Godsmack, Stone Temple Pilots & Dorothy Deliver a Summer Rock Spectacle at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, IL.

By: Evan J. Thomas

Summer officially arrived in Tinley Park as thousands of rock fans packed Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre for a night headlined by two generations of hard rock royalty. With Dorothy opening the evening before Stone Temple Pilots and Godsmack took command of the stage, the show proved why rock and roll remains alive, loud, and impossible to ignore.


Dorothy kicked off the night with her signature blend of blues infused hard rock and powerhouse vocals. Frontwoman Dorothy Martin brought undeniable charisma and energy to the stage, delivering songs with confidence and grit while warming up the crowd for what would become an unforgettable evening. The band's set was tight, spirited, and showcased why they continue to be one of modern rock's most exciting acts.


But once Stone Temple Pilots emerged, the atmosphere shifted into something special.  This band is the one that got me into loving the harder rock music than what I used to listen to in high school.  Being able to photograph STP back in 2010 when Scott Weiland was the frontman was a highlight in my career. 


From the opening notes, STP reminded everyone why they remain one of the defining bands of the '90s and why their music continues to resonate decades later. Jeff Gutt has firmly carved out his own place in the band's legacy, honoring the spirit of Weiland while bringing his own energy and personality to the performance. His stage presence was magnetic throughout the set.


Robert DeLeo and Dean DeLeo sounded absolutely phenomenal, proving once again that their musicianship remains among the best in rock. Eric Kretz anchored the band with precision and power as classics such as "Vasoline," "Wicked Garden," "Big Empty," and "Interstate Love Song" and my favorite "Plush" had fans singing every word.


What stood out most was how alive these songs still feel. I was singing along to every song.  There was no nostalgia act vibe Stone Temple Pilots played with passion, swagger, and a renewed sense of purpose. The chemistry between the members was undeniable, and their set felt less like a trip down memory lane and more like a celebration of one of rock's most enduring catalogs.


As impressive as STP was, Godsmack closed the evening with the kind of arena-rock spectacle that has made them one of the genre's biggest names for more than 30 years.


Sully Erna commanded the stage from the moment the lights went down, delivering a performance packed with intensity, emotion, and undeniable star power. Godsmack's sound was massive, and the band's chemistry was evident throughout the night. The crowd exploded as anthem after anthem rolled out, with favorites like "Awake," "Straight Out of Line," "When Legends Rise," "Bulletproof," and "Whatever" turning the amphitheater into one giant singalong.


Newly added Drummer Mike Mangini was a force behind the kit, while bassist Robbie Merrill and guitarist Sam Koltun delivered the crushing grooves and heavy riffs fans have come to expect. The band's production elevated the experience, combining powerful visuals and lighting with flawless execution.


Perhaps most impressive was how effortlessly Godsmack balanced sheer heaviness with moments of reflection and audience interaction. Sully Erna's connection with the crowd was genuine, and every song felt like an event.


By the time the final notes rang out, one thing was abundantly clear: Godsmack remains one of the premier live bands in rock, and Stone Temple Pilots continue to prove that great songs and great bands never fade

DOROTHY

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS

GODSMACK