Brent Smith

COMPLIMENT NECESSARY - Once again Shinedown out did themselves. Went to the (TOTALLY SOLD OUT) show at House of Blues in AC Saturday nite - I don't know how it's possible but they get better every time I see them (over a dozen X's). What I mean is I don't know how they can keep improving on perfection - it's simply amazing -- I had my usual meet n greet, which is run to perfection by Jake. Barry, Brent, Eric and Zach are just the most incredibly humble, down-to-earth, there-for-the-fans guys that I have no words. I am never disappointed. I now bring my niece to the shows/meet-n-greets and she is as amazed as I am at their professionalism, and level of perfection they display at every show and meet-n-greet. Love you guys!!!! New meet-n-greet pic to follow!!!!!!

Why did you cut your hair?? D: I loved your hair it was awesome!

Brent

I'm writing you on behalf of my amazing friend Katrina. She is a die hard Shinedown fan and never misses an opportunity to see you live. Proof in point, last September she developed TEN or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, a rare life-threatening skin condition in which over 90 percent of her skin became detached and covered in blisters. She spent a month in the University of Wisconsin Burn Unit. The disease is so rare that not one Doctor there had ever seen TEN, but only Steven Johnson Syndrome, where up to 30 percent of the skin blisters. After leaving the hospital she had to move into her parents house for another month as TEN nearly took her vision. In December, she was finally cleared to go back to work and live on her own. Through the whole ordeal she has been an inspiration to everyone. The Doctors and Nurses could not believe how she was always in such a good upbeat mood with people poking and prodding at her all day long. I was fortunate to visit her everyday in the hospital and she truly is an inspiration, to see her strength and perseverance makes me proud to call her my friend. She is still recovering and healing, but has not let this stop her from seeing any of your shows when you come to the Madison area. In February we saw you play at the Alliant Energy Center, she said it was the best night she has had since getting sick. On May 9th she will turn 27 years old. Naturally I got her tickets to her see favorite band playing in Milwaukee at the Rave May 8th, and I'm not talking about Bush. I know that there is no meet and greet at this event as I have inquired with the Rave venue, but If you could take 2 minutes and take a photo of her or wish her happy birthday I know it would be a night she will never forget. And something she undoubtedly deserves. Thank you for time.

No stories to tell you, no bullshit to spread, I just simply love who you are, what you stand for & what you do! I am a better person after seeing your shows in Minneapolis & La Crosse. Thank You Man.

You have changed my life in so many ways. What you do means the world to me. Thankyou.

The band came to OKC 3.21.13 & IT WAS THE BEST SHOW, however the band didn't perform I DARE YOU and BURNING BRIGHT. We still had a blast, got lots of pictures. When you come back to OKC please add those two songs in the line up. Thank you!!

I just wanted to tell you, and I know you've probably heard it a lot, but you really have saved my life with your music. I was at the concert last night and I'm not sure if you remember me but you signed my CD and wrote happy birthday to me, my name is Laurel. But during the concert you told the crowd to think of the songs that have built us up when we were down, and all I could think of where your songs, and I'm not just talking to you, I mean all of you guys, all of Shinedown has inspired me. All of you have brought be back from places I didn't think I could come back from. And like I said you guys probably hear it all the time but thank you, thank you for making me strong. Also thank you for one of the best birthdays I have every had, all of you put on an amazing show and ...I honestly couldn't have asked for anything more. I saw my favorite band and I shook the hand of all my idles (Except Eric but i still saw him in concert). Seeing you guys preform was amazing and meeting you brought tears to my eyes. I wish I could find better words to explain how much Shinedown being there has saved me and guided me.

Thanks for an amazing birthday,
Laurel

You all are a talented group and put forth a powerful performance. I've seen you 4 times, once in Memphis and 3 times in LR. Brent....somehow you speak to me. I first heard an interview with you with LA Loyd a few years ago and Otis....Yeah I can't count how many evenings I've sat on my porch in the hills whistling to Dock of the Bay picturing myself on the beach. But last week I heard a phone conversation you had with Corey and Patrick with The Edge in LR and you inspired me. It's only been a week but I've gone those seven days, one day at a time, saying I'm not having a drink today. These past seven days my eyes have been brighter than they've been in a WHILE and more than anything bro I thank you from the very bottom of my heart for the awesome, clear, quality time I've had with my son this past week, I saw it in his eyes how happy he's been that dad isn't dulling heartache with a drink. He's only 8 and hasn't fully realized that I was messed up but I know he felt something wasn't real. I can't thank you enough for this positive influence, though you weren't even trying. A lil FYI about me, I youtube acoustic performances from my favs to see and know how you all feel about what you're singing and so that I know what the message truly is. You're an inspiration man, thank you!!

Suppose I'll try to keep this to the point. I started listening to you guys back at Leave a Whisper, in high school. After I graduated, I had a fiance cheat and leave, followed by a woman too selfish to even begin to bear, along with some horrendous medical procedures that left me so mentally scarred I didn't think I'd ever be the same. Started with a lightning strike that ended up severely damaging my nervous system.

The five years after high school were dark times for me. But every time I really didn't think I'd make it another night, listening to you guys really drove me on. Each album got better and better, laced with more poetic justice and beauty. It helped me keep going, each time I didn't think I could.

Finally, Unity helped me achieve the breakthrough in my Post Traumatic Stress treatments that I'd been working toward for so long. In truth, I really am finally not scared, and your music really helped me more than I could ever say to get to this point. I'm whole and well, for the first time in years.

I know you must hear sob stories all the time from people that love your music. I suppose mine is just another one. But, for what it's worth, and with everything I've got, thank you so much. You gave me a hand up off my knees, without even knowing it. I'll never forget it.

Hope All of You are well :O) 1st Brent Congratulations on getting and staying Healthy, you look like you feel great. NOW,,Queeny and I were at the Feb 17th Show in Reading PA - WAS AWESOME ! I just got my hearing back but still have no voice :O) WE HAD A BLAST ! We had a Meet and Greet with Three Days Grace, HUGS N KISSES all around :O) We did see you guys but were not able to actually come over :O(
security, but I did blow kisses, hope ya caught them. I would of loved to have my Mandala Hoodie Signed but unfortunately someone was a "BULLY" and stole it, (SUCKS)! actually I dropped it on the floor while ROCKIN, we were not too far from the stage next to us there was a mosh going on, and that was that, we were pushed away and I couldn't grab it, that would of been really dangereous since I am only 4' 11" and 130 lbs, I woulda got smooshed,and when I was able to get back it was gone :O(.... but as soon as I get paid again I will try to get another, it was a xmas gift too, that made it suck even more. When I am able to get a new one I will save it and I can bring it for your autographs next time your on the east coast. I have a Trivium sweatshirt that I wear so much you can't even see the signatures on it anymore, but (I) know they are still there.

My kitten MOLLY, LOVES LOVES LOVES when I play The Crow and The Butterfly, she gets all lovey and purrrrs real loud. Molly is a great kitten. Well, I will keep Rockin with you guys until we see You again ! Hope your tour goes well and all of you stay safe and healthy. Can't wait to see you all again.
Love Always.....BIG HUGS n KISSES.............Rose M

Thanks for the awesome show here at home in Knoxville!!! Total of 5 times seeing you guys between here and the festivals and they have all been amazing shows!!!

Hey, I met you last night at the Battle Creek concert. I was really glad when the whole band thanked me for my service. Like I said last night I was overseas and listened to you nonstop. One of my guys got hit by a suicide vest and after I listened to your songs it really calmed me down. I would really like to talk to you sometime over email or something like that. If you could my email is ltcbe295@me.com thanks so much for putting on an amazing concert last night.

Loveeeeeee you ! Saw u in Huntington wv best show ever ! Also got to meet u at Walmart !!!

Brent where can i begin .......... well thank you first off , your music has literally saved my life and you've inspired me so much in every aspect of my life and even my song writing is so strongly affected by you Brent you have the power to change the world and i will always be your true supporter i love shinedown and all of you guys for that matter thank you again for getting me through all the good and the bad times of my life from my abusive father and the death of my mother and later my grandmother ,i have only survived this because of you thank you again and again shinedown forever

Happy Belated B-Day Mr. Smith :) Love U Guys keep up the great work and have an awesome tour

We waiting for the next concert in Poland ! We love you !

You guys are amazing..
thats all i can say.

i think your music is awesome and it really opened my eyes to the outside world. all of your songs have a meaning and values to them. you guys are bringing back rock. thanks for not sounding like nickelback and following that alternative rock trend that is so popular.shinedown is by far my favorite band and i hope to see you someday in the bay area.

colin age 16 from cali

Saw you at Uproar in Burgettstown, PA. Absolutely love Shinedown and you. You could sing me into zen...most amazing voice ever on top of being hot and a nice guy. Cannot wait to see you again!!!

For my birthday this year, my brother took me to the Uproar Fest in Dallas. I was beyond blown away. I was a semi fan before that concert, but am now officially solidified as a huge fan. I literally get ready in the morning every day listening to y'all. There is something about your music that makes me feel better about ... well everything. On a side note, after watching Godsmack, we really didn't expect y'all to top them. Y'all did. Hard core. My brother will now be going to every Shinedown concert that comes to town. On top of that, I got meet you guys and y'all were beyond sweet and down to earth. That is rare. Y'all aren't just bad ass musicians, but real human beings as well and you havn't forgotten that. Your show could have sucked, and meeting you alone would have made my day. Bottom line, best birthday ever!!!! :)

Hey, i was at the edinburgh gig on halloween , you guys were amazing :) your gigs are the best ive ever seen it always lifts my spirits :) cant wait for next time :) you guys rule xxx

Hi, I am one of your older fans and I saw you for the first time on Saturday at the O2 Brixton Academy, England. I love your music and you took my breath away (and my voice) I felt alive for the first time in years. My son and his girlfriend took me and they were shocked that I cried at the end. As they say don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened. I'm smiling right now. xx

i'm still strugging my addiction problem but you are helping me get through it so far through your music love you guys & much respect I don't know what i Would do with out you guys. I hope you read this Brent love you.

hope your doing well,i am sorry i missed the states tour.see you when your back here if we ever meet in person i just want to shake your hand on being the best meanwhile keep kicking it!