Rock titans Shinedown have officially broken their silence, announcing a massive 2026 world tour and confirming the impending release of their eighth studio album, titled EI8HT. The news comes amid a flurry of headlines as the band recently withdrew from a controversial festival appearance, citing a desire to maintain unity among their fanbase.
Frontman Brent Smith revealed in a recent interview with Rolling Stone that the new record, EI8HT, is deeply personal, influenced by the loss of his mother and the current social climate in America. The album’s lead single, “Searchlight,” is already making waves, uniquely crossing over from active rock charts to gain significant traction on country radio.
Dance, Kid, Dance Act II World Tour
The band is set to embark on the “Dance, Kid, Dance Act II World Tour,” a massive trek spanning 11 countries. The North American leg kicks off this spring, featuring high-profile support from Coheed and Cambria and Black Stone Cherry. Notable dates include:
- 13 May 2026: Green Bay, WI – Resch Center (Tour Kick-off)
- 15 May 2026: Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple Festival
- 26 May 2026: Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theatre (Hometown Show)
- 02 June 2026: Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum
- 23-25 October 2026: Miramar Beach, FL – Weekend Beach Bash
Withdrawal from ‘Rock The Country’
Shinedown made national headlines last week after pulling out of the Rock The Country festival in Anderson, South Carolina. The band was slated to headline the Kid Rock-backed event but withdrew alongside artists Ludacris and Morgan Wade. In a public statement, the band noted, “We don’t want to participate in something we believe will create division,” emphasizing their platform’s purpose to bring people together. Following Shinedown’s exit, festival organizers officially cancelled the South Carolina stop, citing an inability to meet the expected show quality.
Legacy and Chart Dominance
Formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 2001, Shinedown continues to hold the record for the most No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart. The current lineup—consisting of Brent Smith, Barry Kerch, Zach Myers, and Eric Bass—has remained stable since 2008, following the departure of original members Brad Stewart and Jasin Todd. EI8HT will be the follow-up to 2022’s Planet Zero, marking a new era for the multi-platinum quartet.
Presale tickets for the “Dance, Kid, Dance Act II” tour are currently being released across various markets, with general on-sales expected by the end of February 2026.