Shinedown Deletes Instagram Amid New Album Tease and Festival Controversy
- - Shinedown Deletes Instagram Amid New Album Tease and Festival Controversy
Devon ForwardFebruary 10, 2026 at 2:52 AM
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Scott Legato/Getty Images for iHeartRadio
The American rock band Shinedown, which was formed in the early 2000s, confused fans with its latest move, as the group completely cleared its Instagram account, leaving fans with plenty of questions about the reason behind the decision.
While there are officially no posts on the account anymore, the group teased what it all could mean with a temporary post on Shinedown's Instagram Stories, with the band re-sharing band member Brent Smith's video of a music recording studio with text over it simply reading, "EIGHT."
Although it's not confirmed, this likely refers to the band's highly anticipated next album, which will be the group's eighth studio album.
In recent months, members of the band have excitedly teased the new album, although fans are still eagerly awaiting any concrete details. In January, drummer Barry Kerch stated on The Mistress Carrie Podcast, "I know the announcement's coming out this month. This month, the announcement will be made, and the album title, everything will be out there, and a date for the release will be out there this month."
Unfortunately, that didn't end up happening, leaving fans confused about what's going on. While it's still unclear what the social media wipe means, it seems likely that this could be connected to the upcoming new music.
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While the band's Instagram account is cleared, various band members still have content about the group on their accounts, such as clips from past performances or personal messages. There are also videos and pictures still visible on Shinedown's account in the various Highlights.
Related: Rock Star Catches on Fire in Mid-Concert Mishap, Concerning Fans
Along with the new album expected to drop this year, Shinedown recently drew attention for its decision to pull out of a controversial music festival called Rock the Country.
On Friday, Feb. 6, the group shared a since-deleted message about the decision not to perform in the festival, saying, "SHINEDOWN is everyone’s band. We feel that we have been given a platform to bring all people together through the power of music and song."
The message went on, "We have one BOSS, and it is everyone in the audience. Our band’s purpose is to unite, not divide. With that in mind, we have made the decision that we will not be playing the Rock The Country Festival.”
Creed and Ludacris also pulled out of the festival around the same time as Shinedown.
Related: Legendary Hard Rock Band Drops New Music Video After Grand Ole Opry Debut
This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
