It is hard to believe that Shinedown has been a part of our lives for two full decades now. 20 years since we first showed up early at a Tantric concert in a small club, to see the band that maybe had that one song “Fly From The Inside” we heard a few times on the radio. There have been so many changes since then – changes in the world, the music industry, the band, the fans, everything really.

Even back in May of 2005, listening to “Leave A Whisper” from front to back felt like catching up with an old friend. I found this old blog post I had done in the middle of a 4 month cross-country adventure with my then-wife and our 2 young boys. The sentiments certainly stand up today, and with the appropriate passage of time, this Shinedown classic remains one of the greatest rock and roll records of all time, and one of my favorites. Are you still listening to it today?

An album is like an old friend

A great record album is like an old friend. You may not hear from them for a while, but once you hear from them again, it takes you right back to that place you were at.

On my drive up to Carlsbad today, I decided to listen to Heather and my favorite album from last year, from our favorite new band. We went to a Tantric concert about a year ago at Tremont Music Hall in Charlotte and the opening band was Shinedown. We ended up liking Shinedown better and proceeded to play their album all year long. We even saw them twice more at Tremont as headliners. The boys love the acoustic version of Burning Bright, and they even did an acoustic cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Simple Man, which was the song me and my Mom danced to at my wedding.

Now, it probably has not been all that long since I heard this album, but it seems like long, long ago that we lived in Charlotte. The memories were not so long ago, but hearing this album today [while going 4 MPH, which gives you plenty of time to listen closely and sing along] brought them back quickly.

I will include the link to their site https://www.shinedown.com/ and a few choice lyrics from each of their songs. We begin with the unofficial CRM Open, LLC theme song – ‘Fly From The Inside’ – this song kept me sane as my YOUcentric/JDEdwards/PeopleSoft days were coming to a close and gave me the encouragement to start my own consulting company. After my first non-billable month, it was a perfect time to be reminded to believe in yourself, stay focused, and keep moving forward toward your goals.

Fly From The Inside
– I am focused on what I am after – The key to the next open chapter
– Cause I found a way to steal the sun from the sky
– Long live that day that I decided to fly from the inside

Left Out
– Is there a place within for redemption?
– Is there a voice inside with a decision?
– And if so when, and if so then, where’s the conviction?

Lost In The Crowd
– Should I offer up my hand and lay the guilt on myself, so it’s easier to not stay

No More Love
– Now quietly I will walk away – there’s no bad blood but I can’t stay

Better Version
– I am not perfect, and I don’t claim to be
– And if that’s what you wanted, well then I’m so sorry

Burning Bright
– There’s always something new, some path I’m supposed to choose, with no particular rhyme or reason

In Memory
– some of the easiest habits are the hardest ones to break
– fixing your problems and starting over again

All I Ever Wanted
– If there’s a way to a remedy then lead me straight to it
– If there’s a path or a door I missed, then show me now, show me this
– Because all I ever wanted was a place to call my home
– To shelter me when I am there and to miss me when I’m gone

Stranger Inside
– I’m sick and tired of ‘you’ll be fine’
– Well how do you know? Do you read minds?

Crying Out
– Re-invent yourself today, re-invent your world today
– There’s no turning back now that you’ve opened up to your mind

45
– Everyone’s pointing their fingers, always condemning me
– Nobody knows what I believe

Check them out – maybe this album will have some special meaning for you too!

posted by Johnnie V @ 12:48 AM

20 Years of Memories – “Leave A Whisper” by Shinedown first appeared on Game On Media.

Releases New Single “Atlas Falls” With A Powerful Message Amid The COVID-19 Pandemic PRESS HERE to Listen   Has Raised More Than $300,000 With Special “Atlas Falls” T-Shirt & Song Bundle Benefiting Non-Profit Humanitarian Aid Organization Direct Relief Don’t give up now / There’s already so much at stake / If Atlas falls, I’ll rise up and carry us all the way / It won’t pull me down / The weight of impossible days / I’ll stand tall / I’ll rise up and carry us all the way

Multi-platinum band Shinedown has released their new single “Atlas Falls,” sharing a message of optimism and faith in humanity amid the COVID-19 pandemic. PRESS HERE to listen and watch the lyric video:     Until now, “Atlas Falls” has only been available as part of an exclusive T-shirt and song bundle for Shinedown‘s fundraising relief effort for humanitarian aid organization Direct Relief, one of the largest providers of humanitarian medical resources in the world whose mission is to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergency situations by mobilizing and providing essential medical resources needed for their care.  The band has raised more than $300,000 and counting (including a $20,000 donation from Shinedown that kicked it off), for the organization which is currently working to provide personal protective equipment to frontline health workers responding to Coronavirus (COVID-19) and essential medications and supplies for patients. This includes 10,800 shipments to more than 1,800 health care facilities across all 50 U.S. states and 62 countries, totaling more than 3.4 million masks, 2.8 million gloves, 119,000 gowns and coveralls, 600 oxygen concentrators and ventilators, as well as 40.1 million doses of medications to treat a range of chronic and acute health conditions.  Shinedown is continuing its fundraising efforts – the “Atlas Falls” T-shirt is still available for purchase with 100% of proceeds going to Direct Relief – PRESS HERE to purchase.   Written eight years ago during the sessions for the Amaryllis album but never released, “Atlas Falls” was always special to the band and it became clear to them that it was the right time for the song’s message to arrive as the world was beginning to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing inspiration from the Greek myth of Titan Atlas who carries a celestial sphere on his shoulders, “Atlas Falls” is a reassuring anthem that if Atlas falls, we will lift each other up in times of strife.  Shinedown pulled the song from their vault for their partnership with Direct Relief, and now as the world continues to combat the coronavirus, the release of the song continues to remind us that when times get tough, we will hold each other up and we will stand tall…together. “Atlas Falls” is already a Top 20 rock radio hit and climbing.    “The response to ‘Atlas Falls’ has been overwhelming, and Barry, Zach, Eric and I cannot say thank you enough to Shinedown Nation and everyone around the world that has supported Direct Relief during the COVID-19 response. The faith, the love, and the showing of humanity has just been incredible. ‘Atlas Falls’ is a reminder that we are at our best when we need each other, and the only way through this is together,” says Shinedown front man Brent Smith.   “Direct Relief is so deeply grateful for the extraordinary commitment of Shinedown Nation to help keep health workers safe as they put themselves at risk to keep all of us safe,” shares Direct Relief President & CEO Thomas Tighe. “This support translates into immediate, practical help, and is such a wonderful example of everyone pulling together and doing whatever we can to protect those who are most vulnerable.”   Stay tuned for much more to come from Shinedown. The band recently released a “prelude” – a sneak peek at a very special upcoming project – check it out:     Additionally, front man Brent Smith and guitarist Zach Myers are working on their next Smith & Myers album. For up-to-date information, please visit www.shinedown.com. ABOUT SHINEDOWN Since forming in Jacksonville, Florida in 2001, Shinedown – Brent Smith [vocals], Zach Myers [guitar], Eric Bass [bass, production], and Barry Kerch [drums] – have sold more than 10 million albums and 10 million singles worldwide, earned 14 platinum and gold singles, five platinum and gold albums, 16 No. 1 Active Rock hits, and amassed more than 2.5 billion total streams. They have crushed Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Songs airplay chart with all of their 26 consecutive career singles reaching the Top 5, an unparalleled achievement. Recent hits “ATTENTION ATTENTION,” “GET UP,” “MONSTERS“ and “DEVIL“ bring their total to 16 No. 1s on the Mediabase Active Rock Chart and 15 No. 1s on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs Chart, tying the record for the most No. 1s ever on both charts. The story that unfolds on their latest acclaimed album ATTENTION ATTENTION  (Atlantic Records) is an enduring statement about the resolve of the human spirit – touching on themes such as mental health, overcoming struggles and not being afraid to fail and the importance of our human connection with one another. Speaking to the human spirit in a time of need, crossover hit “GET UP” (which has racked up more than 59 million streams and landed the band on Live with Kelly & Ryan) quickly became a beacon of light for listeners around the globe with its urgent and universal message of hope, empathy and encouragement. Shinedown‘s distinct mix of explosive rock ‘n’ roll spirit, thought-provoking lyrics, melodic sensibility and cinematic flourishes colors on ATTENTION ATTENTION, which has racked up more than 355 million global streams, simultaneously hit #1 on Billboard’s Alternative, Top Rock and Hard Rock Albums Charts, debuted Top 5 on the Billboard 200, and led to two iHeart Radio Music Award nominations for Rock Artist of the Year and Rock Song of the Year in both 2019 and 2020. Hailed for their high-octane live shows, Shinedown continues to engender diehard love from millions of global fans and has racked up countless sold-out tours and festival headlining sets, propelled by their world-class showmanship and the undeniable power of front man Brent Smith‘s voice. (Photo Credit: Sanjay Parikh) FOLLOW SHINEDOWN Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Website | Atlantic Records Shinedown Irvine 19 34 photos

Shinedown New Song “Atlas Falls” Brings Powerful Message and COVID-19 Relief first appeared on Game On Media.

Shinedown has been on a steady rise for the past 16 years, growing from a support act in the club scene to a worldwide headliner. As their latest single, “Monsters”, became their 14th #1 rock single, the band hit the summer road with the biggest production of their stellar career. Vocalist Brent Smith and drummer Barry Kerch have been on this journey together for close to 2 decades, and once guitarist Zach Myers and bassist/keyboardist Eric Bass joined for the making of “The Sound of Madness”, their performances have skyrocketed.

On Sunday, July 21, 2019, Shinedown brought their Attention Attention tour to Fivepoint Amphitheatre in Irvine, California. The opening bands were Broken Hands, Dinosaur Pile-up, and one of the hottest new bands around, Badflower. Zach Myers even graced the stage for one Badflower song.

Shinedown has always delivered sonically and emotionally with their audience, but this tour takes things to a new level. Specifically, the higher level seating. At Fivepoint Amphitheatre, the “lawn” seats are actually stadium-style metal bleachers. Halfway through the set, the boys disappeared from the main stage and suddently emerged on 4 small stages that were set up in the crowd, amongst the ecstatic fans. They played 4 songs from this intimate location, interacting with the crowd and each other in between songs.

As Shinedown made their way back to the main stage, a recording of Linkin Park’s “Numb” played with a photo of Chester Bennington, who committed suicide on July 20, 2017, which is also Chris Cornell’s birthday. Zach and Brent then performed a dramatic version of “Black Hole Sun” as a tribute to Cornell, followed by a full band electric version of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man”. Then it was back to the Shinedown catalog, featuring lasers, fire, and creative video. This was yet another inspiring, hopeful show from one of the best bands you will ever experience.

Shinedown Irvine 19

34 photos

Shinedown Reaches New Heights on Attention Attention Tour first appeared on Game On Media.

The ninth annual Welcome To Rockville Festival expanded to 3 days in 2019, spread out across Jacksonville, Florida’s Metropolitan Park along the St John’s River. The weekend was full of memorable shows from the top bands in the rock world.

All of the bands put on emotional performances, but none more so than hometown heroes Shinedown. During their nightly tribute to Jacksonville’s own legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd, Brent Smith brought out late Skynyrd vocalist Ronnie Van Zant’s granddaughter as he and Zach Myers (and the loud crowd) performed ‘Simple Man’.

Barry Kerch and Eric Bass form one of the most dynamic and entertaining rhythm section in all of rock and roll. When they combine with Smith and Myers obvious chemistry, the results are nothing short of magical.

WTR19 Shinedown

38 photos

Shinedown Makes Jacksonville Proud at Welcome To Rockville first appeared on Game On Media.

Shinedown, led by powerhouse front man Brent Smith, has been at the top of their game and the charts with their new album ATTENTION ATTENTION (PRESS HERE to listen), out now via Atlantic Records, which simultaneously hit #1 on 3 Billboard Rock Charts and debuted Top 5 on the Billboard 200. The album, which has received major media praise and has fortified their place as one of rock’s most successful bands of the past 2 decades, spawned hits such as #1 rock hit “DEVIL,” new rock single “MONSTERS” & #1 rock and crossover Hot AC hit “GET UP,” which landed the band on Live with Kelly and Ryan, racked up more than 36 million streams and broke a new record for Shinedown giving them the most Rock Airplay Top 10s ever and their 13^th #1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Songs Chart (the second most in the history of the chart).

Photo credit: Sanjay Parikh

Today Shinedown has released a stunning new piano version of their anthemic single “GET UP.” The new stripped-down version, propelled by the undeniable power of Brent Smith‘s voice, shines a light on the song’s urgent and universal message of hope, empathy and encouragement in the face of struggle. PRESS HERE to listen to “GET UP (Piano Version).” “GET UP” has such an important message behind it about empathy, compassion and human connection. While it was inspired by bassist Eric Bass’ struggles with clinical depression and has contributed to the cultural conversation surrounding mental health, the uplifting, motivational song has really taken on a universal meaning to so many around the globe.  Check out a video from the road that shows these special moments with fans HERE. The story that unfolds as the album progresses is a poignant and enduring statement about humanity, touching on topics such as overcoming struggles, mental health, not being afraid to fail and the resolve of the human spirit.

Shinedown’s ATTENTION ATTENTION World Tour has been selling out arenas and getting rave reviews. Shinedown has sold 10 million albums and 10 million singles worldwide. They have 13 platinum and gold singles and four platinum and gold albums and more than 2 billion streams. In early May they kick off “An Evening with Shinedown,” a special run of intimate shows, before their world tour picks back up for a massive summer run.

“At it’s core, ‘GET UP’ deals with empathy. Smith’s lyrics reflect a shared experience…pain can be a universal human experience and that sense of unconditional support and solidarity is the driving factor behind the song…” – Salon

“Emotional and personal…cinematic and nuanced…’GET UP’ which began as a song written for a friend and bandmate, is now bringing its inspiring message to millions of listeners.” – HuffPost

“…[ATTENTION ATTENTION is] a deeply confessional brilliant piece of work…most rock bands don’t possess what Shinedown does — unfathomable talent, an unwavering fan base and unbridled tenacity.” – Buzzfeed

Shinedown Releases Powerful Piano Version of ‘GET UP’ first appeared on Game On Media.