Shinedown and Badflower at Five Point Amphitheatre – Live Review

Shinedown, Badflower, Five Point Amphitheatre, July 21, 2019

It was a Saturday night behind the notorious Orange Curtain in Southern California, and the one and only Shinedown headlined the Five Point Amphitheatre in Irvine.  In direct support was L.A.’s own Badflower, mesmerizing the earlier arrivals with a thrilling selection of tunes.  This pairing of bands was positively inspired, making for a thrilling evening of rock concert memories that last a lifetime. 

Presented by 95.5 KLOS Whiplash, Shinedown made their way to the stage with the sounds of the Indiana Jones theme permeating ominously in the background.   Kicking off their set with the scorching refrains of Devil from their recent Attention Attention manifesto, Shinedown instantly hooked in the crowd for even greater glories ahead – a massive 20-song set list complete with fire and lights and the suburb showmanship the band has become so world renowned for.   

Selections such as Enemies, Monsters, and I’ll Follow You showed Shinedown in the finest hour, reverberating with fans throughout the packed Five Point outdoor venue.  Two brilliant covers were unveiled, Black Hole Sun by Soundgarden and Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd being given the dynamic Shinedown treatment.  And Second Chance is always tremendously effective when performed live, easily one of the exhilarating singles to be played on the radio airwaves in years. 

The radiant Shinedown lineup includes the vast and profound talents of Brent Smith on lead vocals, Zach Myers on guitar, Eric Bass on bass, and Barry Kerch on drums.  Ending the set with the kickass one-two punch of The Sound Of Madness and Brilliant, Shinedown sent the rock and roll masses home absolutely enraptured by the magic of their sonic artistry. An amazing show to be sure!

Badflower provided direct support, clearly demonstrating why they are one of the hottest bands to emerge from the vast and varied Los Angeles music scene in years.  After an introduction by their friend Johnny Galecki of Big Bang Theory fame, Badflower took over the stage and the auditory artistry of this amazing collective blossomed tenfold. 

Presenting a vibrantly powerhouse set of emotionally driven rock and roll, Badflower performed their hearts out, winning over their many fans in attendance as well as those waiting for the impending arrival of Shinedown.  From the opening refrains of the rapturous x ANA x, the first track on their recently unveiled Okay, I’m Sick album, Badflower raged forward with an impact than was stunning to behold.   

Their recent single Promise Me is a profound moment when experienced live, the poignant lyrics and impassioned vocal delivery ripping into the pulsating heart of the matter.  Heroin was another glorious highlight, where truth and obsession collide with a dynamic sense of desperation and unease.  The absorbing Badflower experience was presented by the amazing talents of Josh Katz on vocals and rhythm guitar, Joey Morrow on lead guitar, Alex Espiritu on bass, and Anthony Sonett on drums.  

Badflower and their audience are truly a winning combination, and this remarkable chemistry will continue to break this talented band into the stratosphere.  Expect Badflower to be headlining their very own arena shows in no time at all.  Even in the spiraling outdoor setting, Badflower adamantly inspires fans with their passionate tunes and compelling musicianship. If you are still awaiting the Shinedown / Badflower tour in arrive in your part of the world, expect a thoroughly captivating show.

(Review by Ken Morton – Photos by Jack Lue)

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