Shinedown

Crosses over but still Rock

by Rebecca Clark
Static Noise
http://www.staticnoise.net

Shinedown is one of those bands that I have been following for 6 years or longer. I saw them so many times because they were always touring and working their asses off opening for bands such as Seether and doing headlining tours at small clubs. After over 2 years straight of touring they finally started to break through and started taking off. But since their latest release “The Sound of Madness” the band has received so much more attention and radio play, even from pop radio stations.

I know a lot of fans and critics may condemn them for their song “Second Chance” crossing over to the pop charts, but not me. Seeing how much this band has been through (line up wise and Brent’s drug addiction) I think they deserve every iota of success because they have earned it. My only thing would be to “warn” the pop lovers, because “Second Chance” doesn’t represent all of their music and that you should be ready to ROCK when you see them!

These thoughts hit me once I arrived at the NY state fair on August 29, 2009. I honestly couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw all of the people/fans gathered at Chevy Court, the “free stage” at the fair, and seeing all of the fans made me realize how far Shinedown has come. A tear almost came to my eyes and a chill went down my spine. Finally, I got to see Shinedown play in front of as many people that should have been there when I saw them 5 years ago at a tiny club, only a few miles down the road from the fairgrounds.

Shinedown rocked it per usual and after the show fans hung out around their bus. After a little while one by one the band members came to greet their fans. Again I was so astonished to see all of them scream and be so excited to meet them. And of course I need to give a special shout out to Barry for remembering my sister and I. We were able to catch up with Barry and officially meet Zach and Eric. It was an incredible show and all I have to say it CONGRATULATIONS to Shinedown. I am a proud fan! :)

Photo gallery from the show (click here)

Barry: http://twitter.com/Bkerchofficial
Brent Smith: http://twitter.com/bsmithofficial
Zach Myers: http://twitter.com/Zmyersofficial
Eric Bass: http://twitter.com/ebassprod
Shinedown: http://twitter.com/shinedownmusic

Official Website: http://www.shinedown.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/shinedown