By: Michael Bragg (Photo Gallery & Review) of MJBragg Photography
“Is Augusta like Kansa City” asked Zach Myers of Shinedown to the crowd at SRP Park tonight. “Whose got more people here, South Carolina or Georgia?” asking again as fans from each side of the city cheered on. Currently nearing the end of a list of fall tour dates the band brings one of their last stops to the normally quiet town. Fans lined the streets ahead of show time to enter the baseball stadium. Early to their seats attendees also got the pleasure of seeing guest openers Candlebox and Zero 9:36.
Zero 9:36
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This is a band I had honestly not heard of prior to this show listing. Entering the stage alone was frontman Matthew Cullen who began with an acapella moment instantly quieting a crowd of pre show banter. As the full band joined in mid song the energy kicked in to high gear. A mixture of rap, hip hop and rock infused sounds filled the groups set as they worked the crowd sweeping the stage side to side. Teaming up with Ice Nine Kills for a single titled “Adrenaline” could not be more of a great representation of the band and their performance.
Candlebox
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“October 1st made 30yrs of Candlebox…thank you for the continued support” said lead singer Kevin Martin. Having gained success in the early 90’s Candlebox had hit songs such as “Cover Me” and “You” and are still a strong band on the touring scene. Hailing from Seattle, WA the band has been all over playing venues of various types for years. Kevin took a moment mid set though to express his love of SRP Park stating how nice it is and that in all his years on the road he’s never played a baseball stadiums. On September 17th the band released a brand new album of material titled “Wolves.” Featuring 11 new tracks the band intermingled new and old songs for a thrilling set of nostalgia. No Candlebox show can be complete without hearing “Far Behind” and that’s how the group finished out their set with fans singing and pumping fists on the air.
Shinedown
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Shinedown has been a force on the music seen since the early 2000’s. Having seen this band play small 300-500 capacity venues that wouldn’t sell out and continue to grow through the years has been a great fan experience. I used to help these guys do load in and load out at The Handlebar in Greenville, SC all the way up through their “Sound of Madness” album tour. The last time I saw Shinedown play was in June of 2019 and have been eager to see them again since. I was looking forward to their show slated for April of 2020 in Columbia, SC for what was listed as a “Deep Cuts” tour. As a long time fan this was what I had been waiting for. A tour playing songs that never made it to radio yet are personally some of my favorites. Due to Covid that tour never happened, still have finger crossed that idea will be revived. Tonight I find myself in North Augusta, SC where Brent Smith, Barry Kerch, Zach Myers and fill in bassist Joshua Strum (Eric Bass out recovering from Covid) take to the stage once again brandishing a set list of hit songs and a polished stage performance I’ve seen them hone in on through the years. Taking the crowd on a musical journey through the bands catalog going back to the first album to the latest Shinedown thrilled fans with their energetic stage show. The lights and pyro combined with the bands electrifying stage presence gave plenty eye catching moments.
One thing I’ve always loved about this band is how they give the message of “Unity” and bring people together. Brent and the band always make it a point to speak on being good to one another, respecting differences and never being a “Bully” to anyone. The band takes pride in having a diverse crowd of all races and ages as Brent states the group hopes to provide a moment to take you away from the stresses of day to day life. “We are here to entertain you and we hope you’ve been entertained” Smith states as the four piece closes the night.
Throughout the set their were many nods to Shinedown’s ties to South Carolina and their love of the state. Mentions of their early days playing many of the venues held within SC to Eric Bass being a Charleston resident. Brent also made mention of the last album “Attention Atrention” having been recorded in full at Eric’s studio in Charleston as well which is accompanied by a documentary of the album and its success as well. For those in hopes of new Shinedown music Smith states the group is currently in the process of recording their 7th album her in the Palmetto State again as well. Be sure to check out www.Shinedown.com for all updates on new music and tour dates.
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Copyright – Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography
