Shinedown and Bandit Shine Green

shinedown3.jpeg shinedown1.jpegRock superstars Shinedown go back about 9 years, but have already taken the music world by storm with hit after hit. The hard rock outfit, while hailed as a Jacksonville product, has roots in Knoxville, Tennessee, the home of Bandit Lites Chairman Michael T. Strickland. In late 2003, Strickland heard the acoustic version of Simple Man by Shinedown and fell in love. Strickland had no knowledge that lead singer Brent Smith grew up in Knoxville; he simply wanted to meet the band that produced the song. Much to Strickland's surprise, the Shinedown lead singer was not only a Knoxville native, but they had just signed to open for the upcoming Van Halen reunion tour, which Bandit Lites was the lighting contractor for. Strickland flew to the first date and formed a fast and strong friendship with Smith and company that has endured to this day.

In the words of Strickland “ Shinedown is simply one of the best rock bands in the world, Period.” The vocal style and intensity of Brent, coupled with the songs, the music and the delivery is second to none. Bandit has spent the last 7 years as the bands biggest supporter and cheerleader, all fueled by the Chairman's belief in the band. In 2004 Bandit inserted designer Scott Allee, who has been with the band ever since. It all paid off in the summer of 2009 when Second Chance was one of the biggest songs of the year, propelling Shinedown into many new areas and into the forefront of the industry. This was all after a string of prior hits that had built a huge following.

As 2010 unfolded Bandit Business Development Manager Brent Barrett was handling the account and he too formed a deep friendship with the band. The extremely talented Allee came up with a beautiful design for the 2010 Carnival Of Madness Tour that was heavy on the GRNLite LED gear, with GRN Batten 3-54's providing a huge power wash as well as various unique looks through the show. Allee also used MAC 2000 Washes, VL 300Spots, Martin Atomic Strobes, Tyler Green Truss and Thomas Four Lights, all controlled by 2 Grand MA Consoles. Tour manager Doug Nightwine, production manager Colin West and security expert Brain “Jake” Lawson provided the daily guidance as the tour wound around the US. The in-your-face sonic assault of Shinedown is rock perfection at its best. Smith delivers each hit in a vocal style that is unmatched in the industry. From the iconic cover of Simple Man, to Save Me, I Dare You, 45, Sound of Madness and the monster hit Second Chance, the distinct Shinedown sound draws you in at the first note. The visual enhancement offer up by Allee is nothing short of spectacular as Scott and the band become one each and every night.

The Carnival of Madness Tour featured other rock veterans Sevendust, Chevelle, Puddle of Mudd and another Knoxville act, 10 Years. The tour was an instant sell out and a 2011 version is being planned now. As the year winds down Shine down is on an acoustic tour, which is being met with the same rave reviews as the high-energy electric version. The future for Shinedown and Bandit will continue to spiral upward and look out for the act in stadiums one day!

About Bandit Lites

Bandit Lites is a global leader in the entertainment lighting marketplace. From touring productions to fixed installations, Bandit Lites has a full staff of highly trained professionals to deal with all types of lighting needs. With offices in Knoxville, Nashville, San Francisco, London, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Bandit's global presence will insure seamless transitions no matter where your next show takes you.