Greenville, SC (5/6/22) – Shinedown have been out on the first leg of their “The Revolution’s Live Tour” since the beginning of April. Guests The Pretty Reckless and Diamanté have shared the opening spots. Originally slated to close the tour with one more stop in Knoxville, TN (Brent’s hometown) tonights show would unexpectedly bring the run to a close. The band has stated through the years that Greenville, SC is like a second home to them. The continued support has led them back here many times from their earliest days to current. With fans lined up outside the arena patiently awaiting show time it’s evident the bands following only continues to grow.
First to the stage would be Diamanté. Dressed in eye catching bedazzled attire the 25yr singer immediately grabbed the attention of the crowd. As the band kicked in the music would win the crowd over. Songs such as “Ghost Myself,” “Haunted” and “American Dream” saw Diamanté and band work the stage to impress the crowd. Since 2015 the singer has been working to grow her following and has had help from many industry peers. She has added guest vocals to recordings for groups like All That Remains and Bad Wolves and toured with Breaking Benjamin and others. Ben Burnley has gone on to add his vocals to Diamanté’s cover of “Iris” by The Goo Goo Dolls as well. “War Cry” would close out the set leaving new fans wanting more.
Many know Taylor Momsen from her acting career as the famous Cindy Lou Who in Jim Carrey’s “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.” She would also be featured in the “Hansel and Gretal” movie and the tv show “Gossip Girl’s.” A surprise to many would be that she was actually in the top three being considered for the role of “Hannah Montana.” “Heaven Knows” we are all thankful that didn’t happen. Momsen eventually put her acting career on hold and we now have the edgier rock n roll version of her fronting The Pretty Reckless. The current tour draws the band out of a nearly 5yr hiatus from the road due to Covid and some prior time off for Momsen to grieve the loss of friend Chris Cornell. Dawning a black nightie and leather jacket Momsen and band would open their set with a Soundgarden cover of “Loud Love.” Following up would be a set list to include songs “Make Me Wanna Die” and “Death By Rock and Roll.” As Taylor prowled the stage band members Ben Phillips (guitar), Mark Damon (bass) and Jamie Perkins (drums) delivered a tight musical performance as they sounded really connected despite an absence from the road. Set closer “Take Me Down” would see Momsen step into a guitar roll as well before the band disappeared behind the curtains.
Shinedown is a band I have followed since their days in small clubs. I have seen every version of this band and watched and listened as their stage shows and and sound have increasingly gotten better and better. With two new singles released and touring in support of the upcoming “Planet Zero” album it’s evident that the progression still continues. As the digital curtains opened Brent, Barry, Zach and Eric would walk in silhouette to the front of the stage almost as if the show was in reverse and the band was coming to take a final bow. In an instant that would all change. Taking places with their instruments the band would be brought into light with an abundance of pyro as they led into the latest single “The Saints of Violence and Innuendo.” Following up with “Devil” and “Planet Zero” it would seem the band was on their way to delivering another great performance…and they were but in a way I have not seen before.
Only a few songs in Brent would stop the band to address the crowd. Stating his current battle with bronchitis and all he’s done to try and make it through the show he was still losing his voice. Discouraged with the inability to present a show as he and the band would like he mentioned a possible reschedule but fans rallied around the group and encouraged them to continue. The show would move on in a way I’ve never experienced before. Continuing through a multitude of hits spanning the bands career from “45,” “Second Chance” and “Monsters” Shinedown still gave the fans a high energy visual show. Brent’s vocals were noticeably weakening but the fans never gave up. Instead I heard the loudest singing at a show I’ve ever witnessed as the crowd, many times, would relieve Smith and take over in turn providing the band with a show to see of their own. The genuineness of the band was seen on a much greater level as you could see their true admiration for those in attendance. Many times throughout the night the group stopped to thank everyone. Shinedown shows have always been more than just a concert to me, more like an experience. Brent always gives moments of positive reflection in speeches and the other members visibly connect with audience members with multiple one on one interactions. Tonight I saw the band connect with the crowd like never before. After years of dedication to their work and giving to fans the fans gave back.
Smith would take a break as Zach Myers and Eric Bass would share vocal duties with a cover of “Wheels” honoring the late Taylor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters. “Call Me,” Simple Man” and “Sound of Madness” would close out a truly unforgettable night.
Shinedown will fly across seas for some dates prior to resuming a second leg of “The Revolution’s Live Tour” in the states to begin in September and run through October.
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Copyright Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography
