"THE SOUND OF MADNESS," the acclaimed third album from Atlantic recording group Shinedown, has been certified Gold by the RIAA, marking sales exceeding 500,000 units. The news comes as the band's single "Second Chance" has just exploded into the top 10 at CHR/Top 40 outlets nationwide and is quickly shaping up to be the Jacksonville, Florida-based quartet's biggest crossover hit to date.

Currently standing at #15 on Billboard's "Hot 100," "Second Chance" has already topped the airplay charts at Active Rock outlets, while also reaching #2 at Alternative. In addition, the single's companion video is now in "X-Large" rotation at VH1, where it is the #3 clip on the network's "Top 20 Countdown." "Second Chance" is also in "Heavy" rotation at MTV.

As if that weren't enough, Shinedown's latest single, "The Sound of Madness," is blowing up at Active Rock radio outlets across the country. The track's top 10 success marks the band's tenth consecutive top 10 showing at the format.

Shinedown -- who recently performed "Second Chance" on CBS' "The Early Show Saturday Edition" and NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" -- is currently traveling the country as both headliners and as featured artists on a number of radio-sponsored festival concerts (see below itinerary). In June, the band will cross the Atlantic for a hugely anticipated European tour, including performances at such world famous festivals as England's Download Festival, Germany's Rock am Ring and Rock im Park, and the Netherlands' Pinkpop.

Upon their return, Shinedown will team up with fellow Atlantic artists Staind and Halestorm for the much anticipated "Stimulate This!" tour. The four-band bill -- also featuring Chevelle -- is designed to offer hard rock fans maximum value at a minimal price.

Kicking off July 1st at Peoria, Illinois' PeoriaCivicCenter, the "Stimulate This!" tour will hit more than 40 US markets, including some of the hardest hit by the recession. In a show of solidarity for their fans, the four bands have worked closely with the concert promoters to create a package of exceptional value for ticket buyers. Through their collective efforts, base ticket prices will remain mostly under $40 each -- half the cost of comparable multi-band summer tour packages -- with some venues offering lawn seats for less than $10.

"We've always said that we, as a band, only answer to one boss... and that's everyone in the audience," offers Shinedown's Brent Smith. "It's our job... our privilege to offer our fans an escape. Teaming up with these other great bands, we're doing what we can to help lift everyone's spirits in these tough times... the power of music can do that."

Additionally, each stop on the "Stimulate This!" tour will include special promotions for ticket holders that will vary from market to market, but could include discounts on concessions at the venue during the show, store discounts at local retailers, and online rebates for band merchandise, to name a few.

Inspired by the bands' efforts to craft a cost-efficient tour for their fans during these hard times, Atlantic Records will give away a pair of tickets to five fans in every market who pose the best reason as to why they need a free night of rock. Fans can send their stories and enter the contest through Atlantic Records' www.atlanticrecords.com -- see website for details.

Produced by multiple Grammy award winner Rob Cavallo (Kid Rock, Green Day), "THE SOUND OF MADNESS" debuted at #8 on the Billboard 200 upon its release last summer. The album marks the dynamic hard rock band's first foray into the international marketplace, where it has been met with incredible enthusiasm, particularly in the UK: "There's little doubt that Shinedown are among the most exciting new bands around," declared Classic Rock, while Kerrang! praised Smith as "simply a masterful entertainer and frontman, a star."

"THE SOUND OF MADNESS" follows the band's RIAA platinum certified 2003 debut "LEAVE A WHISPER" and its gold certified 2005 follow-up, "US AND THEM." Both albums have yielded a staggering seven consecutive top 5 radio hits, including "Fly From the Inside," "45," and the chart-topping "Save Me."

Shinedown is Brent Smith (vocals), Barry Kerch (drums), Zach Myers (guitars), and Eric Bass (bass).

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                  SHINEDOWN - ON TOUR 2008

     7/1-8/30: "Stimulate This!" w/Staind, Chevelle, and Halestorm

                  Additional dates to be announced.

JULY

1    Peoria, IL               Peoria Civic Center

4    Detroit, MI              DTE Energy Music Theatre

7    Roanoke, VA              RoanokeConvention Center

9    Columbia, MD             Merriweather Post Pavilion

10   Gilford, NH              Meadowbrook US Cellular Pavilion

12   Saratoga Springs, NY     Saratoga PAC - WHRL Big Day Out Festival

14   Boston, MA               Bank of America Pavilion

16   Wallingford, CT          Chevrolet Theatre

17   Asbury Park, NJ          Asbury Park Convention Hall

21   Pikeville, KY            Eastern KentuckyExpoCenter

22   Corbin, KY               Southeastern KY Agricultural & Expo

24   Evansville, IN           Roberts Stadium

25   Dubuque, IA              Dubuque County Fair

26   Brookings, SD            SwiftelCenter

28   Rapid City, SD           Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Arena

29   Billings, MT             MetraPark Arena

AUGUST

10   Ridgefield, WA           The Amphitheatre at ClarkCounty

13   Denver, CO               The Fillmore Auditorium

14   Rio Rancho, NM           Santa AnaStarCenter

15   Lubbock, TX              Lonestar Amphitheater

18   Laredo, TX               LaredoEntertainmentCenter

28   Toledo, OH               Toledo Zoo Amphitheatre

30   Philadelphia, PA         Festival Pier @ Penn's Landing