Photos and Review by Raven Divito
@rockinshots

Shinedown Sets Golden 1 Center Ablaze with “Dance, Kid, Dance” Tour Stop

Hard rock titans Shinedown brought explosive energy to Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center on August 5 as part of their 2025 Dance, Kid, Dance Tour. Riding high on the success of their latest singles—“Dance, Kid, Dance” and “Three Six Five”—the Jacksonville-based band proved, more than two decades in, they’re still masters of both power and polish.

For many fans, including myself, this was a nostalgic return to the soundtrack of our youth—especially when you hear something like “Second Chance,” a 2008 hit that instantly transports you back in time. But nostalgia was only part of the story; Shinedown also delivered a visceral, future-facing performance that reaffirmed their status as one of rock’s most reliable live acts.

The night opened with strong support sets from country rocker Morgan Wade and ’90s alt-rock legends Bush. Each brought their own distinct energy: Wade with raw vulnerability and steady vocals, and Bush’s Gavin Rossdale roaming the arena floor to connect with fans. Though neither had pyrotechnics, both acts ignited the room in their own right.

Then came Shinedown’s theatrical opener—a surreal sequence featuring a girl with a remote and a man with a TV for a head, flipping through flashing vintage clips on towering LED screens. It felt like an abstract invitation into a show steeped in themes of memory, loss, and connection.

The staging itself was stunning. A long runway split the arena floor, ending in a circular center stage with two extended platforms. This dynamic, in-the-round layout gave all three acts room to move and created an immersive, 360-degree experience. Shinedown split their time between both stages, adding layers of depth and surprise to an already packed show.

The band launched into the title track “Dance, Kid, Dance” with roaring flames, fireworks, and a jolt of adrenaline that had the arena on its feet from the jump. Spotlights illuminated each band member on their own platform, allowing everyone—from guitarist Zach Myers to bassist Eric Bass and drummer Barry Kerch—a moment in the spotlight.

Midway through the set, frontman Brent Smith brought the energy down for one of the show’s most emotional moments. Speaking candidly about grief and remembrance, he asked the audience to pause and reflect on lost loved ones. The room stilled, and then “Three Six Five” began—a shimmering ballad underscored by a rotating disco ball casting starlight across the crowd. The transition from chaos to calm was a powerful reminder of the emotional range Shinedown brings to their live performances.

But the stillness didn’t last. Soon, the band stormed back with seismic force. Pyro returned in full, and the band tore through anthems like “Cut the Cord,” “Enemies,” and “DEVIL” with relentless precision. One particularly touching moment came when Smith asked fans to turn and introduce themselves to someone nearby. It was a small gesture, but one that underscored the band’s commitment to connection and community.

Of course, no Shinedown concert would be complete without their biggest hits. “Sound of Madness” hit late in the set with its signature punch, and they closed with “Second Chance”—a perfect full-circle moment for longtime fans. A crowd-wide singalong followed their emotionally charged cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man,” sealing the night with chills.

A quieter acoustic interlude showcased another side of the band’s artistry. Stripped-down versions of “Call Me,” “Get Up,” and the long-shelved “In Memory” gave fans a rare, intimate glimpse into the soul of their discography. These quieter moments were just as captivating as the fire-and-smoke theatrics.

The numbers behind Shinedown speak volumes—over 6.5 billion global streams, 21 record-breaking No. 1 rock hits, 15 platinum and gold singles, and more than 10 million albums sold. And yet, what stood out in Sacramento wasn’t just the statistics, but the sincerity. From their 2003 debut “Fly from the Inside” to their latest chart-topping single “Dance, Kid, Dance” (their 22nd No. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Chart—a record in itself), Shinedown offered fans a panoramic view of their evolution as artists.

More than just a concert, this show was a full-spectrum experience: high-octane rock, heartfelt storytelling, searing visuals, and shared emotion. It was a celebration of music, memory, and the enduring power of a band that knows exactly how to deliver both spectacle and soul.

For the latest tour updates and news, visit Shinedown’s official website at www.shinedown.com