Shinedown in Manchester, NH – July 20, 2026
Shinedown’s Dance, Kid, Dance Tour rolled into SNHU Arena in Manchester last week, with one of the strongest rock lineups of the summer. The evening opened with From Ashes to New, whose explosive blend of hard rock, metalcore, hip-hop, and electronic influences provided a modern jolt of energy, before progressive rock veterans Coheed and Cambria showcased their intricate musicianship and expansive songwriting. Headlined by Shinedown, whose arena-sized anthems and emotional connection with their audience have made them one of rock’s biggest acts, the tour highlighted the incredible diversity of today’s rock scene. From punishing breakdowns and progressive epics to radio-ready singalongs, the lineup offered something for every kind of rock fan and kept the energy high from the opening notes to the final encore.
From Ashes to New
From Ashes to New kicked off the evening with an energetic set that immediately got the Manchester crowd on its feet. Blending hard rock, metalcore, and hip-hop influences, the Pennsylvania outfit delivered a performance full of crushing riffs, infectious choruses, and undeniable intensity. Frontmen Matt Brandyberry and Danny Case fed off one another throughout the set, seamlessly trading rap verses and soaring vocal lines while encouraging the growing crowd to sing along. Songs like “Nightmare,” “Heartache,” and “Panic” showcased the band’s knack for balancing aggression with melody. By the time they walked off stage, From Ashes to New had done exactly what an opening act hopes to accomplish, winning over new fans and setting the tone for a night of high-energy modern rock.
Coheed and Cambria
Coheed and Cambria followed with a set that demonstrated why they’ve cultivated one of rock’s most loyal fanbases. Claudio Sanchez effortlessly alternated between soaring vocals and dazzling guitar work, as the band delivered a tight mix of newer material and fan favorites. Songs like “Shoulders,” “A Favor House Atlantic,” and the epic closer “Welcome Home” highlighted the band’s unique ability to blend progressive musicianship with undeniable hooks. Even those unfamiliar with Coheed’s sprawling science-fiction mythology couldn’t help but appreciate the precision and passion that defines their live show.
Shinedown
When the lights finally dimmed for Shinedown, the atmosphere shifted from anticipation to outright celebration. Brent Smith commanded the stage from the opening moments of “Safe and Sound,” effortlessly connecting with the audience between songs while delivering powerhouse vocal performances throughout the night. The band’s set struck an ideal balance between newer material from EI8HT, as well as the radio staples that have made them one of the most successful rock bands of the past two decades. Songs like “Diamond Eyes (Boom-Lay Boom-Lay Boom),” “Enemies,” “Devil,” and “Bully” landed with tremendous force, while emotional moments during “Three Six Five,” “How Did You Love,” and “A Symptom of Being Human” reminded everyone that Shinedown’s greatest strength has always been pairing massive hooks with heartfelt lyrics.
In the middle of the set, the full band – including Barry behind a new drum set that appeared – came to the little stage in the middle of the floor, at the end of their catwalk, really getting up close and personal with the audience. Bassist Eric Bass has been sitting out this leg of the tour, taking a break for his emotional health. They introed the B-Stage talking about him, before playing an acoustic rendition of one of his favorite songs, “Call Me.” Eric’s parts are being filled by two musicians, bassist Josh Sturm, and guitarist Zack Mack. They joined the trio on the B-Stage for stripped down performances of “Amarylis,” “If You Only Knew,” and “Get Up.”
The closing stretch felt like a greatest-hits celebration, with Brent Smith encouraging nearly every person in the arena to sing along. A heartfelt rendition of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man” was kicked off with guitarist Zach Myers singing an unexpected cover of 3 Doors Down’s “Kryptonite,” before the band shifted back into high gear with “Sound of Madness,” and the explosive finale of “Second Chance.” Throughout the evening, Shinedown once again proved why they’ve become one of rock’s premier live acts. Their combination of impeccable musicianship, genuine audience connection, and arena-sized production made Manchester’s stop on the Dance, Kid, Dance Tour feel less like another date on the schedule and more like a celebration of everything that keeps modern rock thriving.
