Godsmack P.O.D. & Drowning Pool live at Zenith Munich – Concert Review
- L7
- Apr 5
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 9
Expectations – A time-travel set with Godsmack
I saw Godsmack live for the first time three years ago, also at Zenith Munich. I’ve always liked a lot of their songs, but never had the chance to see them live until then. That show was a blast — full of hits and newer songs. Ever since, I’ve been waiting for the next tour.
This time, it wasn’t just about the new album. Godsmack brought a full-on time machine concept to the stage — guiding us through the band’s history with a carefully curated set full of highlights from every era.
Before the tour started, some sad news came out: guitarist Tony Rombola and drummer Shannon Larkin would no longer be part of the live shows. Naturally, we were curious to see how the new members would fit into the band’s live dynamic.
Arrival & Entry
Everything seemed on time — until the U6 decided to stop at Münchener Freiheit and didn’t move for a while. Even so, the line at the venue was short and the entrance smooth. We made it inside just in time to catch Drowning Pool.
Merch Check
There was a ton of merch available for all tastes and for each band. Signed posters, guitar picks, scarves, vinyl, and of course plenty of shirts.
The designs were seriously cool, especially a few from Drowning Pool that stood out to us. The only small complaint: 45 euros for a single shirt is a bit much if you’re not a die-hard fan. We didn’t grab anything, but there was definitely something for everyone.
Beer Check
As always at Zenith, they served Meckatzer — and we really like it. Sure, there are better beers in Munich, but compared to many other venues, this is a great pick.
And the best part: tour cups were back, with awesome designs. We like to collect at least one per show, so these were more than welcome.
Drowning Pool – More than just Bodies
Like millions of others, I’ve had Bodies on my playlists forever — but honestly, I couldn’t have named another Drowning Pool song before this night.
That has now changed.
They absolutely brought it. Raw energy, strong presence, and a band that delivered from start to finish. We looked it up afterward: the current vocalist is Ryan McCombs, and he did an incredible job.
They’ll be touring again later this year — don’t miss them.
P.O.D. – Straight from our MTV memories
I never thought I’d see P.O.D. live in my life. Back in the day, they were all over MTV and I loved pretty much everything they released. But over time, they fell off my radar. So this tour was the perfect chance to reconnect with that part of my youth.
They kicked things off with Boom, and immediately I noticed how sharp Sonny’s vocals are — just like on the record. The adrenaline kicked in instantly.
They kept the energy going with tracks like Satellite and one of my newer favorites, Afraid to Die.
The goosebump moment of the night? Definitely Youth of the Nation. The entire crowd was singing and reliving those early 2000s memories. Then came the perfect closing track: Alive. The sound was great, every band member locked in. I really hope they come back again soon.
Godsmack – A journey through time
(Spoiler alert: Setlist details below!)
Finally, it was time for Godsmack. The show began in a unique way: a pre-recorded intro video by Mix Master Mike (Beastie Boys) played on the big screen, showing behind-the-scenes clips of the band greeting fans and getting ready backstage. A fun, energetic opening.
Then they hit the stage with Surrender. Pure energy, heavy riffs, and a chorus made to shout along with. A few songs in came one of my personal highlights: When Legends Rise. It’s one of my go-to tracks on training playlists, and that intensity definitely carried into the room.
Other killer tracks followed — 1000hp, Cryin’ Like a Bitch, and of course, Awake, the very song that got me into Godsmack years ago. And it sounded just as fierce as ever.
One of the most memorable moments came during Keep Away. Sully told the story of how he still owns his very first guitar — and that this was the song he wrote with it. He even showed it to us. I had no idea that it was the band’s very first written track. That added so much to the performance.
Then came a live favorite: the Batalla de los Tambores, where Sully and the new drummer battled it out on the kit. As always, it was impossible to look away — an absolute highlight for everyone in the room.
After a brief break, the emotional core of the night began: Under Your Scars. Sully played piano while the screen showed photos of musicians we’ve lost — including Vinnie Paul, Dimebag Darrell, Chester Bennington, Chris Cornell, Dio, and more. A powerful, respectful moment that brought real emotion into the show.
Then came the final act — and of course, I Stand Alone. The whole venue sang along, and clips from the original music video played on the screen. It was the moment everyone had been waiting for.
But Godsmack weren’t done yet.
Just when we thought it was over, Sully said: “You still got energy? One more?” And they closed with a surprise cover of Come Together by The Beatles. Totally unexpected — and totally brilliant.
The show ran for almost 100 minutes and felt tight, energized, and full of impact the whole way through.
Final Thoughts
This was a night full of teenage memories — but it also showed how alive and relevant these bands still are.
It was a concert to sing along to, to feel, and to celebrate everything this music has meant over the years. If you grew up with these bands or just love great rock shows, this night delivered everything you could ask for.
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