On a crisp and cool Texas night, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion became the epicenter of rock as Shinedown and Papa Roach, two iconic bands of the genre, joined forces to deliver an unforgettable show on October 8. The night's excitement began with an electrifying performance by Spiritbox, setting the stage for an epic evening of music.

    Spiritbox, a rising star in the world of alternative metal, opened the show with a performance that was nothing short of breathtaking. The ethereal vocals of lead singer Courtney LaPlante combined with powerful guitar riffs and thunderous drumming created an otherworldly atmosphere. They played tracks from their debut album, "Eternal Blue," and their captivating stage presence left the crowd wanting more. Spiritbox's dynamic set showcased their potential to become a headline act in the near future.

    As the night grew darker, anticipation reached its peak as Papa Roach took the stage. The California rockers wasted no time launching into a high-energy set that ignited the crowd. Frontman Jacoby Shaddix's charismatic presence was infectious, and his ability to connect with the audience was evident. The band performed hits spanning their extensive career, including "Last Resort," "Scars," and "Between Angels and Insects." Papa Roach's performance was a rollercoaster of emotions, from intense mosh pits to soulful sing-alongs.

    However, the night was far from over, as the headliner, Shinedown, emerged amidst a roar of applause and cheers. Known for their anthemic rock sound and powerful ballads, Shinedown delivered a performance that left an indelible mark on everyone present. Brent Smith's distinctive vocals resonated throughout the pavilion, backed by the exceptional musicianship of the band.

    Shinedown's setlist included a perfect mix of their chart-topping hits, such as "Second Chance," "If You Only Knew," and "45," alongside newer tracks like "Planet Zero" from their latest album. The band's production values were impressive, with dazzling visuals and an explosive light show that added to the overall experience.

    One of the standout moments of the night was when Shinedown's Brent Smith paid tribute to the late Houston KTBZ 94.5  "The Buzz"  radio personality Don Jantzen who recently passed away.  Brent noted that Don had been an early supporter of the band when they had just started getting airplay. The crowd swayed in unison, holding their lighters and phones in the air, creating a sea of lights that illuminated the Texas night sky.

    The synergy between Shinedown and Papa Roach was undeniable, as they both brought their A-game, giving fans a night of rock music they will cherish for years to come. The dual headlining act was a testament to the enduring power of rock music and its ability to unite fans from all walks of life.

    As the final chords reverberated through the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, it was clear that this show would be remembered as a defining moment in the careers of both Shinedown and Papa Roach. The cool Texas night had been set ablaze by these rock titans, leaving the crowd exhausted but exhilarated, and reaffirming the timeless appeal of live music.

Shinedown Setlist:
Verruckt
An Island
Door to Door Cannibals
Self Destructor
Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)
Young Wicked
Hats Off to the Bull
Face to the Floor
Piistol Star (Gravity Heals)
The Clincher
Forfeit
Send the Pain Below
Comfortable Liar
The Red
Mars Simula

Papa Roach Setlist:
Between Angels and Insects
Kill the Noise
Getting Away With Murder
...To Be Loved
California Love (2Pac cover)
Firestarter (The Prodigy cover)
Leave a Light On
Forever
Scars
No Apologies
Born for Greatness
Help
Last Resort

Spiritbox Setlist:
Jaded
Hurt You
Yellowjacket
Rotoscope
The Void
Circle With Me
Holy Roller