By Peggy Phillips –
Kia Forum (The Hollywood Times) 08/03/2024
What a night at the Kia Forum on August 3rd. I went in expecting a great show, and walked out feeling like I’d just been part of something bigger.
The Dance, Kid, Dance tour lineup was stacked: Morgan Wade opened the night with an honest, emotionally raw set. Her voice cut straight through, no gimmicks, just powerful songs and a quiet confidence that had the audience tuned in from the first note.
Then came Bush, and they absolutely crushed it. Bush, a British rock band formed in London in 1992, delivered a strong performance. Front man Gavin Rossdale displayed a dynamic stage presence, moving around the main stage, climbing into the stands, and using the runways to connect with the audience. He spent more time among the fans than on the main stage, showcasing his veteran live performance skills. It was a powerful and unforgettable, tight, almost hour-long set that perfectly set the stage for Shinedown.
Shinedown’s set had everything, explosive energy, an elaborate stage design, and a massive dose of pyro that could be feltin the crowd. From the first blast during “Dance, Kid, Dance,” the energy in the room shot through the roof and never let up.
The stage layout featured multiple levels, including a main stage and a B-stage, connected by extended runways. The B-stage had additional splits forming a Y-shape that reached further into the crowd. This layout gave the band room to move and interact throughout the venue, making every seat feel like a front-row experience.
Brent Smith sounded phenomenal. His vocals were flawless, but what stood out most was his connection with the audience. He spoke from the heart about resilience, unity, and not giving up, reminding us that love is stronger than hate, and encouraging everyone to hang in there.
The setlist was perfectly curated. Fan favorites like “Second Chance,” “Sound of Madness,” and “Diamond Eyes” delivered big moments, showcased the band’s emotional depth and musical range. Every choice felt purposeful.
Check out some videos of the concert:
And one thing I really respect, the band donated to both the LA fire victims and Musicians On Call, an organization that brings live music to hospital patients. That kind of generosity speaks volumes about who they are, not just as performers, but as people.
I’ve seen a lot of concerts at the Forum, but this one stood out, not just for the music or visuals, but for the heart behind it all. Everyone was connected, singing along. Shinedown reminded us why live music matters. It wasn’t just a show, it was an experience that left the whole room craving more.
