Brent Smith, the frontman of Shinedown, recently opened up about the profound loss of his mother, Patricia, who passed away on January 19 at the age of 72. In a touching Zoom interview from Manhattan, Smith recounted the loving words his mother shared with him: “I want you to know that I love you and there’s no way that I could ever measure it, because my love for you is forever.” This personal grief adds an emotional layer as Smith gears up for Shinedown’s much-anticipated world tour titled Dance Kid Dance Act II, set to begin in May, coinciding with the release of their new album, EI8HT, on May 29.
At 48, Smith feels a strong urge to honor his mother’s memory through his work. He shared, “I really want to make her proud,” as he balances the complexities of a successful 20-plus-year career with the release of their eighth studio album. With eighteen new tracks recorded over the past year, including the recent singles “Searchlight,” “Three Six Five,” and “Dance, Kid Dance,” Smith expressed excitement over the varied musical styles presented in EI8HT, ranging from hard rock anthems to tender ballads. He proudly noted that the music speaks to the countless fans who have shared stories of how Shinedown’s songs have positively impacted their lives.
Smith emphasized that the vibrant floral artwork on EI8HT’s cover serves as a tribute to their loyal audience rather than a recognition for the band itself. “That’s us giving the audience the flowers for sticking with us,” he explained. Among the album’s standout tracks is “Safe and Sound,” described as an empowering anthem that confirms Shinedown’s enduring rock credentials. Smith confidently reassures fans, asserting, “Can they still rock out? Yeah.”
The album also features tracks that span different genres, including dance-rhythm numbers like “Burning Down the Disco,” darker tones with “Deep End,” and folk-inspired melodies in “The Pilot.” Smith made it clear that no artificial intelligence was utilized in the album’s production, a point of pride in an industry increasingly involving technology in creative processes.
Smith reflected on personal loss beyond his mother, having grieved the passing of key figures in his life, such as his dear friend Brad Arnold of Three Doors Down. He noted that these experiences have reinforced the theme of valuing time and relationships throughout their new music. “We all have a date with destiny,” he mused.
As Shinedown navigated cultural debates among fans, especially regarding their involvement in Kid Rock’s festival, Smith emphasized a desire for unity. He stated, “It says the ‘United States of America’ – united,” and voiced a wish for political leaders to listen to the concerns of their constituents. He advocates for bipartisan collaboration, suggesting a dual-party leadership in the Oval Office as a potential solution to the current political divides.
Despite some dissent among fans regarding their decision to withdraw from the festival, Smith found support within the community. He praised the overwhelming amount of fans who understood their choice and maintained confidence in Shinedown’s enduring identity, noting, “We’re still who we are.”
Smith also draws strength from his son’s journey into adulthood, finding inspiration in their candid discussions about life. He expressed pride in EI8HT’s emotional range and the universal message it conveys about the dance between joy and sorrow in life, encapsulating the essence of what it means to be a member of Shinedown.
As Shinedown embarks on their extensive tour kicking off on May 13 in Green Bay, WI, excitement builds for fans eager to experience their latest music live, continuing a legacy of anthems that resonate deeply across generations. With new music, powerful emotional narratives, and a commitment to their audience, Shinedown prepares for a vibrant chapter ahead.