Photos and Review by Natalie Mason – Rocking Out with Shinedown: A Review of the Revolutions Live Tour at Bryce Jordan Center in State College PA. As a music enthusiast, attending a concert can be a thrilling experience. It’s even more exciting when it’s a band you’ve been a fan of for years. On April 8, 2023, I had the pleasure of attending Shinedown’s Revolutions Live Tour at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College, PA. The tour featured opening acts From Ashes to New and Three Days Grace.
From Ashes to New kicked off the concert with an electrifying performance of “Nightmare” from their new album Blackout. Their music fuses elements of rock, rap, and metal, which energized the crowd. They played songs from their latest album including “Heartache” and “Hate Me Too.” They ended their set with fan favourite “Through it All” From Ashes to New’s performance set the tone for the rest of the concert, and the crowd was already pumped up.
After From Ashes to New, Three Days Grace took the stage. The Canadian rock band has been around for over two decades, and their set was full of songs the audience loved. After opening with “My So Called Life”, they continued playing some of their biggest hits such as “I Hate Everything About You” and “Never Too Late.” The crowd sang along to every lyric, and the energy in the arena was electric. They finished their set with an energetic rendition of “Riot” and the crowd loved every second of it. Three Days Grace’s performance was a fantastic, and they set the stage for the headliner, Shinedown.
As the lights dimmed, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause. The double screen at the back of the stage began to play a video showing the band’s antics over the last tour. At the end the woman in the video reminded the crowd to “start their day with outrage”. The screens then split revealing the band who then walked through the opening while the crowd roared. Then the music began, and the stage lit up to reveal Shinedown performing their hit song “Diamond Eyes.” The energy in the arena was palpable, and the crowd was singing along to every word. The band’s stage presence was incredible, and they commanded the stage with their performance. Fans were treated to an incredible display of lights and pyrotechnics. The lighting and pyro during “Dead Don’t Die” was spectacular and perfect for their latest number one hit song.
Throughout the night, Shinedown played a mix of their biggest hits and songs from their latest album “Planet Zero.” As well as many crowd favourites. The crowd was ecstatic to hear songs like “Second Chance,” “If You Only Knew,” and “Sound of Madness.” Shinedown’s music has always been about connecting with their fans, and the concert was no different. Brent Smith, the band’s lead singer, engaged with the crowd between songs, making sure everyone felt included. A highlight of the night was the song “Symptom of Being Human” which started with Zach Myers playing the acoustic guitar while Eric Bass plays the incredible flying piano. The flying piano descends from the ceiling and the crowd is all lit up with lights from everyone’s cell phones. Midway through the song a waterfall of fire rains down onto the stage. It was truly beautiful to watch and hear. Shinedown recently released music videos for current Hot AC single “A Symptom of Being Human” and current rock radio single “Dead Don’t Die.”
Shinedown’s performance was nothing short of phenomenal. Their musicianship was on full display, and every member of the band was in sync. Zach Myers, the band’s lead guitarist, showcased his skills with electrifying solos that left the crowd in awe. Eric Bass, the band’s bassist, kept the rhythm tight and provided the backbone for every song. His talent for playing multiple instruments was appreciated by everyone. Barry Kerch, the band’s drummer, was a powerhouse on the drums and kept the tempo steady throughout the night. With his flying hair and the explosions surrounding him throughout the show, he is quite the sight to see.
Brent Smith’s vocals were exceptional, and he hit every note with ease. His stage presence was captivating, and he had the crowd in the palm of his hand. Shinedown’s music is known for its emotional depth, and Smith’s delivery of the lyrics resonated with the audience. The crowd sang along to every song, and the energy in the arena was unmatched.
Shinedown’s message of mental health awareness was evident throughout the concert. The band is dedicated to this cause and for this tour, Shinedown has partnered with the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to donate $1 for every ticket sold.
During the concert, the band talked about Planet Zero and encouraged the crowd to seek help if they were struggling. Brent Smith shared his own experience with mental health and emphasized the importance of reaching out for help. The band’s message of hope and resilience was inspiring, and it created a sense of community among the crowd.
Shinedown’s Revolutions Live Tour at the Bryce Jordan Center was a breathtaking experience. From the opening acts to the headliner, the concert was filled with energy and excitement. Shinedown’s performance was exceptional, and their dedication to mental health awareness was inspiring. The concert was a reminder of the power of music and its ability to connect people.
If you’re interested in learning more about Shinedown and their new album Planet Zero, visit their website at www.shinedown.com
THREE DAYS GRACE
FROM ASHES TO NEW
