Review Scene: Shinedown, Bush, Coast Arcade – John Cain Arena by Anna-Maria Megalogenis

Shinedown by Mary Boukouvalas__1 — Photo by Mary Boukouvalas

On paper, Bush and Shinedown might seem like an unlikely pairing. Bush emerged from the UK in 1992 with their distinctive alternative-rock sound, while Shinedown who formed in 2001, have built their reputation as one of America’s hard rock heavyweights. What brings them together is the longstanding friendship between their frontmen, Bush’s Gavin Rossdale and Shinedown’s Brent Smith. That bond has already translated into a successful US tour and now brings the two bands to Australia, where they take turns headlining each night — giving fans the chance to experience two very different rock acts sharing the same stage.

New Zealand indie-rock darlings Coast Arcade turned the volume up to an ear-bleeding level, opening their set with “Afterthought.” Founding member/ guitarist Bella Bevin lulled the crowd into submission, her melodic vocals serving as a soft foil to the band’s intense, 90’s guitar-driven sound. She thanks the crowd for coming early to check them out. Drawing from their 2025 self- titled debut album, Bevin, co-founder and drummer Thom Boynton, guitarist Arlo Birss and bassist Leo Spykerman, do a great job of rousing the throng. Forming in high school in 2021, their youth belies their gritty, mature sound. Standouts include “Cycle”, a blistering take on Velvet Revolver’s “Slither,” and “Baited.”

Flickering white and blue lights wash over the stage, signalling the arrival of Bush. Drummer Nik Hughes takes his place behind the kit, and the rest of the band follow suit; “Everything Zen,” from their 1994 multi-platinum debut album Sixteen Stone, kicks off the set, immediately inciting a mass singalong. The set draws heavily from the band’s early career, while also making room for newer material from their tenth studio album, I Beat Loneliness, released in 2025. At the centre of it all is charismatic frontman and rhythm guitarist Gavin Rossdale, delivering each song with his signature baritone voice and an unmistakable stage presence.

By the second song, “Quicksand,” from 2020’s The Kingdom, Rossdale is already working the barrier, reaching out to fans and feeding off the energy from the front row. Newer track “The Land of Milk and Honey” lands just as strongly, embraced by a crowd that spans generations of Bush devotees. Then comes the unmistakable opening riff of “Machinehead,” the old chestnut from their debut album, and the room erupts. Chris Traynor’s sharp, infectious guitar work drives the song forward, while bassist Corey Britz locks into the groove and keeps the low-end rumbling beneath the thunderous riffs. Behind them, drummer Hughes pounds his kit with wild abandon, driving the song to its explosive peak. “Thanks for showing up. We appreciate you,” declares Rossdale.

Reminiscing about the late Peter Katsis, longtime friend and manager who passed away in August, Rossdale asks us to turn the lights on their phone in dedication. It’s a poignant moment during the show.

Later in the evening Rossdale straps on his acoustic guitar for a solo rendition of “Glycerine,” a veritable highlight amongst a plethora of hits. During “Flowers on a Grave” he ventures into the crowd, where he is high fived and hugged by both male and female members of the audience, on all sides of the stadium, much to their delight. “It’s good to see everyone. I don’t do it every night because it becomes formulaic,” explains Rossdale. “Comedown,” from their hit laden debut brings a memorable and entertaining show to a close.

As Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” blares through the speakers, TV Guy—clad in black and white and sporting a retro TV for a head—warms up the crowd with his humorous antics and energetic dance moves, providing an unexpected moment of humour during the show.

It’s been 16 years since Shinedown have played Melbourne and once the four members take to the stage, they are greeted by deafening screams and roaring cheers from the audience.

Opening with “Safe and Sound,” from their eighth studio album, Ei8ht, Shinedown waste no time making their presence felt. Frontman and founding member Brent Smith’s powerhouse vocals, with a country twang, soar above Zach Myers’ explosive guitar riffs, while Barry Kerch’s machine-gun drumming and Eric Bass’ gargantuan low end drive the song forward. All of it is punctuated by timed and copious pyrotechnics, turning the opening number into an all-out assault on the senses. The intensity never abates, with a relentless barrage of fireworks and pyrotechnics keeping the energy at fever pitch throughout the entire show. (The special effects are secondary to the music and enhance the viewing experience rather than overtake it). “Fly from the Inside,” off their 2003 debut album Leave a Whisper packs a punch. Shinedown boast the most number one hits at 24 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock charts, so it’s unsurprising that they are a formidable live act. Shinedown’s repertoire focuses on mental health, resilience, and connecting with their fans. This is evident by Smith stopping to see if a guy in the pit was Ok, inviting him to view the band on stage. Stripped back song “45” off of their platinum debut, showcases Smith’s soulful vocals

“It’s an honour and a privilege you’ve shown up tonight with everything happening in the city,” exclaims Smith. During “Enemies” Smith parts the crowd and states “This ain’t a funeral, this ain’t a library, asking us all to stand up and jump at the count of three. “Kryptonite,” the 3 Doors Down cover performed by guitarist Zach Myers is dedicated to the 3 Doors Down late singer and founding member Brad Arnold who died earlier this year. The Lynard Skynard cover, “Simple Man,” off their platinum debut is another veritable highlight and Shinedown end on a high note, with the ballad “Second Chance,” “the song that introduced us to you and you to us,” inciting a sing along en masse.

With two different and commanding performances; from Bush’s nostalgic guitar driven songs, and Rossdale’s charismatic persona to Shinedown’s hard rock explosive production and Smith’s command of the audience, Melbourne fans were treated to a celebration of rock in all its forms.