THUNDER VALLEY CASINO PRESENTS: SHINEDOWN
LIVE AT THE VENUE IN LINCOLN, CA ON 7/26/24
Attending the Shinedown show at The Venue at Thunder Valley in Lincoln, CA, was an experience that exceeded all expectations. Before diving into the band’s performance, serious kudos must be given to the venue and its staff. Every staff member I encountered was friendly and relaxed, contributing to a comfortable atmosphere. Even though the venue was set up to be completely seated for this performance, the layout was well thought out, comfortable, and provided excellent acoustics, creating the perfect backdrop for the evening’s rock event.
A Shinedown show is more than just a band performance; it’s a communal experience. It’s a place to visit with friends, make new ones, and collectively listen to music that has touched the souls of everyone in attendance. (Even I have lyrics from Shinedown’s song “Second Chance” tattooed on my arm.)
From the moment the lights dimmed and Shinedown stepped onto the stage, it was clear they were there to deliver an energetic show. The opening chords of “Devil” had fans on their feet, and from the first note Brent Smith sang, he had the crowd in the palm of his hand. His powerful vocals were spot-on, seamlessly transitioning from roaring intensity to soulful melodies. The crowd responded immediately, with fans singing along to every word.
Visually, the band’s lighting design was impressive. The synchronized light show matched the intensity and mood of each song, while pyrotechnics added a dramatic flair without overshadowing the music. This is what a proper stage show should do, enhance the music rather than detract from it.
With so many great songs in their catalog, I was curious to see which new songs would make the setlist. Throughout the show, we heard current hits from the ‘Planet Zero’ album, including “Dead Don’t Die,” “A Symptom of Being Human,” and the title track “Planet Zero.” The inclusion of these newer songs showcased the band’s evolving sound while staying true to their roots.
As incredible as Brent Smith is as a vocalist and frontman, Shinedown is a band of equally talented musicians. Zach Myers’ guitar work was both technical and emotionally charged, while bassist Eric Bass and drummer Barry Kerch provided a solid rhythmic foundation. Their collective talent contributes to the band’s cohesive sound, making their live performances unforgettable.
Shinedown has a reputation for connecting deeply with their audience through heartfelt messages about resilience, mental health, and the power of music. These themes resonated with many in the audience, creating a sense of community within the venue. The band’s genuine appreciation for their fans was evident, making the crowd feel valued and appreciated.
Shinedown’s signature blend of hard rock, alternative metal, and post-grunge was on full display as they tore through tracks like “Diamond Eyes (Boom-Lay Boom-Lay Boom),” “If You Only Knew,” and “Cut the Cord.” Of course, there are songs that are staples in their set, such as “45,” “Second Chance,” and “Sound of Madness.” Unfortunately, they did not play “The Crow & the Butterfly” during this tour, which was a bit disappointing.
One of the highlights of the night was their cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man.” This performance was particularly special as the band welcomed Papa Roach singer Jacoby Shaddix to duet with Brent. The energy was electric, and the crowd was completely captivated. Shinedown closed out the show with “Cut the Cord,” and the audience showed their appreciation with record-breaking applause, still hoping for one more song.
Brent, Zach, Barry, and Eric proved why they are one of the most enduring and leading forces in modern rock. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, a Shinedown live show is an experience not to be missed. As they say, “It’s Never Goodbye, It’s Just ‘Til Next Time.”
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SHINEDOWN SETLIST 7/26/24
Devil
Diamond Eyes (Boom-Lay Boom-Lay Boom)
State of My Head
Unity
45
Dead Don’t Die
Enemies
A Symptom of Being Human
If You Only Knew
Planet Zero
Sound of Madness
Second Chance
The Middle (Jimmy Eat World cover)
Simple Man (Lynyrd Skynyrd cover) (with Jacoby Shaddix)
Monsters
Cut the Cord