, a commanding presence, had the crowd in the palm of his hand from the first note, flanked by bassist Robbie Merrill, guitarist Sam Koltun, and drummer Wade Murff unleashing a barrage of sound. After a roaring opener, Sully greeted the Dallas faithful before launching into ‘You and I,’ the band prowling the stage and trading searing riffs. The venue erupted for ‘Crying Like a Bitch,’ with Murff’s drums shaking the rafters and Koltun’s guitar work blazing. The set was a relentless tour through Godsmack’s career, highlighted by Sully’s stories about the battered guitar that helped launch the band—an authentic touch that connected past and present. The nostalgia hit overdrive as the band tore into ‘Keep Away,’ the crowd roaring every lyric. The night’s apex came when Murff’s massive kit rolled forward for a jaw-dropping drum duel with Sully, bongos and all—their synchronized attack leaving jaws on the floor. Godsmack’s set closed on a high, bringing young fans on stage and leaving the crowd exhausted, elated, and hungry for more.

The Rise of Rock World Tour’s stop at Toyota Music Factory was nothing short of legendary—a night that will echo in the memories of Dallas rock fans for years to come. Dorothy, Stone Temple Pilots, and Godsmack each unleashed powerhouse sets, pouring every ounce of passion and grit onto the stage. As the final notes faded and the crowd reluctantly shuffled out, the air was thick with post-show euphoria and stories of unforgettable moments. If you’re lucky enough to have this tour coming through your city, don’t miss your chance to witness a masterclass in heavy rock—this is the kind of night that reminds you exactly why live music matters.