Review and Photos by Micah Gummel
More photos from the show HERE
July 6th 2012
Manchester, NH.
What better way to spend the start of the fourth of July weekend than seeing, Shinedown, live at the Verizon Wireless Arena. This particular Friday night was certainly a highlight!
The Arena went pitch black; cell phones shot up in the air, giving light in attempt to see what was happening on stage. The sound of an anticipating crash echoed throughout the dome and the crowd erupted with excitement! All the sudden, out of nowhere, flashing white and red strobe lights flooded the stage. Starting the night off with the song, “Sound of Madness” from their 3rd album, Sound of Madness, Shinedown expressed not only their astonishing talents but, their passion for what they do. As I looked around the arena, there was no doubt the crowd felt it too.
Lead vocalist, Brent Smith said “Manchester, if you wouldn’t mind, get your fists in the air!”
Songs on the Sound of Madness album are unlike any songs on their previous albums. They candidly express Smith’s and the band’s true feelings and thoughts in an artistic way, making a memorable statement to the world. This is what Shinedown is about.
Manchester, NH
Smith said, “We are Shinedown! We are not a hardcore band.” Crossing his arms to demonstrate an antisocial behavior, “I’m the shit kind of guy!” Then he explained they are an “open, let’s have fun kind of band.” Sincerely, he continues on to say, “Thank you for welcoming us to your home. This one is dedicated to all the beautiful ladies in the crowd.”
Every woman in the crowd let out a shout of excitement as “If You Only Knew,” began to play. The inspiration behind the composition of this song was Smith’s ex-fiancé becoming pregnant. Being introduced to the greatest love of all, his son inspired him to write his first love song. With Barry Kerch on the drums and Zach Myers on the guitar, the band performed as avidly as Smith. And he was strong tonight, gripping his mic tight, singing every word – straight from the heart.
Manchester, NH
Shinedown showed all of their exceptionally unique talents while playing numerous songs from their recently released album Amaryllis. The crowd was ecstatic, throwing rock signs in the air, jumping all around, screaming and cheering.Everyone was out of their seats. Red, white and blue strobe lights flickered enhanced the Fourth of July theme.
Performed as the night winded down were hit singles “45” and “Simple Man,” from their first album Leave a Whisper. Shinedown’s level of energy and passion that they put into every one of their shows is something to behold. Brent and the boys were as tight as a snare drum and if there is a better rock singer out there today than Brent, I have yet to hear or see him or her. Brent looks like he has been hitting the gym and his vocal prowess is unmatched.
Manchester, NH
The highlight of the show was their acoustic version of “Simple Man,” which was done with pure perfection. My only complaint was that there were no songs done from “Us and Them.” In addition, they now have enough material to do more than a 90 minute set. If you haven’t seen them live, you are truly missing out.
Shinedown’s performance from start to finish was exhilarating and euphoric, defiantly a night that every fan, including myself, will never forget.
Manchester, NH
Shine Down Set List from Manchester, NH
Sound of Madness
Diamond Eyes
Enemies
If You Only Knew
I’ll Follow You
Devour
No Where
Crow
Unity
Amaryllis
Adrenaline
45
Bully
Simple Man
Second Chance
Fly
Outro
Shinedown Band Members
Brent Smith-Lead Vocals
Barry Kerch- Drums
Zack Myers- Guitar and backup vocals
Eric Bass- Bass guitar, Piano, and backup vocals