Brent Smith, the commanding vocalist of the multiplatinum rock band SHINEDOWN, and Zach Myers, the band’s dynamic guitarist, are set to embark on an intimate acoustic tour under their duo moniker, SMITH & MYERS, this coming winter. The highly anticipated 11-city North American tour is scheduled to commence on December 1, 2026, in St. Augustine, Florida, and will conclude on December 18, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. This announcement arrives amidst SHINEDOWN’s continued groundbreaking success, underscoring the multifaceted careers of its core members. Tickets for the SMITH & MYERS tour are slated to go on sale on September 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. local time, with various artist and venue presales anticipated earlier in the week, offering dedicated fans ample opportunity to secure their attendance.
The SMITH & MYERS live experience is renowned for its profound intimacy and spontaneous nature, a testament to the deep-seated chemistry between Smith and Myers, who have been bandmates and friends for decades. Their performances strip away the elaborate production of SHINEDOWN’s stadium shows, focusing solely on the raw power of their voices and instrumental prowess. This upcoming tour marks the duo’s most extensive run of dates since the release of their critically acclaimed double album, "Volume 1" and "Volume 2," further solidifying their distinct artistic identity outside the framework of their chart-topping rock band.
The Genesis and Evolution of SMITH & MYERS
The SMITH & MYERS project first took root in 2014, offering fans a glimpse into the artists’ more introspective and stripped-down sensibilities. Initially, the duo released a pair of acoustic cover EPs, "Acoustic Sessions, Part 1" and "Acoustic Sessions, Part 2." These EPs showcased their ability to reimagine a diverse range of songs from various artists, demonstrating a keen understanding of songwriting and vocal harmony. The positive reception to these initial releases paved the way for their first full-length original material as a duo.
In 2022, SMITH & MYERS unveiled their ambitious double album, "Volume 1" and "Volume 2." These albums were meticulously produced by the Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter Dave Bassett, known for his work with numerous chart-topping artists. The double album offered a rich tapestry of original compositions, showcasing the creative synergy between Smith and Myers. It explored themes ranging from personal reflection and vulnerability to broader societal observations, all delivered through their signature melodic and heartfelt approach. The project also featured inventive reinterpretations of songs by iconic artists such as Neil Young, Billie Eilish, Post Malone, Peter Gabriel, and R.E.M., further highlighting their eclectic musical influences and interpretive talent. This deliberate expansion of their repertoire as a duo has cultivated a dedicated fanbase eager for these more personal performances.
SHINEDOWN’s Unprecedented Chart Dominance
The timing of the SMITH & MYERS tour announcement is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with SHINEDOWN’s continued trajectory of historic success in the rock music landscape. The band’s latest album, "Ei8ht," released on Atlantic Records, has further cemented their status as one of the most enduring and successful rock acts of the modern era. SHINEDOWN’s career boasts an impressive catalog of over 8.3 billion global streams, with more than 10 million albums sold worldwide. Their singles have achieved remarkable commercial and critical acclaim, with 15 platinum and gold certifications, notably extending this recognition across their entire discography.
SHINEDOWN holds the unparalleled distinction of holding the all-time record for the most No. 1 singles on both Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, with an astounding 23 chart-toppers to date, and the Mediabase Active Rock chart, where they have amassed 25 No. 1 hits. This consistent dominance on rock radio charts is a rare feat, indicative of their enduring appeal and their ability to consistently produce radio-friendly yet impactful rock anthems. Furthermore, the band has been recognized with back-to-back wins for "Rock Artist Of The Year" at the prestigious iHeartRadio Music Awards, a testament to their widespread popularity and influence within the genre.
A Global Presence: SHINEDOWN’s World Tour
Currently, SHINEDOWN is actively engaged in their "Dance, Kid, Dance Act II" world tour, a global undertaking that spans 11 countries. This extensive international circuit serves to support their latest album, "Ei8ht," and allows them to connect with their passionate fanbase across diverse markets. The tour’s success further amplifies the band’s global reach and their reputation as a formidable live act, capable of captivating audiences in arenas and stadiums worldwide. The juxtaposition of SHINEDOWN’s high-energy global performances with the intimate acoustic settings of SMITH & MYERS highlights the versatility and artistic breadth of Smith and Myers.
SMITH & MYERS 2026 North American Tour Dates and Venues
The upcoming SMITH & MYERS acoustic tour will traverse a variety of iconic venues across North America, offering fans intimate settings to experience their stripped-down performances. The itinerary is as follows:
- December 1, 2026: St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre
- December 3, 2026: Minneapolis, MN – Target Center
- December 4, 2026: Green Bay, WI – EPIC Event Center
- December 6, 2026: Chicago, IL – House of Blues
- December 8, 2026: Boston, MA – House of Blues
- December 9, 2026: Jersey City, NJ – Loew’s Jersey Theatre
- December 11, 2026: Baltimore, MD – Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena
- December 13, 2026: Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre
- December 15, 2026: Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
- December 16, 2026: Dallas, TX – House of Blues
- December 18, 2026: Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
The selection of these venues, ranging from historic theaters like the Ryman Auditorium to renowned music halls, suggests a curated experience designed to complement the intimate nature of the acoustic performances. The inclusion of multiple House of Blues locations across different cities further caters to a dedicated rock and alternative music audience.
Implications and Fan Engagement
The SMITH & MYERS tour presents a unique opportunity for fans to connect with Brent Smith and Zach Myers on a more personal level. In an era dominated by large-scale productions, the duo’s commitment to stripped-down performances offers a refreshing and authentic musical experience. This initiative allows fans to appreciate the songwriting craftsmanship and vocal harmonies that form the bedrock of SHINEDOWN’s success, presented in a more vulnerable and direct format.
The parallel success of SHINEDOWN and the continued development of the SMITH & MYERS project underscore the artistic evolution and enduring appeal of its core members. This dual approach allows Smith and Myers to explore different facets of their musicality, catering to a broader range of fan preferences and artistic expressions. The consistent demand for both SHINEDOWN’s full-band endeavors and SMITH & MYERS’s intimate shows speaks volumes about their established fanbase and their ability to continually engage and excite their audience. As SHINEDOWN continues to break records and achieve new heights in the mainstream rock sphere, SMITH & MYERS provides a crucial counterpoint, offering a space for raw musicality and intimate storytelling that resonates deeply with listeners. The winter tour promises to be a highlight of the year for fans seeking a more personal and resonant musical encounter.
The announcement has generated considerable excitement within the music community and among SHINEDOWN’s dedicated fanbase, often referred to as "The Shinedown Army." Social media channels have been abuzz with discussions about potential setlists, the possibility of hearing fan-favorite deep cuts from SHINEDOWN’s catalog reimagined acoustically, and the anticipation of witnessing the palpable camaraderie between Smith and Myers in a live setting. The carefully chosen venues, many of which are historic and known for their excellent acoustics, further enhance the appeal of these intimate performances. The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, often called the "Mother Church of Country Music," is a particularly prestigious booking, signaling the duo’s respect for musical heritage and their confidence in delivering a powerful performance in such an iconic space.
For fans who have followed Smith and Myers’ careers since the early days of SHINEDOWN, this tour offers a journey through their artistic evolution. The "Acoustic Sessions" EPs provided the initial blueprint for their stripped-down sound, and the "Volume 1" and "Volume 2" albums expanded upon this foundation with original material that showcased their songwriting maturity. This tour represents the culmination of that journey, bringing these beloved songs and intimate interpretations to a live audience. The contrast between the arena-filling power of SHINEDOWN and the intimate, conversational atmosphere of a SMITH & MYERS show highlights the dynamic range and artistic depth of these two musicians, proving that their connection with their audience transcends genre and scale. The winter 2026 tour is poised to be a significant event, offering a chance to experience the heart and soul of their music in its purest form.
