Shinedown at O2 Academy, Glasgow 30th November 2022

For the final time for 2022, accompanied by Mr A, I boarded the 525 to Glasgow on Wednesday evening. No – it’s not my last gig of the year yet. Still got 3 to go, all things going to plan but this is just the last one that’s city centre.

So where were we off to?

We were heading to the O2 Academy to see Shinedown.

This would be Mr A’s first Shinedown show. Having counted back, I think it was my ninth (there have been a few) but it would only be my second Shinedown headline show. The first was way back in Feb 2012 in the same venue.

This evening’s show was sold out. (If Brent Smith’s to be believed, he commented later in the evening that it sold out in 14 seconds……hmmm….)

The venue itself seemed crazy busy compared to normal but we found a suitable spot for the evening just about 3 rows off the rail.

First out on stage, a few minutes before 7pm, were Zero 9:36. These guys were a new name to me, and a bit of research has revealed very little about the members other than they are fronted by Zero aka Matthew Cullen who hails out of Philadelphia. Their set echoed with influences of Eminem and Linkin Park, and they crammed 9 songs into just over 30 minutes. The growing crowd seemed a little divided in their support for Zero 9:36 but I really enjoyed their set. Pleas from Zero to open a pit fell on deaf ears but to be fair, very few opening acts manage to achieve that in Glasgow.

Zero 9:36 delivered a good solid set and I’d happily give these guys a second chance. Check them out online and judge for yourself.

The main support act for the evening were Asking Alexandria. The still growing crowd appeared to appreciate their 10-song set but these guys are not for me. Thumper Principle duly applied….

At 9pm, the lights went out and the room was filled with Shinedown’s intro music Welcome and 2184 before they opened their 19-song set with The Saints of Violence and Innuendo from current album Planet Zero. Instantly the packed room came alive. The set opener was followed by Devil from Attention Attention then the current album’s title track, Planet Zero. What a start!

There was a certain energy to this show. Brent Smith’s a charismatic front man and make no mistake, this set is scripted and choreographed to within an inch of its life but the secret to Brent’s charm is that he makes it sound fresh and new every single night. He had that capacity crowd in the palm of his hands from the moment he stepped out on stage.

The entire set was a well-balanced mix from their current album and their back catalogue. They quickly took it right back to the very start early in the set and played a stunning rendition of 45. That one is one of my all-time favourite Shinedown songs. Glasgow were asked if they’d brought their singing voices with them…daft question, Brent! …of course, they had!

Current single Dysfunctional You followed and went down well with the Scottish fans.

Mid-set Bully was another stand out song and a pivotal moment that just upped the energy levels a few notches.

One of my key highlight songs was Second Chance, from their magnum opus The Sound of Madness. Love this one. And yes, the fans still had those singing voices with them.

Diamond Eyes (Boom-lay Boom-lay Boom) almost raised the roof off the O2 Academy. The Scottish fans were loving it!

Next it was the turn of guitarist Zach Myers to take over the vocal chores for one number, ably accompanied by Eric Bass on acoustic guitar and vocals plus Barry Kerch on tambourine and drums. Zach said he’d been asked via Instagram not to play that particular song but that he was going to do it anyway. Of course, he was! And yes, it was a cover of Oasis’ Don’t Look Back in Anger. Well, he likes it, and the crowd humoured him. It’s a song that definitely goes down well but it goes down much better in Manchester than in Glasgow, Zach. (hint)

There were only 3 songs left on the set but before I get to them….

Much as I love Shinedown, Brent Smith frustrates the life out of me at times…well, about 40-50% of the time. Stop hiding at the back of the stage to sing, sir! Stop turning your back on the crowd to sing! It does nothing to “enhance” the performance. (read into that what you will.)

Both Barry Kerch and Zach Myers are two of my favourite musicians to watch but by far the hardest working and most talented guy on stage is bassist, guitarist, backing vocalist and pianist, Eric Bass. He’s also the most energetic. An incredible unsung talent.

So, we had 3 songs left… three more opportunities for Glasgow to test those singing voices. First there was the brilliant Call Me and then this was followed by my absolute favourite Simple Man. Love that song SO much!

The Sound of Madness brought things to a close. Another awesome song and a clear fan favourite.

Proceedings were momentarily paused for a medical emergency in the crowd. Shinedown swiftly pulled the plug while security and first aid staff expertly handled the situation. Great job by the O2 Academy staff.

At the second time of asking The Sound of Madness sounded just as sweet.

There is no denying it – Shinedown put on a great show.

It’s never goodbye, it’s just til next time….

Oh, and those Michael Myers heads are creepy as f**k, Zach!