Godsmack were ready to rock the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden on Friday night, but Mother Nature wasn’t having it.
The show was part of their tour with Staind, who managed to fit their set in before a rain delay washed over the venue. Godsmack were set to go on at 9:15pm, but shortly before that time, fans were given a message from the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion: “Attention Godsmack and Staind fans – Due to severe weather in the area, we are sheltering in place. For those on the lawn, please seek shelter inside the pavilion / lobby and wait for further instructions. Stay tuned to our socials for further updates.”
Attention Godsmack and Staind fans Due to severe weather in the area, we are sheltering in place. For those on the lawn, please seek shelter inside the pavilion / lobby and wait for further instructions.
Stay tuned to our socials for further updates. pic.twitter.com/PKjFYs5yQE
— Freedom Mortgage Pavilion (@Freedom_Pav) July 29, 2023
WMMR listeners were quick to alert Jacky Bam Bam, who was on air hosting You-Call-It Friday Night at the time. However, he nor anyone else were aware of any updates for over an hour. Those on the lawn were evacuated to the covered portion of the pavilion. We watched the forecast until 10:48pm, when we received a follow up message from Live Nation: “Update: Your safety is our first priority. Due to severe weather, tonight’s show will not resume. We thank you for coming and for your continued patience tonight. Please get home safe. We will provide additional information within the next 48 hours.”
Update: Your safety is our first priority. Due to severe weather, tonight’s show will not resume. We thank you for coming and for your continued patience tonight. Please get home safe.
We will provide additional information within the next 48 hours. pic.twitter.com/dzwZ1yfcBc
— Freedom Mortgage Pavilion (@Freedom_Pav) July 29, 2023
This led to a mixed reaction from fans. Many understood that scrapping the set was out of the band’s control, but the disappointment was palpable.
The next day, Godsmack singer Sully Erna promised to make good on the cancellation with this statement: “Dear fans of Camden NJ… I just wanted to personally send you all a note to say how sorry we are for not being able to take the stage last night. Although the band and myself were on stand by ready to play Mother Nature with so many lightening strikes close by worked against. And as much as I personally wanted to make the announcement myself, Live Nation has a policy they must go by when this sort of thing happens. So they made the announcement on our behalf.”
He continued: “That being said, I also want to commend you all for being understanding and respectful to the crew and venue staff and not letting anyone get out of control after the announcement. You handled the disappointment with integrity and class, and for that I promise you all that we will figure out a make up date asap and come back to perform an incredible show for you soon! You have my word. With Love and Respect, Sully Erna.”
Dear fans of Camden NJ…
I just wanted to personally send you all a note to say how sorry we are for not being able to take the stage last night. Although the band and myself were on stand by ready to play Mother Nature with so many lightening strikes close by worked against.… pic.twitter.com/pfDkHPIhUq
— Godsmack (@godsmack) July 29, 2023
We’ll post more information here on our site as it becomes available regarding ticket refunds, radio winner info, and a make-up date for the show. Keep an eye on our Concert Calendar for more updates.
The next concert in MMR’s Rock Residency in Camden is Pantera with Lamb of God this Wednesday, and we hope to see all of you there!