Shinedown Announces New Album EI8HT and the Dance Kid Dance Act II World Tour — Everything You Need to Know
The Jacksonville rock giants drop the new single ‘Safe and Sound,’ unveil a massive 54-date world tour, and confirm their 8th studio album drops May 29. Introduction: Shinedown’s Biggest Announcement in Years
This is the announcement rock fans have been waiting for.
On February 17, 2026, Shinedown officially confirmed what four massive hit singles had been building toward for over a year: their eighth studio album, EI8HT, arrives May 29 via Atlantic Records. Alongside it comes the Dance Kid Dance Act II World Tour — 54 dates spanning 11 countries, running from May through late November 2026.
And to make the announcement even bigger, the band dropped a brand new song: ‘Safe and Sound’ — described by frontman Brent Smith as a statement to the competition about what they’re dealing with. It opens with stadium-sized guitar riffs and showcases the band at its most powerful.
This article covers everything: the album, the tracklist, the tour dates, the supporting acts, ticket information, Shinedown’s remarkable recent history, and what to expect from EI8HT.
Quick Answer — Shinedown New Album and Tour 2026
Shinedown announced their 8th studio album, EI8HT, on February 17, 2026. The album releases May 29 via Atlantic Records and contains 18 songs. The Dance Kid Dance Act II World Tour runs 54 dates across 11 countries from May 13 through late November 2026. General ticket sales begin February 20 (North America) and February 27 (Europe).
1. Shinedown EI8HT: The Announcement at a Glance
| Album Title | EI8HT (stylized) |
| Release Date | May 29, 2026 |
| Label | Atlantic Records |
| Producer | Eric Bass (bassist and longtime Shinedown member) |
| Number of Tracks | 18 all-new songs |
| Singles Released | ‘Dance, Kid, Dance,’ ‘Killing Fields,’ ‘Three Six Five,’ ‘Searchlight,’ ‘Safe and Sound’ |
| Tour Name | Dance Kid Dance Act II World Tour |
| Tour Dates | 54 dates across 11 countries — May 13 through late November 2026 |
| Tour Support | Coheed and Cambria, Black Stone Cherry, From Ashes to New, Those Damn Crows, DJ Rock Feed (select dates) |
| Ticket Pre-Sale | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 — 10 AM local time |
| General Sale (NA) | Friday, February 20, 2026 — 10 AM local time |
| General Sale (EU) | Friday, February 27, 2026 — 10 AM local time |
| Physical Formats | CD, Evergreen Vinyl, Orange Smoke Vinyl, Black First Pressing Vinyl; signed versions available |
| Pre-Order | shinedown.com |
2. What Is EI8HT? Album Details, Tracklist, and Physical Formats
EI8HT is not just the band’s eighth studio album — it is the culmination of more than a year of intensive creative work. Frontman Brent Smith made that clear in his announcement statement.
“This album is over a year in the making. Without question, as a band, we pushed ourselves like never before. Especially when it comes to Eric. Myself, Zach, and Barry are so honored to create and work with such an extraordinary producer, engineer, mixer, songwriter, musician, performer, and bandmate. We are so excited to finally announce our eighth studio album titled EI8HT alongside our Dance Kid Dance Act II World Tour.” — Brent Smith, February 17, 2026
The album was produced by Eric Bass — not just the band’s bassist, but a multi-hyphenate who handled production, engineering, and mixing. That keeps the album firmly in-house, a choice the band has made with previous records including the critically praised Planet Zero in 2022.
EI8HT contains 18 tracks — a substantial collection by any standard — and features five singles the band has already released and broken at rock radio. Four of those five singles had already been released before the album was even officially announced.
Complete EI8HT Tracklist
| # | SONG TITLE |
| 01 | At The Bottom |
| 02 | Dance, Kid, Dance ★ Single (#1 Rock Radio) |
| 03 | Burning Down The Disco |
| 04 | Three Six Five ★ Single (#1 Rock Radio) |
| 05 | Young Again |
| 06 | Dizzy |
| 07 | Imposter |
| 08 | Machine Gun |
| 09 | Outlaw |
| 10 | Safe And Sound ★ New Single |
| 11 | Searchlight ★ Single (Grand Ole Opry Debut) |
| 12 | Bear With Me |
| 13 | Deep End |
| 14 | Killing Fields ★ Single (#1 Rock Radio) |
| 15 | Back To The Living |
| 16 | Wide Open |
| 17 | So Glad You Asked |
| 18 | [Track 18 — Title TBC] |
Physical Formats Available for Pre-Order
- CD — Standard edition
- Signed CD — Limited quantities via shinedown.com
- Evergreen Vinyl — Standard vinyl pressing
- Signed Evergreen Vinyl — Limited quantities via shinedown.com
- Orange Smoke Vinyl — Exclusive colored pressing
- Black First Pressing Vinyl — Classic standard black wax for audiophiles
All physical formats plus the new EI8HT merch line are available at shinedown.com. The album is also available to pre-save across all major streaming platforms.
3. ‘Safe and Sound’: The New Single Explained
‘Safe and Sound’ is the fifth and newest single from EI8HT, released simultaneously with the album announcement on February 17, 2026.
Brent Smith offered a direct summary of the song’s spirit: ‘Safe and Sound is about reminding the competition what they are dealing with one by one.’ It is a declaration of confidence — and from a band with three #1 rock radio hits in the past year, the bravado feels earned rather than hollow.
Musically, reviewers who heard the lyric video immediately noted the song as the heaviest, most arena-ready track in the EI8HT pre-release package. It opens with massive guitar riffs and cymbal crashes and maintains that energy throughout. If ‘Searchlight’ showed the band’s emotional, introspective side — its Grand Ole Opry moment — ‘Safe and Sound’ is the counterpunch. It is Shinedown at full volume.
The official lyric video is available now on all streaming platforms. Fans can stream ‘Safe and Sound’ via Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music.
4. Singles So Far: The Road to EI8HT (2024–2026)
By the time EI8HT was officially announced, Shinedown had already spent more than a year building toward it — releasing four major singles, three of which hit #1 on US rock radio. Here is the complete picture.
| SINGLE | CHART RESULT | NOTABLE MOMENT |
| Dance, Kid, Dance | #1 US Rock Radio | 2026 iHeartRadio ‘Rock Song of the Year’ nominee |
| Killing Fields | #1 US Rock Radio | Part of band’s consecutive #1 radio streak |
| Three Six Five | #1 US Rock Radio | Third consecutive #1 from the EI8HT era |
| Searchlight | Still climbing US Rock Radio charts | World-premiered at Grand Ole Opry (introduced by Carrie Underwood) |
| Safe and Sound | Just released — Feb 17, 2026 | Released simultaneously with album/tour announcement |
5. How to Buy EI8HT: Pre-Order Options and Physical Formats
Fans can pre-order EI8HT right now through multiple channels. Here is exactly what is available and where to find it.
- Visit shinedown.com for all physical pre-orders: CD, signed CD, Evergreen Vinyl, signed Evergreen Vinyl, Orange Smoke Vinyl, and Black First Pressing Vinyl.
- Pre-save on streaming: Go to your preferred platform (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, or YouTube Music) and save EI8HT to your library before it drops May 29.
- Bundle deals: Shinedown’s official store offers new EI8HT merch bundles that include vinyl and apparel — check shinedown.com for current bundle availability.
- Signed editions: Limited quantities of signed CDs and Evergreen vinyls are available exclusively through the band’s official store. These tend to sell out quickly on major album announcement days.
6. The Dance Kid Dance Act II World Tour: Full Date Breakdown
The Dance Kid Dance Act II World Tour is Shinedown’s most ambitious touring campaign yet. It spans 54 dates across 11 countries — North America, the UK, and Europe — running from May 13 through late November 2026.
The North American leg runs May 13 through mid-September, with a June break. The European leg launches in October, beginning in Paris, and runs through late November.
North American Tour Dates
| DATE | VENUE |
| May 13 | Green Bay, WI — Resch Center |
| May 15 | Columbus, OH — Sonic Temple Festival (Headlining) |
| May 16 | Madison, WI — Kohl Center |
| May 18 | Sioux Falls, SD — Denny Sanford PREMIER Center |
| May 19 | Wichita, KS — INTRUST Bank Arena |
| May 22 | Austin, TX — Moody Center |
| May 23 | Oklahoma City, OK — Paycom Center |
| May 26 | Jacksonville, FL — VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena |
| May 28 | Estero, FL — Hertz Center |
| May 30 | Tampa, FL — Benchmark International Arena |
| June 2 | Biloxi, MS — Mississippi Coast Coliseum |
| June 5 | Norfolk, VA — Chartway Arena |
| June 6 | Hershey, PA — GIANT Center |
| July 11+ | Additional North American dates through mid-September — see shinedown.com for full routing |
NOTE: The full tour routing includes additional stops in Toronto, Albany NY, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Vancouver, and more. Visit shinedown.com for the complete itinerary. European dates launch October 2026 in Paris.
Notable Venue Highlights
- Sonic Temple 2026 (Columbus, OH — May 15): Shinedown headlines alongside Tool, My Chemical Romance, and Bring Me The Horizon. ‘We are going to go all out,’ says Brent Smith.
- Moody Center, Austin TX: One of North America’s largest indoor arenas — capacity 15,000+.
- European Leg: Kicks off in Paris, France, in October — first European dates on the new album cycle.
7. Supporting Acts: Who Is Opening for Shinedown in 2026?
This tour features some of rock’s most compelling co-headliners and support acts, rotating across different dates and regions.
| ARTIST | NOTES |
| Coheed and Cambria | Major co-headlining support on North American dates. Prog-rock giants known for The Amory Wars concept series. |
| Black Stone Cherry | Southern rock veterans supporting on select dates. Also appearing at Shinedown’s own Lunatic Ball festival. |
| From Ashes to New | Rap-rock crossover act. Select North American dates and also part of the Lunatic Ball lineup. |
| Those Damn Crows | Welsh hard rock band. Supporting on European leg dates. |
| DJ Rock Feed | Pre-show / select date support. |
Note: Supporting acts are assigned to specific dates, not all shows. Check the official Shinedown website or Ticketmaster listing for your specific date to confirm the support lineup.
8. How to Get Tickets: Pre-Sale, On-Sale Dates, and Where to Buy
Here is everything you need to know to secure your spot at the Dance Kid Dance Act II World Tour.
Pre-Sale Information
- Artist Pre-Sale: Begins Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 10 AM local time. Sign up for the pre-sale code at shinedown.com.
- Additional Pre-Sales: Credit card pre-sales (Citi, Verizon) may also be available on select dates — check Ticketmaster or your card’s offers section.
General On-Sale
- North American dates: Friday, February 20, 2026, at 10 AM local time via Ticketmaster.
- UK and European dates: Friday, February 27, 2026, at 10 AM local time.
Where to Buy
- com — official store with VIP packages, meet and greet, and fan pre-sale sign-up.
- com — general sale for all North American dates.
- com — select venues may use AXS as their ticketing platform.
- Venue box offices — always worth checking for day-of availability at local venues.
Tips to Avoid Ticket Scams
- Only buy from the official Shinedown website, Ticketmaster, AXS, or the venue box office.
- Be extremely cautious of third-party resale sites, especially for major first-day dates. Prices can be inflated 2-5x face value.
- Sign up for Shinedown’s email list for pre-sale code access — this is the cheapest and most reliable route to early tickets.
9. Lunatic Ball Beach Weekend and Sonic Temple: Shinedown’s Festival Year
Beyond the world tour, Shinedown is headlining two of 2026’s most anticipated rock festivals — one they created themselves.
Lunatic Ball Beach Weekend (October 23-25, 2026)
Shinedown’s first-ever self-curated festival event takes place October 23-25, 2026, in Miramar Beach, Florida — a beachside destination experience unlike any typical arena show.
The three-day lineup features Shinedown performing two unique headlining sets — meaning fans will hear two entirely different shows across the weekend. The supporting lineup currently includes Bush, Flyleaf (with Lacey Sturm), Living Colour, Hanson, From Ashes to New, Guardians of the Jukebox, Neon Mooners, and more to be announced.
Tickets and information are available at shinedown.com.
Sonic Temple 2026 (May 14-17, Columbus, Ohio)
Shinedown also co-headlines Sonic Temple 2026 — one of the biggest rock festivals in the United States — at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
They share the headliner slot with Tool, My Chemical Romance, and Bring Me The Horizon. Shinedown’s set on May 15 aligns with the tour’s opening weekend, making it a pivotal moment in the EI8HT album cycle.
“Barry, Zach, Eric and I have waited for this opportunity to be a headliner at Sonic Temple for a very long time. We are going to go all out for this performance. We know the fans have very high expectations.” — Brent Smith on Sonic Temple 2026
10. Shinedown’s Recent Milestones: MSG, iHeartRadio, and $300K for Charity
This announcement comes at a moment of extraordinary momentum for Shinedown. The band is not simply returning from a quiet period — they are riding the most dominant stretch of their career.
Madison Square Garden Sellout
During the Dance Kid Dance tour, Shinedown sold out Madison Square Garden in New York City for the first time in their career. MSG is considered the ultimate benchmark for arena rock success in America. For a band from Jacksonville, Florida, that has been grinding since 2001, it represents a career-defining achievement.
iHeartRadio Awards: 2025 and 2026
At the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, Shinedown won both Rock Artist of the Year and Rock Song of the Year for ‘A Symptom of Being Human’ — marking the second consecutive year they claimed those honors. Looking ahead to the 2026 ceremony on March 26 in Los Angeles, the band is nominated for Rock Artist of the Year, Duo/Group of the Year, and Rock Song of the Year for ‘Dance, Kid, Dance.’
$300,000 Raised for Musicians On Call
The Dance Kid Dance tour raised $300,000 for Musicians On Call — a charity that brings live music to patients in healthcare settings — through a $1-per-ticket donation program. For a band that has consistently woven philanthropy into their touring operations, it represents a meaningful legacy beyond chart positions.
The Grand Ole Opry Debut
In October 2025, Shinedown played the Grand Ole Opry — introduced by Carrie Underwood — and debuted ‘Searchlight’ live for the first time. By Brent Smith’s account, the song came to him fully formed: ‘Sometimes when you listen close enough to the universe and you’re willing to receive something from it — a song can come out of thin air.’
11. Shinedown’s Discography: EI8HT in Context
EI8HT is the band’s eighth studio record. Here is every Shinedown album, in order, so you can see exactly how far they have come.
| YEAR | ALBUM | KEY TRACK / NOTE |
| 2003 | Leave a Whisper | Breakthrough debut; ’45’ becomes a rock radio classic |
| 2005 | Us and Them | Consolidated their growing hard rock fanbase |
| 2008 | The Sound of Madness | Platinum certified; ‘Second Chance’ becomes a massive mainstream crossover hit |
| 2012 | Amaryllis | Debuted at #4 on Billboard 200; ‘Bully’ was a cultural moment in anti-bullying conversations |
| 2015 | Threat to Survival | Delivered ‘Cut the Cord,’ which won Best Rock Song at the Grammys |
| 2018 | ATTENTION ATTENTION | Concept album exploring mental health; ‘DEVIL’ was the lead single |
| 2022 | Planet Zero | Critically praised political concept album; ‘A Symptom of Being Human’ won 2024 and 2025 iHeartRadio Awards |
| 2026 | EI8HT | OUT MAY 29 — 18 songs. 5 singles. 54-date world tour. |
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Shinedown’s new album?
Shinedown’s new album is called EI8HT. It is their eighth studio album and contains 18 songs. It was announced on February 17, 2026, and releases May 29, 2026, via Atlantic Records. The album was produced by Eric Bass, the band’s bassist.
When does Shinedown’s new album come out?
EI8HT releases on May 29, 2026. It is available for pre-order now at shinedown.com and can be pre-saved on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
What are the tour dates for Shinedown in 2026?
The Dance Kid Dance Act II World Tour kicks off May 13 in Green Bay, WI, and runs through late November. The North American leg runs May through mid-September. The European leg begins in Paris in October. General North American ticket sales begin February 20, 2026. A pre-sale begins February 18 for fans who sign up at shinedown.com.
Who is opening for Shinedown on the 2026 tour?
Shinedown’s support acts include Coheed and Cambria, Black Stone Cherry, From Ashes to New, Those Damn Crows, and DJ Rock Feed on select dates. Specific support acts vary by show — check the official Shinedown website for your date.
What singles are on EI8HT?
EI8HT includes five pre-release singles: ‘Dance, Kid, Dance,’ ‘Killing Fields,’ and ‘Three Six Five’ (all #1 on US Rock Radio); ‘Searchlight’ (premiered at the Grand Ole Opry and still climbing); and ‘Safe and Sound,’ released February 17, 2026 simultaneously with the album announcement.
What formats is EI8HT available in?
EI8HT is available on CD, signed CD (limited), Evergreen Vinyl, signed Evergreen Vinyl (limited), Orange Smoke Vinyl, and Black First Pressing Vinyl. All physical formats are available at shinedown.com. Digital pre-saves are available on all major streaming platforms.
What is Shinedown’s Lunatic Ball festival?
Lunatic Ball Beach Weekend is Shinedown’s first-ever self-curated festival event. It takes place October 23-25, 2026, in Miramar Beach, Florida. The three-day event features two unique Shinedown headlining sets, plus performances from Bush, Flyleaf with Lacey Sturm, Living Colour, Hanson, From Ashes to New, and more.
Are Shinedown headlining Sonic Temple 2026?
Yes. Shinedown co-headlines Sonic Temple 2026 at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, on May 14-17. They share the top billing with Tool, My Chemical Romance, and Bring Me The Horizon. Their set is on May 15.
What happened with Shinedown and Rock the Country?
Shinedown was originally announced as a headliner for Rock the Country 2026 but pulled out of the festival. The band posted a statement citing division among their fanbase as the reason for their withdrawal, saying: ‘Shinedown is everyone’s band.’ Creed was removed from the bill shortly after and the South Carolina stop was canceled.
Has Shinedown won any awards recently?
Yes. At the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, Shinedown won both Rock Artist of the Year and Rock Song of the Year for ‘A Symptom of Being Human.’ At the upcoming 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards (March 26 in Los Angeles), they are nominated for Rock Artist of the Year, Duo/Group of the Year, and Rock Song of the Year for ‘Dance, Kid, Dance.’
13. Key Takeaways
- Shinedown’s eighth studio album EI8HT releases May 29, 2026, via Atlantic Records. It contains 18 songs and was produced by Eric Bass.
- The new single ‘Safe and Sound’ dropped February 17, 2026, alongside the album announcement. It is available on all streaming platforms now.
- Three pre-release singles — ‘Dance, Kid, Dance,’ ‘Killing Fields,’ and ‘Three Six Five’ — hit #1 on US Rock Radio. ‘Searchlight’ is still climbing.
- The Dance Kid Dance Act II World Tour spans 54 dates across 11 countries. North American dates run May 13 through mid-September; European dates begin in October.
- Supporting acts include Coheed and Cambria, Black Stone Cherry, From Ashes to New, Those Damn Crows, and DJ Rock Feed on select dates.
- Pre-sale tickets are available Wednesday, February 18 (sign up at shinedown.com). General sale begins February 20 (North America) and February 27 (Europe).
- Shinedown headlines Sonic Temple 2026 on May 15 alongside Tool, MCR, and Bring Me The Horizon.
- The band’s own Lunatic Ball Beach Weekend festival runs October 23-25 in Miramar Beach, Florida.
- EI8HT can be pre-ordered at shinedown.com in multiple physical formats, including colored vinyl and signed editions.
Sources
This article draws on reporting from the following credible outlets:
- net — full album and tour announcement coverage, February 17, 2026
- net — new single streaming, tracklist, and tour date confirmation
- com — tour date breakdown and ticket sale information
- com — festival news including Sonic Temple and Lunatic Ball
- com — iHeartRadio awards and band milestones
- com — accessible tour announcement summary
- com — album details and Brent Smith quote sourcing
- tv — earlier 2025 tour context and supporting act profiles
Published February 17, 2026 • Developing Story — Full Tour Dates Updating • Check Back for EI8HT Reviews After May 29
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