Shinedown - 'Planet Zero' comes to Grand Rapids!!!

*****

The light Shines down on us!!!

Shinedown ***** This is the show that I have been looking forward to in a month, and tonight's show at the Stadium Arena, Grand Rapids, Michigan doesn't fail to impress. The band's performance opens with images on two huge screens, the images are from the pandemic and switch from around that time to current. These images of the band are intermixed with ones of the woman from the 'Planet Zero' music video. The woman announces "Welcome to Planet Zero... remember to start your day with outrage'. The screens split and the band then walk out in a very dramatic stoic way, this is quite a sight to be seen because the band members walk out to shining lights on them as though they have come out of a spaceship. Lead vocalist Brent Smith then motions with a peace symbol to the sky, and the show is ready to start.

The first song in the band’s set tonight is 'Saints of Violence and Innuendo' which is a brand-new song off the album 'Planet Zero' which is due to be released on July 1st. I am not the only person that can't wait to hear and buy this record after hearing the first three songs live. The band have grown from strength to strength over the lockdown period and are not afraid to try new things. Like the intensity of this track which is powerful in every way, Brent's face shows up this intensity and he also shows this with his movements around the stage. He uses poses to emphasize the feeling of the song and it comes across in a powerful way. His attitude is also enhanced by the crowd screaming with excitement which gives him more power and energy to deliver the song.

Shinedown have create their biggest production to date with lots of pyro, smoke and unique lighting which are all designed by Zach Myers, the guitarist in the band. This shows the band have real direction about what they want their fans to see in their live shows. They want them to see a dramatic, beautiful and spectacular performance. I have real respect for a band that puts this much effort into making each show an incredible experience for their fans. It is such a special event for their fans, and its something they will never forget. They interact with their fans, expecially the younger children in the crowd and everyone there can feel the connection. Shinedown understand how much their fans love them and they love their fans too. I think is why they are growing bigger and bigger and will be around for years to come. The title track off the new record 'Planet Zero', is really hard hitting and speaks to how we all need to treat each other. The band really puts a lot of thought into their lyrics and their performance which makes for an incredible experience to watch them live.

The stage was set up with an area at the back for the drummer Barry Kerch to do his thing, and then a long catwalk with another stage at the front. Giving more areas for the fans to surround the band and the stage, so the rest of the band can use this to connect with the fans on a more intimate basis. No matter where you were sitting you felt connected and engaged and got a great view. An impressive move by Shinedown, and something that really impresses me as a reviewer / photographer. Throughout the night Brent would give motivating talks, about things life, how none of us are alone, how we should treat each other. His messages uplift and connect the band’s lyrics to the audience and their own personal experiences.

Songs like 'Get Up' encourage the audience to sing and dance and the crowd feel obliged to sing all the lyrics as loud as they can. Eric and Zach especially were on top form during the set jumping all over the place even in unison at times. During the song 'Daylight' fans lit up their cell phones and the entire area, was illuminated so that this song was enchanting. The beautiful track will soon to be available as it will be the second official single before the new album 'Planet Zero' is released... and this was a perfect atmosphere to accompany it. Even though the song has not been released yet, many fans know the lyrics and were singing along. A nice highlight in the set was the bands tribute to the late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, who was their friend. It was a beautiful moment in their set and one of my personal highlights in a concert that lasted for approximately two hours.

Grand Rapids really got everything they wanted in tonight's Shinedown performance had all of the hits from 'Cut the Chord', 'Enemies', 'Second Chance' to the monster hit... yes! I did say it... 'Monsters'. So when they ended with 'Sound of Madness' you felt exhilirated. Brent led the audience with one final fist pumping moment, before the show was over. Well I said I was satisfied before and I was, but I am left wanting more at the same time... or is that me being greedy?. Or is that just what you want from a fantastic concert in Michigan. I know that's what I want. So last thing I have to say is to buy their new album 'Planet Zero' which is currently available for presale. If the rest of the songs are anything like the first three we heard live, you won't be disappointed. I think it is going to be one of the best Rock / Metal albums of 2022, so is well worth a place in your CD / Vinyl collection.

Review / Photo's by Naty (Naty Rocks Photography)

Shinedown - Setlist
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The Saints of violence and Innuendo
Devil
Planet Zero
State of my Head
45
Get Up
Fly from the Inside
Bully 
Daylight
Enemies
Cut the Cord
Second Chance
Unity
Monsters
Diamon Eyes
Wheels
Call Me 
Simple Man 
Sound of Madness

Check Out! the title track of the new album 'Planet Zero' Video Below...