In a candid interview with Rock 102.1 KFMA’s Razor, Shinedown guitarist Zach Myers offered insight into the recent decision by bassist Eric Bass to step away from touring to prioritize his mental health. Bass’s announcement, made via an Instagram Reel on July 10th, preceded the current North American leg of the band’s "Dance, Kid, Dance Act II" world tour. Myers detailed the band’s immediate response, the depth of Bass’s contributions, and reaffirmed Shinedown’s long-standing dedication to mental health advocacy, a cause they have championed for over a decade.
Band Solidarity Amidst Personal Challenges
Myers articulated the demanding nature of life as a touring musician, emphasizing that Shinedown’s commitment is a full-time endeavor. He elaborated on the distinct roles within the band, highlighting Bass’s primary focus on the creative and production aspects of their music. "For me, it all comes to the touring side, like designing the production, designing the stage, making the setlist, kind of picking where we play, picking the bands we play with," Myers explained. "On Eric’s side, it’s writing, making the record, mixing the record – all these things."
This division of labor, Myers suggested, underscored why Bass might require a period of respite. "And I think that when you do that and you go back on the road, I just think he needed a little bit of a break," he stated. Myers admitted to experiencing similar needs for breaks himself, though his have fortunately coincided with periods when the band was not actively touring. "I’ve definitely needed those breaks before too. Luckily, they just kind of fell when we weren’t on tour."
The guitarist stressed the importance of Bass’s decision, framing it as a necessary step for personal well-being. "So I think it was important for him to kind of take a mental stock and take a step back and just kind of take some time at home, and that’s what he’s doing right now." Myers expressed optimism about Bass’s eventual return, noting, "I think he’ll be back sooner than later, if I’m being honest."
To ensure continuity during Bass’s absence, Shinedown enlisted the talents of two accomplished musicians: Josh Sturm, known for his work with the band Kairos and as the husband of Flyleaf’s Lacey Sturm, and Zack Mack, who collaborates with Myers and Shinedown frontman Brent Smith in their side project, Smith & Myers. Myers playfully acknowledged the significant undertaking of replacing Bass, telling his bandmate, "I told Eric, I go, ‘You gotta take some pride in the fact that it takes two people to fill in for you, because you do so many things.’"
The transition, despite its suddenness, has been remarkably smooth, a testament to the musicians’ skill and dedication. "It’s been amazing, though, man. Josh knew most of the catalog, but pretty much both those guys learned 45 songs in four days," Myers revealed, underscoring the rigorous preparation undertaken by Sturm and Mack.
A History of Mental Health Advocacy
Shinedown’s proactive stance on mental health is not a new development. For over a decade, the band has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Their commitment has been demonstrated through extensive partnerships with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), including donating proceeds from ticket sales, hosting local AFSP chapters at their concerts, and openly discussing their personal experiences with depression and addiction.
Myers elaborated on the impact of their public dialogue, particularly during live performances. "I think that us talking about it [during our live shows], it means a lot to a lot of people because if it even opens up the conversation…" he stated, gesturing towards his smartphone. "We live inside of these things. This is not a good place to live, because it can cater to you or it can hurt you."
He further illustrated the pervasive nature of online negativity, a stark contrast to the communal experience of a live concert. "We always joke about, like, you’ll post something, and there’ll be – whatever – 11,000 comments. And you’ll instantly go to the bad one, and you’re just skipping all… We live in a world where we skip positivity to search for negativity. That’s just human nature."
This understanding of human psychology informs Shinedown’s approach to their live shows. "So the fact that that is a thing, to us, when people get out and they get in that room and they get into an arena with us…" Myers paused, reflecting on their ethos. "We talked about this the other day. I forgot who I was talking about this. It was the guys from Skillet. I love all music. I love going to shows. It’s my favorite thing to do."
Myers’ passion for live music extends to attending shows by other artists, even when it requires considerable effort. "Every time we have a day off in a city and there’s a band playing, even if I’ve never even heard of the band, I’m gonna go see the show. But we live in a world where it’s, like, a lot of bands go on stage and just kind of yell at people all the time, and ‘M.F. this’."
Shinedown consciously chooses a different path. "It’s, like, we just choose not to do that. I have no problem with people who do it, but I’d rather just kind of… If I got your attention for two hours, I’m gonna try to uplift you and make you feel better and do all these things."
He emphasized the responsibility that comes with commanding an audience’s attention, especially when families are present. "So it’s, like, I get it. Again, I enjoy all music. Everyone knows that about me. I go see live shows. If there’s a show three hours away on a day off, I will literally rent a car and go see it. But, yeah, for us, if you’re gonna come to our show… Also, there’s a lot of kids in the crowd, so it’s, like, you can take time. If these parents trust you with their kids’ ears, why not try to uplift that and make something positive out of it instead of just screaming at ’em?"
Eric Bass’s Personal Journey and Treatment
Eric Bass’s decision to step back was prompted by a "pretty serious mental health crash," as he described in his July 10th Instagram Reel. He candidly shared his struggles, stating, "I don’t really feel it’s the wise thing for me to do to go out on tour right now." The bassist explained his reasoning for making the announcement public, despite initial hesitation. "I debated whether to make this announcement at all and just not be there and show back up when it’s time, but mental health being such a thing that I have championed and the band has championed that it would be not the best look to maybe seem like I’m ashamed of it."
Bass is actively pursuing treatment, undergoing talk therapy and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) at The Medical University of South Carolina. TMS, as defined by the Mayo Clinic, is a non-invasive procedure that "uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of major depression" and can also be beneficial in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
While Bass has not set a definitive timeline for his return, he expressed a hopeful outlook. "I would encourage anyone who maybe is a business owner out there, if you’ve got someone in your company who’s having issues like this, to give them some time if they need it," he remarked, acknowledging the privilege of being able to take such a break.
A significant aspect of Bass’s message was his encouragement for others to seek help when facing mental health challenges. He revealed a personal breakthrough: "I did something I’d never done before in my 51 years on earth, is I reached out to someone and I said, ‘I can’t do this on my own, and I need help.’ And it led to some healing that I’m going through right now. It’s not an easy thing to do, to ask for help, but it has to be done."
Tour and Solo Endeavors
The "Dance, Kid, Dance Act II" North American leg commenced on July 11th in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, and is scheduled to conclude in early September. This tour marks Shinedown’s significant return to extensive live performances following a period of creative output and personal reflection.
Eric Bass, who has been Shinedown’s bassist since 2008, is a pivotal figure in the band’s sonic identity and songwriting process. His contributions extend beyond his instrumental prowess, encompassing co-writing and production. Shinedown holds the record for the most No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart, a testament to their enduring popularity and musical impact.
Beyond his work with Shinedown, Bass is also embarking on a solo career. His debut solo album, "Eric Bass Presents: I Had A Name," is slated for release in 2025. Described in a press release as "an immersive, expansive, and richly thematic work," the album signifies a new creative chapter for the artist. This solo project further illustrates the multifaceted nature of Bass’s artistic endeavors and his dedication to exploring diverse musical landscapes.
The Broader Implications
Eric Bass’s open discussion of his mental health struggles, coupled with Shinedown’s consistent advocacy, serves as a powerful statement within the music industry and beyond. In an era where mental well-being is increasingly recognized as a critical aspect of overall health, high-profile individuals sharing their experiences can significantly reduce stigma and encourage others to seek support.
The band’s long-standing partnership with the AFSP underscores a genuine commitment to actionable change, moving beyond mere awareness to tangible support and fundraising. By integrating mental health discussions into their live performances and fostering partnerships with relevant organizations, Shinedown actively contributes to creating a more supportive environment for their fans.
The success of the temporary touring replacements, Josh Sturm and Zack Mack, highlights the resilience and adaptability of the music industry. It also showcases the depth of talent within the broader musical community, ready to step in and contribute to the continuation of live music experiences.
Ultimately, Eric Bass’s hiatus and the band’s response exemplify a mature and compassionate approach to the challenges faced by artists. It reinforces the understanding that mental health is as crucial as physical health, and that prioritizing well-being is not a sign of weakness but a necessary component of sustained creativity and personal fulfillment. The band’s continued commitment to this cause, as articulated by Zach Myers, ensures that their message of hope and support will resonate with their audience, even in the face of personal adversity.
