Shinedown’s Dance, Kid, Dance Tour Lights Nashville on Fire
On May 10th, Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena lit up as Shinedown rolled into town on their first leg of the “Dance, Kid, Dance” tour, and they brought the fire with them, literally. Backed by powerhouse openers Beartooth and rising star Morgan Wade, the night was a full-spectrum showcase of rock, grit, and emotion.
Morgan Wade kicked things off, delivering a soulful set filled with heart-on-sleeve lyrics and a voice that cut straight through the noise. Her blend of Americana and alt-country was a refreshing way to start the evening. Fans connected with her instantly, especially on songs from her recent album Obsessed, which dives deep into themes of love, loss, and personal growth.
Next up was Beartooth, and they didn’t hold back. Their set was loud, aggressive, and full of raw energy. Frontman Caleb Shomo commanded the stage with intensity, blasting through songs from their latest release, The Surface. Their mix of heavy riffs and honest lyrics about mental health and resilience had the whole arena amped and ready for more.
When it was time for Shinedown to hit the stage, the crowd was screaming with excitement, and the band took that energy to another level. They opened with their latest single, “Dance, Kid, Dance,” and from there, it was a nonstop ride. The setlist spanned the band’s career, touching on hits like “Devil,” “Cut the Cord,” “Second Chance,” and newer fan favorite “Three Six Five.” Brent Smith, the band’s lead singer, went off the setlist in a spontaneous effort to sing a few favorites of a fan who had a sign up stating he had terminal cancer and his final wish was to hear a few specific songs live. The arena lights dimmed as the crowd lit up the venue with cell phone lights, singing along in what was sure to bring a few tears to the eyes of the man’s family.
Beyond the music, the show also supported a good cause: $1 from every ticket went to Musicians On Call. Musicians On Call is a nonprofit organization that brings live and virtual music performances to patients, caregivers, and families in hospitals across the U.S. Since launching in 1999, the group has reached over a million people through its bedside and virtual programs, aiming to use music as a tool for healing and emotional support. Volunteer musicians perform in person or via video to lift spirits and offer comfort, regardless of a patient’s condition or background. Well-known artists like Dolly Parton, Ed Sheeran, and Kelly Clarkson have supported the cause. For more information or to get involved, visit musiciansoncall.org.
A highlight of the night was Shinedown’s stripped cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man,” which had the whole place singing along, a nod to their Southern rock roots that landed perfectly in Music City. Whether you came for the crushing riffs, the emotional ballads, or just a good night out, Shinedown and company delivered a show Nashville won’t soon forget.
