Full Breakdown
Eric Bass Steps Away from Shinedown Tour to Prioritize Mental Health
7/11/2026, 12:56:35 PM
Core Event: Bass Announces Absence from North American Tour
Shinedown bassist Eric Bass released a video on July 10, 2026, stating that he will not join the band for the opening leg of their “Dance, Kid, Dance Act II” North American tour, which begins on July 11, 2026 in Mount Pleasant, Michigan and runs through early September. Bass said he experienced “a pretty serious mental health crash” a few weeks earlier and feels it would be unsafe to tour at this time. He did not provide a specific return date.
Background & Context: Bass’s Role and Ongoing Advocacy
Bass has been Shinedown’s bassist and producer since 2008 and is also a solo artist, having released *Eric Bass Presents: I Had A Name* in 2025. He has publicly discussed his struggles with depression and neurodivergent issues and has long championed mental-health awareness, both personally and as part of the band’s messaging.
Timeline of Announcement and Tour Dates
- July 10, 2026 – Bass posts video announcement on Shinedown’s social-media channels.
- July 11, 2026 – Tour kickoff in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.
- August 23, 2026 – Scheduled show in Springfield, Illinois (mid-tour reference).
- Early September 2026 – Tour leg concludes (exact end date not specified).
Official Statements & Responses
In the video, Bass explained that he is undergoing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) at the Medical University of South Carolina, combined with talk therapy, and reports feeling “much better so far.” He emphasized that stepping away is “a blessed” opportunity, noting that many cannot take similar time off. Bass urged business owners to allow employees facing mental-health crises to take necessary breaks and encouraged anyone struggling to “reach out and ask for help.” He expressed a desire to rejoin the tour “as soon as possible” while ensuring his safety.
Criticism & Opposition
No source provided criticism or opposing viewpoints regarding Bass’s decision or the band’s handling of the situation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the identity of the substitute bassist(s):
- Josh Sturm (of Kairos and husband of Flyleaf singer Lacey Sturm) is consistently named as a fill-in.
- Zack Mack is listed as a second fill-in in two reports.
- Zach Myers, Shinedown’s guitarist, is identified as taking on bass duties in a separate report.
The discrepancy between “Zack Mack” and “Zach Myers” remains unresolved, and no official clarification has been issued.
Why It Matters: Spotlight on Mental-Health Support in the Music Industry
Bass’s public acknowledgment of treatment and his call for workplace flexibility highlight growing acceptance of mental-health care among touring musicians. By linking his personal experience to broader employer responsibilities, the announcement may influence other artists and industry stakeholders to prioritize mental-well-being over rigid touring schedules.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I had a pretty serious mental health crash, I guess you could say, a few weeks ago and I don't really feel it's the wise thing for me to do to go out on tour right now.” — Eric Bass
- “I had a pretty serious mental health crash, I guess you could say, a few weeks ago and I don't really feel it's the wise thing for me to do to go out on tour right now. 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.” — Eric Bass
- “I'm very blessed to be able to take a break like this, I know a lot of people can't.” — Eric Bass
- “I did something I'd never done before in my fifty-one 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.” — Eric Bass
- “It's not an easy thing to do, to ask for help. But it has to be done.” — Eric Bass
What's Next
Bass indicated he will continue TMS treatment at the Medical University of South Carolina and will reassess his ability to rejoin the tour “sooner rather than later,” though no specific timeline has been set.