Shinedown's Brent Smith Channels Grief Into New Music

Shinedown frontman Brent Smith is channeling profound grief into his band's upcoming work following his mother Patricia's death on January 19th at age 72. Smith finds solace and motivation in her memory, aiming to make her proud as the band prepares for their world tour, Dance Kid Dance Act II, starting in May, and the release of their eighth studio album, EI8HT, on May 29th.

The album EI8HT, featuring 18 songs recorded over eighteen months, spans various genres from hard rock to ballads, reflecting the band's journey and fan connection. Smith emphasizes that the album's cover art is a gift to their fans, acknowledging their loyalty. The band also faced controversy by withdrawing from the Rock the Country festival to promote unity amid fan disagreements.

Smith also reflects on the universal themes of life and time's preciousness, influenced by personal losses including bassist Eric Bass's family members and friend Brad Arnold. He draws inspiration from his son's journey into adulthood, with conversations informing songs like "Wide Open." The band's ethos, "sometimes you shine, and sometimes you're down," encapsulates the balance of life's experiences.