Shinedown

Shinedown: A Rock Band Built on Grit and Hard-Hitting Anthems

Shinedown, the American rock powerhouse hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, burst onto the scene in 2001, the brainchild of charismatic vocalist Brent Smith. After his previous band, Dreve, was dropped by Atlantic Records, Smith, under contract with the label, knew he had to forge a new path. He assembled a core lineup – Jasin Todd on guitar, Brad Stewart on bass, and Barry Kerch on drums – and began crafting their signature sound.

The band's early days saw a consistent lineup for their first two albums, but like many bands navigating the industry, lineup changes became a fact of life. The late 2000s saw a series of shifts, ultimately solidifying a new lineup featuring Smith, Kerch, Zach Myers on guitar, and Eric Bass on bass. This powerhouse quartet has become a mainstay in the rock world.

Since their debut, Shinedown has released seven studio albums: "Leave a Whisper" (2003), "Us and Them" (2005), "The Sound of Madness" (2008), "Amaryllis" (2012), "Threat to Survival" (2015), "Attention Attention" (2018), and "Planet Zero" (2022). These albums have consistently delivered hard-hitting anthems, showcasing their signature blend of raw emotion and powerful rock.

Shinedown’s impact extends beyond critical acclaim. The band holds the record for the most number-one singles on the Billboard Mainstream Rock charts, boasting a staggering 19 chart-toppers. All of their released singles have cracked the top five, cementing their place as a force to be reckoned with. On June 3, 2021, Billboard recognized their undeniable influence by ranking them #1 on the Greatest of All Time Mainstream Rock Artists chart, a testament to their enduring legacy.

With over 10 million records sold worldwide, Shinedown has undeniably carved a lasting impression on the rock scene. Their raw energy, emotional depth, and electrifying live performances have earned them legions of loyal fans who continue to rock out to their anthems.

Early Days: From Dreve to Shinedown

Smith's journey with Shinedown began with the dissolution of his previous band, Dreve. While they had signed with Atlantic Records, the label ultimately decided to part ways with the band before releasing an album, believing Smith had the potential to succeed as a solo artist. Recognizing his talent, Atlantic Records signed Smith to a development deal, providing him with support to hone his songwriting abilities and assemble a new band. This marked the genesis of Shinedown, a band poised to make its own mark on the world.