The Shinedown Performance That Changed My Life at KLAQ Streetfest

As 2026 rolls on, El Paso is getting ready for Shinedown's big return to the Sun City; August 2nd at the Don Haskins Center. As someone who's seen Shinedown twice (once being their 2018 Speaking Rock concert), they really hold a special place in my heart. Not only were they one of my favorite bands during the mid-2000s, but they were part of my Downtown Streetfest concert experience I'll never forget: the 2008 KLAQ Downtown Streetfest.

KLAQ

Why the 2008 Downtown Streetfest was Daniel's favorite

Nearly 20 years ago on June 27, I was only 15 years old when I saw Shinedown help close out an already incredible night: Endeverafter started off the show & Alter Bridge (another band I was SO EXCITED to see live) was right afterwards. Even though weather tried to stop Alter Bridge during their set, that didn't stop them! Already, I was pretty happy with both bands & their sets. The fireworks display was right afterwards, as if to say: "yeah...we're having a great time! But we ain't done yet..."

Finally...you had Shinedown kick off their set with my favorite song of theirs PERIOD:

I'll never forget how excited I was to see Shinedown start their set with, in my opinion, their best song off of the Sound of Madness album. I can never NOT think of that memory anytime I listen to that song, let alone that entire album.

Now I've already mentioned that the 2008 Downtown Streetfest was my VERY first one I ever went to; I talked about MANY Streetfest memories on our Instagram account & our Facebook page so feel free to check it out & leave yours in the comments!

The other reason why this concert will always special to me is that, besides seeing Trans-Siberian Orchestra in 2005, this was the very first music festival I EVER went to in my whole life. Nearly 20 years after that show, the 2008 Downtown Streetfest set the standard for music festivals for me & it was a huge thanks to Shinedown for making me appreciate live music.

I'm not the only one with some special memories of Downtown Streetfest; Dubba G's got some special memories of his own which you can read here.

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