Shinedown Gives Explosive Performance at the WSU Nutter Center in Fairborn, OH

Shinedown Gives Explosive Performance at the WSU Nutter Center

Words by Cathy Moore

Photographs by Shawn Wiseman

The Wright State University Nutter Center in Fairborn, OH was on fire Tuesday night thanks to the blazing hot performances of three of today’s biggest rock ‘n roll bands – Asking Alexandria, Papa Roach, and Shinedown.

Asking Alexandria opened the show with an energetic and engaging performance from the first note. The UK rockers mostly played songs from their 2017 self-titled album including the two hit singles “Alone in a Room” and “Into the Fire”. They also played a few “oldies” from their 2013 album From Death to Destiny including “Run Free”, “Moving On”, and “The Death of Me.” They definitely got the crowd riled up and ready for the next band…Papa Roach.

A live Papa Roach show never disappoints. Those guys have been performing for over 25 years and they haven’t slowed down a bit. Their energy is absolutely incredible. Jacoby, Jerry, Tobin, and Tony kept the crowd fired up from the first note of their opening song “Last Resort” to the bow they took after their final song “Born for Greatness.” Papa Roach rocked the stage with several songs from their latest release Who Do You Trust including the title track, “Renegade Music”, “Elevate”, and “Not the Only One.” But rest assured they also played several oldies but goodies such as “Getting Away With Murder”, “Forever”, “Scars”, and my personal favorite “…To Be Loved.”

Finally, it was time for the headliners…Shinedown. The stage was cloaked behind a huge white sheet while things were set up. The crowd was humming with anticipation to find out would be revealed when the curtain fell and the show started. We were not disappointed. That sheet dropped and the whole stage just exploded with the band kicking things off with the hot and heavy song “Devil” from their most recent album Attention Attention. It was an impressive stage setup with screens and ramps and a catwalk stretching out into the middle of the crowd. Brent Smith (vocals) and Zack Meyers (guitars) were running all over the stage, up and down the ramps, back and forth on the catwalk. It was just electrifying! As the band played hits like “Diamond Eyes” and “Enemies” and “Bully” there were fireworks and explosions and lasers lighting up the stage. Even the “slower” moments were masterful like when they poured their soul into the performance of “I’ll Follow You.” It was absolutely breathtaking..

Click here for images of Shinedown’s performance

At one point near the beginning of the show, vocalist Brent Smith made everyone look to their left and look to their right and meet someone new – someone who shares a love of music and a love of Shinedown making them new friends. People were high-fiving and hugging strangers like they have known them forever. That is the power of music – and Shinedown knows how to work the magic of music to bring people together.

About halfway through the show the action moved to the end of the catwalk so that the band could give the entire venue what felt like an up close and personal performance of some of their slower songs like “Second Chance”, “45”, and “Simple Man.” I think every person in the venue was singing along to these beloved tunes. It was really just such a phenomenal show.

There are just a few dates left on the Attention Attention tour. I urge you to find a way to get to one of the remaining shows. You won’t be disappointed!

Click here for images of Shinedown’s performance

FOLLOW SHINEDOWN ONLINE: