Anyone else at House of Blues in Chicago last night?

It was part of Q101's Twisted 15 and Wednesday it was Gaslight Anthem, Saving Abel, and Shinedown.

I missed Gaslight Anthem but saw Saving Abel and they were alright.

First dont get me wrong, I LOVE Shinedown's music but I was disappointed in the show to be honest. I think its a combo of things. The venue's sound sucked so the music was just blurred together and at times you couldnt hear Brent. Plus I think Brent's voice might be strained and need rest. Another thing, which is my main complaint about most groups, is that the set design was sooooo boring. Absolutely no Shinedown symbol or design. Just stage, speakers, Q101 signs, band/equipment. That last comment is prob not the groups fault but fans come for a show and you need the whole picture. My complaint about rap concerts is that most of them are just a bunch of guys on stage partying whereas for example, Outkast uses costumes, dancers, set design, etc etc which IS exactly the definition of a "show."

Maybe Shinedown just isnt a "concert" band? I dont know. Like, when I saw Godsmack live, it was sooooo awesome.

Props to Brent though...during Fly From the Inside a fight broke out in the crowd and he stopped singing to make sure the people were fine after security beat the crap out of the guy starting the fight and removed him.

I was at the show last night in Chicago and it was my first time seeing Shinedown live. I thought it was a good show and definitely disgree with the thought that "Shinedown just isn't a concert band". It could have been much better if not for the sound issues though. I can't say whether it was just the venue or a problem with the audio equipment, but it seemed like every time Brent moved the microphone away from his mouth (which he does quite often) the vocals were drowned out. I enjoyed the show, but hopefully they can get the audio issues resolved for future shows.

I was at the show too, and it was sooooooooooo much fun! I don't know if it was sold out, but it was absolutely packed. The HOB is such a great venue. With a capacity of 1500, no matter where you are, you have a good view of the stage. But yes I agree there were some sound issues. Zach was brave enough to venture out into the crowd so I was able to say hello to him. I also met a couple at the bar who were friends with Nick. We had an interesting conversation.

I thought the opening band, Gaslight Anthem, was good. At times the singers voice reminded me of Bruce Springsteen. It was my second time seeing Saving Able. As much as I love their CD, they just don't sound that great live, but still fun to see.

When Shinedown came on, Brent's voice was definitely strained. But even so, he ALWAYS gives his best performance. And along with the rest of the bands incredible energy and stage presence, it's always a good show for me. If last night was your first time seeing Shinedown, then once was not enough. Because Iv'e seen them enough times to know that Brent truly has one of the best voices in rock music today. And 95% of the time they sound exactly like their CD.

This was my probably 8th time seeing Shinedown(lost track of count) and i'm not gonna say I was upset because to me it's an honor and a privilege to see and hear them each time just as much as it is to them playing for us. I could tell as so as they opened with Devour that Brent's voice was strained or hurting but as the show went on he started to get better. I know how much emotion he puts into his singing and i'm not surprised that it's strained. In my eyes he's the best singer out there and want to say that he fought through it and still sounded great. The band was great as usual especially Barry. I did notice a couple things last night that I may know what Absorbentmind is saying when she(or he) said she talked to Nick's friends and has a frown face. One they interviewed the band before they came on and Nick was missing from the interview and second this show being the last of the year they all came together after the set and bowed and after they did that they specifically went over to Nick and gave him a hug as if this was the last time they were going to play with him. I don't know just an observation. Jasin. I think this was an add on show for Shinedown because they didn't have their stage props or Barry's drumset only the guitars. So thank you Shinedown for blessing us with your music in Chicago again, as usual, and I will be seeing you everytime you come back. And Brent please go enjoy your holiday and rest up THE BEST VOICE IN MUSIC TODAY because you certainly deserve it and earned it.

I agree with Brent needing a rest completely. I saw them for the 6th time the night before in Indiana and he did not sound like the same old Brent. He has been amazing every other time. The news with Nick and his strained voice will be remedied by this break. Also, I don't think the props were missing due to an added show, since the night before they also had zero props.

The concert at the Machine Shop in Flint, MI on dec 17th was even worse! Brent OBVIOUSLY LIP SYNCED some of the songs. To be exact he lip synced to all the songs of the new album and then struggled to get any voice out on the ones he did sing! He also made the crowed sing the high parts and chours to every song cause he couldent do it! And whats with pulling the mic away from your face while singing throughout the whole song?? WTF!! I have seen them 5 times so far and that by far was the worst concert I have ever seen. The use to be great what happened? Did Ego's get to big??