On a hot Saturday evening at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, Texas, rock fans from all over the Houston area and beyond came together for one reason: some kick-ass rock and roll. With Dorothy, Stone Temple Pilots, and Godsmack all on the same bill, this nearly sold-out show was stacked from top to bottom with bands I’ve personally had on repeat for years. Fans poured into the venue rocking their favorite band tees, beers in hand, ready for a night of loud guitars, soaring vocals, and plenty of headbanging. The excitement was contagious, and before the first note was even played, you could tell it was going to be a damn good night.

Kicking off the evening was Dorothy, and while I’ve had a handful of her songs floating around my playlists over the years, I was especially excited to finally photograph her live. Let’s be honest…she’s absolutely stunning. But looks aside, it’s her voice that truly steals the show. Dorothy has one of those vocal ranges that immediately grabs your attention, effortlessly moving between soulful melodies and powerful rock vocals that can fill an entire amphitheater. Backed by a talented band that matched her energy every step of the way, Dorothy wasted no time taking control of the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion stage. Fans were treated to songs including “Raise Hell,” “After Midnight,” and “Rest in Peace,” before she wrapped up her set with the live debut of “Elevate.” Dressed in a flowing white lace top paired with black leather pants, Dorothy looked like a perfect blend of classic rock and modern-day rock goddess. With her dark hair flying through the air, one hand wrapped around the mic stand and the other commanding the crowd, she was impossible to look away from. I won’t lie, I was a little disappointed that “Dark Nights” didn’t make the setlist, but Dorothy’s performance more than made up for it. Between her incredible vocals, undeniable charisma, and the energy she brought to the stage, she delivered the perfect opening set and got the crowd fired up for what was still to come.

Stone Temple Pilots – Photo: Krystiee Lee

Following Dorothy was a band that holds a special place in my heart…Stone Temple Pilots. Holy hell, do I love this band. Ever since I was a little kid riding the daycare bus, Stone Temple Pilots was one of those bands that always seemed to be on the radio. I can still remember hearing “Plush” for the first time, and even back then there was just something about it that stuck with me. Looking back, songs like that helped shape the rock music fanatic I would eventually become. Even better, it was music I got to share with my dad, which made those songs mean that much more. Of course, no conversation about Stone Temple Pilots is complete without honoring the late Scott Weiland. His voice, stage presence, and songwriting helped create some of the most recognizable rock songs of an entire generation. While no one could ever replace Scott, current vocalist Jeff Gutt has done an incredible job carrying the torch while respecting the band’s legacy. Rather than trying to imitate Weiland, Gutt brings his own energy to the stage while still delivering the songs fans know and love. From the moment Stone Temple Pilots opened with “Dead & Bloated,” the crowd was locked in. The band delivered exactly what fans wanted to hear, rolling through hit after hit including “Big Bang Baby,” “Vasoline,” “Wicked Garden,” “Interstate Love Song,” and of course my personal favorite, “Plush.” Hearing that song live again instantly transported me back to being that kid listening to rock radio all those years ago. As if the nostalgia wasn’t already hitting hard enough, the band closed their set with another one of my favorites, “Sex Type Thing.” The crowd sang along, the energy was through the roof, and it felt like the perfect ending to an absolutely killer set. Stone Temple Pilots sounded incredible from start to finish. Decades after these songs were first released, they still hit just as hard, proving exactly why the band remains one of the most influential rock acts of their era.

Closing out the night was Godsmack, another band that has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Just like Stone Temple Pilots, Godsmack was one of those bands I grew up listening to thanks to my dad and uncle. I can still picture Saturday nights spent in the garage while they played drums along to Godsmack songs, and it’s memories like those that make nights like this so special. I’ll always cherish getting the opportunity to photograph and cover bands that were once blasting through speakers while I was growing up. At this point, I’ve seen Godsmack live so many times that I’ve honestly lost count, but somehow they still manage to make every show feel just as exciting as the first. The moment Sully Erna stepped on stage, the energy level skyrocketed. Few frontmen can command a crowd the way he does. Whether he’s delivering powerhouse vocals, interacting with fans in the crowd, or sharing more personal moments between songs, Sully has a way of making an amphitheater feel surprisingly intimate. One of the things I’ve always respected about Godsmack is how much they genuinely care about their fans. Between their support of The Scars Foundation and the conversations surrounding mental health and addiction awareness, they’ve built something that goes far beyond the music. It’s clear that helping people has become just as important as entertaining them. The current lineup sounded phenomenal, with the newer members fitting seamlessly into the band’s signature sound while bringing fresh energy to the stage. Together they tore through a set packed with fan favorites including “Cryin’ Like a Bitch,” “Straight Out of Line,” “Whatever,” and my personal favorite, “Keep Away.” Every song was met with deafening singalongs from a crowd that knew every word. As the night drew to a close, Godsmack returned for an encore that included a powerful cover of The Beatles’ “Come Together” before ending the evening the only way they could…with the iconic “I Stand Alone.” Thousands of voices sang along as lasers cut through the night sky, creating one final unforgettable moment before the lights came up. It may have been a brutally hot Texas day, but every second of it was worth it. Between the incredible performances, the nonstop energy, the massive singalongs, and the stunning laser show, this was easily one of the most fun nights I’ve had in a hot minute. Godsmack once again proved why they’ve remained one of the most beloved rock bands of the last three decades, and why fans like myself keep coming back every chance we get.