My wife and I were at this very show. During this monolog, I promise, there were hardly any dry eyes. Even if a person isn't struggling themselves, they know someone who is. Thank you Brent, Zack and all associated with Shinedown and Smith & Myers! Let's all have that awkward discussion with somebody! Want to make a difference in this world? Have that discussion!!!

This is a REMINDER to THOSE who are struggling and The Band is letting PEOPLE KNOW they ARE NOT ALONE 🕊️

He is hands down one of the greatest voices in music today, glad he has battled his monsters and staying sober.

I'm proud of you Brent ❤️ Admitting that in front of that many people and the fact that your sober today is awesome and gives other's hope that They too can do it also!! Ive struggled in my life with it also, addiction definitely is a Monster that we'll have the rest of our lives!!! You're doing great 👍 Hang in there!! I think you are Awesome 😎😏🤓🤭🤠🤪🦋🏵️

Brent, thank you. I just started turning my life around a year ago. Took me 2 different rehab trips. But 10 months later. Stronger than ever.

Tried to take my life a week ago today. Not my brightest moment. I was in a dark corner. I thank God for the officers that found me and the facility I ended up in. I always blamed it all on me. But it’s an illness and keeping those Monsters in a cage is the hardest thing I’ve ever done! Thank you for sharing your story brother!

I don't say anything about it, but I've been sober for over two years, this time. And I listen to Smith & Myers and Shinedown almost every single day. They help!

I wish we could see Shinedown doing some colabs with Alter Bridge. Would love to see Myles and Brent singing together

I face my Monsters , demons or whatever you want to call them , i no longer fear them. I have a healthy respect for my monsters that are caged up , knowing that its not impossible for them to resurface in my life. Its only by the grace of God that I am clean and sober , been sober from alcohol for 25 years and free of drugs for 23 years. I battled with prescription drugs..

Smith & Myers ..... if you have never listened to these guys perform - not just in the music that they play but the message that they share, you have never really listened and felt the soul that really goes into their songs. Not just this song (although this is one of their best heart felt songs) you have missed the opportunity of some real heal. Honestly ... I knew that this band (way back when) was one of the best I've ever heard - told all my friends (gosh, did I just miss my chance at a promoter job - LOL - I'm talking WAY back). In all honesty - these guys are the BEST. They are STILL the best. There is no other band that continues to amaze me. That (in it's self) is quite an accomplishment. To watch you grow has been an honor. Thank you.

Monsters.. the song that gives me the STRENGTH to stand Up to my depression, PTSD, and anxiety from a past of abuse. I AM A SURVIVVOR OF MONSTERS. THANK YOU FOR A GREAT SONG THAT EMPOWERS ME AND HELPS ME RELEASE THAT ANGER AND REMEMBER WHO THE HELL I AM. BLESS YOU ALL. ❤

Very insightful, I'm 10 years sober and take it one day at a time, Thank you for being real. ❤

He is so gifted. I saw them live last night. His lyrics are meaningful. It was the best concert you could imagine.

This slower version makes it more powerful. This was so inspiring.

I battle my monsters/demons everyday...it won't ever stop, just trying to make one day at a time 💜

Shinedown got me through the darkest part of my life. An amazing band that has such pure and real music!

Omg...I LOVE that softened version. ❤

I first heard this song 6 months ago, at rock bottom. It got way worse, but it made things change. Thanks to all the strong people out there. Not alone.

This is why I love Brent Smith and Shinedown. ✌️❤️☀️⬇️

Just thanked my creator for 19 years helping me keep my monsters respectfully caged.

My brother suffers from addiction and mental health issues. I bought him a Monsters t-shirt. A year later, I haven’t seen him not wearing it. Bought him a new one at the show in Baton Rouge. Obviously the song has special meaning for him.

Thank you Brent for saying that, I'm 13 years sober and even now my monsters are still there, I couldn't have said it better myself. Beautiful version of an amazing song. Taking that breath does help and 1 day at a time is a massive thing for the people in recovery. Respect to you and all your music xx

I wake up in a good mood everyday!! It's a new day, new start. Wish I'd figured that out in my 20s and 30s.. But I figured out a long time ago about lockimg all the bad things up in an impenetrable box tucked away in my memories vault., never to open. Ive learned to forgive myself and others, never forget or I learned nothing..Took almost 20 years... BUT I GOT THIS NOW!!

Thank you ✨ I got sober just before the world shut down in early 2020. Both kids were home full time, life was insane, my PTSD was out of control. But then I found this song, and many more of Brent's and others that helped me thru. Music truly was a life saver 🙌🏻. It was a struggle, but it wasn't impossible 💛

Everything that he just said is so true. I know. This is how i have felt for a long time.

I wish they would release a live album of Smith & Meyers. I have the album and the downloads but I don’t think I will ever get to see them live. The live versions of these songs would be amazing to set back close your eyes and open your mind.

This song is so real. People used varied substances as a way to hide and cover up emotions that are too much to feel. We used because it puts a short mask on the 'too much'. I work through my work to try to offer any and every support that I can to help US all feel better. Your songs are so TRUE in meaning. Thank You Deb. LMHC

We r going on 4 and a half years sober from meth.....we went to your concert in Lincoln in 2018 I believe best by far concert I have ever been to u were just as open n vulnerable in this video as u were about the boy who lost his life to cancer n u gave him n his family a shout out n u sang get up for them I bawled I still have that video is something I look at when I have horrible days u always pull me thru

Just one of the many reasons he will always remain my favorite !

Brent, you are such an inspiration to us all! Your speech is going to help anyone struggling with addiction and also mental illness. Thank you for discussing your struggles so we know we’re not alone

I'm so happy for Shinedown and Brent. I have been clean from hard drug's for 5 years and 8 months now. When ever I feel like going back to my old ways I listen to them and I realize what I have now and I never want to go back to that life. Much love ❤️🤘🖤

I will say one thing he is what has inspired me and keeps me going even when I fall back or relapse. The whole idea of our pain is our gift is what I am trying to live day by day for.

This song is helping me so much. I play it when I am driving or at home, playing loud and shouting the lyrics. I lost my wife to cancer 2 months ago. My monsters are the pain and the repeated waves of hurt from being without the love of my live. As Brett says, my monsters are real, and they know how to kill.

This goes right to my heart as I just lost my other half 5 myths ago and he so loved this song as his monsters were real and the monsters took him away way too soon .r.i.p. Clint grey...

His story mirrors mine. This version of the song hit me deep tonight! Thanks Brent and Shinedown. Stay strong if your struggling, one day, one hour, one minute at time, you can do anything for a minute!

Oh my… I’m in tears right now. Full faced tears, running down my shirt. Thank you for this. Thank you.

Brent apears to be a REAL HUMAN and a GTREAT talent. I sure hope he keeps fighting and we dont loose him like we have so many other great voices in my life time. Saw Shinedown in 2021 and became an even bigger fan after seeing then live.

I live in chronic pain and all I can say is on really bad days I plug in my ear buds turn on my favorite band and get lost in my music..thank you!

i find it amazing how brent and zach can change their songs to adapt acoustic and they are still incredible

I'm sober as well and have the same struggles as Brent. One of the many reasons I relate to his music and this album. This album is about recognizing the struggle and recovering from it and becoming the person you were meant to be!

How are these guys not on the radio??!!!!????? I just found them and heard them for the first time!!!! They are AMAZING!!!!!

This song literally changed my life. I was struggling big time with monsters- from childhood abuse- and just being able to say "my monsters are real" and accepting that... that changed my life... understanding and facing that... THAT is a powerful moment when you can realize that, and get to that point...

Very strong to admit, but so awesome. I've been sober for a year this month. Feels so great..Be Strong Stay Strong!!! Love 💘 this song 🎵

It takes monsters to destroy us but all it takes is for us to see our reflection in the mirror , and we can put thos monsters behind us .... thanks for being a platform user to share your stories cause our monsters are real and are truly trained to kill ...

I'm so proud and inspired by you.. Seen Shinedown in Johnson City, TN and I've loved em since.. You got this Brent..

Hearing this makes the reason I fell in love with this song from the first time I heard it so clear! It is a story of where I am and where I am trying to be. Addiction, of any type , is a true monster! Thank you for being honest, and maybe helping some of us be honest with ourselves!

I instantly fell hard for Shinedown!!! I hope he continues to take good care of his fuckin' A awesome voice!! I'll never get tied of hearing all that passion his voice oozes😊keep on... keeping on...

Chills everytime I listen. Heroin is my monster 18 yrs now clean

Thankyou my hubby not well. For your musivand sweet true words healing

Thank God he's sober we need him so much. Thanku

Thank you. Your songs are the only thing that saves me when I'm at the point of giving up.

Very touching song, I think we all have monsters in our own dimension

Love all of your music! Thank you for sharing your gift with the world! Your music has helped me get through some hard times, and I will never forget the concert in Iraq when you guys came and thrashed TQ!

What a powerful monolog and life altering song. I considered myself a casual fan until Attention Attention was released. Saw them live and man, I was and continue to be hooked. Wasn't long after that I sobered up and caged my monster where it remains locked. Not a day goes by that I don't think of letting it out, but luckily hardly a day passes that I'm not reminded of the potential destruction. Thanks for sharing this live version. Wife and I see Shinedown every time they are local now, but I look forward to an opportunity to see Smith & Myers. The acoustic versions are just so much more emotional.

The 12 step program saved my life. January 12 2017 was the last time I took a drink and abused pills. Live listening to Brent talk about his journey. Makes me feel hopeful for everyone out there struggling during the fight. Stay on top and don't let anything drag you down

I'm speechless. Thank you for bearing your soul and blessing us with this song. ❤❤

Brent's words inspired me! I'm about to pour out what's left of this drink!

The best band period!

Awesome & Amazing version of song.. and I cry every single time I listen to it. Good cleaning the soul tears! ☮️💜

When yall came out with this song it really hit me Hard as cement, See I am a survivor of Sevier abuse, I chose to survive, and for me my monster is myself

I had the privilege to see Shinedown in April. Portland Me. They were amazing and awesome and gave it their all!!! Every one of the band members! They are full of heart and soul!!!

How could would it be if the world would listen to people struggling and not judge one another. The kind of people who could make a difference and use their fame to be the voice of so many unheard. My sweet B you are the voice of so many unheard. Keep advocating…..you may not save them all but if just one is touched by the messages you resonate into the universe. Then all will never be lost. I Love Shinedown and I Love You. I Have Loved watching the evolving of much beauty from the ashes that rise and I look forward to the future. With Love, Jessica

These last few years, have been hell. for everyone... last year I ended up in the hospital after swallowing 3 months worth of medications. its taken me a while to understand this. to understand that the voice in my head, that "other guy" is me. accepting that, fuck i'm not even close. but trying. I will never forget. how quickly things went from feeling "ok" to feeling like the entire universe was caving in upon me, and how that seemed in the moment like the only logical option. thank you brent for sharing these thoughts and feelings. my own head, has always been my biggest enemy. Stay strong everyone and love eachother :)

He saved me with all of his music and his personality is beautiful

Man I gotta say I’ve seen you guys 4 times and I’m a veteran and I love you guys! I remember when they hung your banner upside down in tupelo ms years ago but this hits home I do appreciate it

25 years clean from alcohol and drugs. People use because they don’t know how to function in society with the trauma they’ve endeared through life. For those who are suffering don’t EVER give up! 🙏🏼✌🏼🤘🏼

I know how hard that is to stand in front of everyone and say I have a problem. I died once and almost died again. Heroin almost ended me. I haven't used in so long. #survivor #Undefeated believe that. My life is so much better. Mad respect.

People that have never struggled with addiction have no idea about those those demons. I still struggle at 57 at times I just want to close my eyes and never wake up.

I absolutely love this song! One of the best ballads that they created. ❤

Thank you for being so honest and vulnerable with us. My monster seeks to destroy my sense of self worth and brings me down no matter how hard I work. I also suffer from depression. This song resonates deep within me! You guys are amazing and powerful. Thank you!

I'll follow you down to the eye of the storm!!!

Your shadow is your friend It reminds you your alive Even in darkness It's always by your side It is your soul projected in the light Your shadow may follow but it is your guide It may not weep but it feels your pain See your shadow is you all the same It dances with you and celebrates your joy Your shadow is your friend Not some kind of toy Even in the darkness Its always by your side Your shadow is constant It's your soul projected in the light Your shadow is the one thing you can never hide Your shadow is like having god with you at all times

FACTS BROTHER! Love this song love yall. So freaken proud of you brother! 4yrs Clean and Happily in Recovery with others fighting to keep their demons caged like us. Thanks for putting it into words the way I never could!

Big respect for you Brett! My daughter battled addiction and beat it. She is 4 years clean now. Your music has helped me deal with her addiction.

God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power love and self control.

I just hit 5 years yesterday sober!!

That is what make this song a REALLY GREAT SONG !

I needed this. Ive lost too many loved ones to their monsters and struggle with mine on a daily basis.

I love this band they got me though some hard times in my life I'm greatful 🙏

Lived it , understand it.

Miracles accure every day

You are never alone when you are struggling with things in your life no matter the situation. You have to let people in to help with the demons and monsters as hard as it is.

Oh yeah i definitely can relate..

Very inspiring and constructive Brent, particularly as my own monsters sometimes play me like a fool. Within me are many rooms. Some of which I seldom enter, as the winds are fierce in there

Thank you for sharing

What I know about you is you have a power to change lives so we are here to talk about it for you and the love we carry for you guys it will always be open arms from us your music had change my darkest days in my life I will and can admit that because I'm strong and my monsters are real

Greatly enjoyed

So proud of you!! Once we admit it outlook that our monsters are real, things are so much better. God bless you 🙏

I love that you share this to let people know that they are not alone xoxo!! I am over 7mo clean God is good Never Alone Never again 💜

My husband's monsters got the best of him! 🙏 Would love to see Shinedown in concert! S. MN, N. IA,

I'm in a year program right now. I need things like this

I so love this man and his heart❤

Saw them Wednesday for the first time. Hands down BEST CONCERT EVER ❤❤❤

thats powerful I didnt know that was the message i related to this song so much for another reason. i related to this song for my PTSD. but if you are struggling with drug use alcoholism or mental issues there are people that want to help you please be strong and dont give up.

Thank you Brent

Love this song.. love Brent's intro. Inspiring ❤

Overcoming monsters is the ultimate living 🥰

Galatians 6:8 says, "Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life". This verse clarifies the universal principle that people reap what they sow in life, in the context of the Spirit of God

Freaking phenomenal. I love them so much. 💕

Really beautiful version. Got so much respect for this guy, just a genuine person.