Shinedown sets stage ablaze in Des Moines, Iowa

Shinedown brought their Revolution’s Live Tour to the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa on April 12th. Supporting Shinedown were The Pretty Reckless and Diamante. Rather than the usual square stage, with standing room directly in front of it, this stage was assembled into a T-shaped catwalk, with fans on three sides.

This layout provided a feeling of intimacy, despite the show being in a large arena.

Diamante kicked off the night with a dazzling performance. Smiling and personable, her energy was infectious. The crowd seemed to love her: they screamed and reached toward her each time she kneeled down at the edges of the stage.

The Pretty Reckless then followed up. While the previous act’s sound had been more pop rock, The Pretty Reckless was more traditional rock and roll… the crowd loved them all the same. Frontwoman Taylor Momsen told the crowd that the band was happy to be welcomed back so warmly to playing shows, as this was their first tour in five years.

Shinedown closed out the show. After all four of the band members walked down the catwalk and waved to the crowd, they took their places onstage near their respective instruments as literal sparks flew. They started the show strong, with pyrotechnics shooting out of the stage for the entirety of the first song, alternating between streams of sparklers and fire. Shinedown carried that same level of shock and awe throughout their entire set, even throwing in a couple Foo Fighters and Lynyrd Skynyrd covers! They brought this fiery night to a close with their 2008 hit single, “Sound of Madness”.

Photography by Jayme Bigger

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