Godsmack Headlines the 32nd Annual Pol’and’Rock Festival
Last Thursday, July 30, Godsmack took center stage at the renowned Pol’and’Rock Festival in Czaplinek, Poland. Vocalist Sully Erna announced that their performance attracted an astounding audience of 700,000 attendees. In a heartfelt video shared the following day, Erna expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to this remarkable achievement.
Sully Erna’s Message About Pol’and’Rock Festival
Erna took to his personal Facebook and Instagram accounts on July 31 to share his thoughts, beginning with an upbeat greeting: “Hell, internet people. I wanted to stop by and give you guys a little bit of an update of what’s been happening. . . . I had to tell you about this show that we did last night.”
He elaborated on the tour experience across Europe, noting the warm receptions the band received in various countries including Athens, Serbia, and Bulgaria. However, it was their performance in Poland that stood out the most. “Last night, we did a show in Poland – at the Pol’and’Rock fest – and we headlined this festival that drew 700,000 people. That’s a real fucking number. You can look it up. And, yeah, so pretty surreal. Not even sure it even happened, but it did, and I just gotta say, ‘Holy fucking shit.’”
Reflecting on the festival’s significance, Erna shared a touching conversation with the festival promoter, Jurek Owsiak. He recounted how the festival originated from a compassionate initiative to support children in hospitals, highlighting the festival’s commitment to community and charity: “This entire festival every year that draws more than half a million people is completely free to the fans, and a hundred percent of the proceeds above that goes to all the children’s hospitals. I don’t know if it gets any more honorable than that for me.”
He concluded this segment of his message with high praise for the festival and its founder: “So, I just wanna say props to the Pol’and’Rock fest and Jurek for doing such an amazing job. This is a top-notch festival, and I could not believe how big this was.”
Godsmack’s Performance and Setlist
Godsmack electrified the audience with a setlist that showcased their greatest hits, including “I Stand Alone,” “When Legends Rise,” “Awake,” and “Whatever.” Their performance spanned their entire discography, from their debut album, *All Wound Up…*, to their latest release, *Lighting Up the Sky*.
Setlist from Pol’and’Rock Festival – July 30, 2026
- “When Legends Rise”
- “You and I”
- “Cryin’ Like a Bitch!!”
- “Straight Out of Line”
- “Awake”
- “Keep Away”
- “Batalla de los Tambores” (featuring snippets of “Back in Black,” “Walk This Way,” “Enter Sandman,” and “Tom Sawyer”)
- “Whatever”
- “Surrender”
- “Under Your Scars”
- “I Stand Alone”
Impact of the Festival
The Pol’and’Rock Festival not only benefited Godsmack but also provided a platform for numerous other artists, including Dropkick Murphys, Orbit Culture, Vended, and P.O.D. The festival ran from July 29 to August 1, highlighting its role as a significant event in the music calendar.
Other Godsmack News
In related news, former Godsmack drummer Shannon Larkin found himself in the spotlight after a public exchange with Motley Crue’s Nikki Sixx. Larkin, who had previously criticized live performance practices in a YouTube video, received a sharp response from Sixx. Following the exchange, Larkin apologized for naming Sixx in his comments, expressing his respect for the iconic musician.
Conclusion
Godsmack’s performance at the Pol’and’Rock Festival marked a significant moment in the band’s career, underscoring their ability to connect with fans on a massive scale. The festival not only showcased extraordinary musical talent but also illustrated the power of community and compassion in the music industry. As Erna emphasized, festivals like Pol’and’Rock can set a standard for promoting music as a shared experience rather than a profit-driven endeavor.
FAQs
What is the Pol’and’Rock Festival?
The Pol’and’Rock Festival is an annual music festival in Poland that features a variety of artists and genres, focusing on community, charity, and free entry for attendees.
How many people attended Godsmack’s performance at the festival?
According to Sully Erna, their set was viewed by approximately 700,000 people, making it one of the largest audiences the band has ever performed for.
What was the highlight of Sully Erna’s message about the festival?
Erna highlighted the festival’s charitable roots and its commitment to supporting children’s hospitals, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in music events.
Who else performed at the Pol’and’Rock Festival alongside Godsmack?
Other notable acts included Dropkick Murphys, Orbit Culture, Vended, and P.O.D., among many others, showcasing a diverse lineup over the festival’s duration.
