Smith & Myers @ Worcester Palladium 12/8/21

Shinedown’s Brent Smith and Zach Myers first launched their side project in 2014 after overwhelming amounts of fans had requested the band record cover songs.

The two decided to give the fans what they wanted and play stripped-down versions of some of the most requested covers. From there the project blossomed and has since produced two full-length albums mixing covers and original songs. The pair have also managed to take the project to the stages, touring away from the arenas and massive production of a Shinedown show. Last week, they brought their show to chilly Worcester, MA where frigid temperatures and snow were not enough to keep fans away.

Of course, not all songs can be brought to life with just vocals and one guitar. That’s where Zack Mack and J.R. Moore come in. The pair play backup to Smith and Myers playing everything from electric guitars to drum pads. Before Smith & Myers played, Mack and Moore got their own chance in the spotlight, playing an opening set together that consisted of a couple of covers and a few of each musician’s original music.

Then it was time for Smith & Myers to come out for their set, after opening with a cover of Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell” that started with Zach Myers on the keyboard, both musicians to a second to comment on just how cold it was inside and outside of the venue. Hailing from Florida, the New England weather was a bit of a culture shock to the band. The rest of the night they would trade-off between covers of popular songs, Shinedown songs, and Smith & Myers originals. Covers included the Oasis classic “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” INXS’ “Never Tear Us Apart” and “Fat Bottomed Girls” by Queen. Shinedown songs included “I’ll Follow You,” “Sound of Madness,” and “Second Chance.” Original songs included “New School Shiver,” “Bad at Love,” and “Not Mad Enough.” It was a very different experience and setting to see some of these songs performed in, as many fans are used to Shinedown shows with big arena production like flames and second stages. Seeing Smith & Myers stripped down acoustically together provided a more intimate look at some of Shinedown’s most popular songs. Shinedown fans, and music fans in general walked away from the show with a new perspective on some songs, and possibly a little snow on their car.