Shinedown bassist Eric Bass has posted a video message announcing that he will not join the band for the start of their headlining summer North American tour due to a “pretty serious mental health crash.” The outing kicks off Saturday, July 11th, in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, and runs through an August 23rd gig in Springfield, Illinois, featuring support from Coheed and Cambria.
The tour, which will feature Shinedown as the headlining act, will have Coheed and Cambria as support, and fans can pick up tickets here. Eric Bass says he hopes to join the tour at some point, but can’t commit to a specific date as of yet.
Mental Health Struggles
“I had a pretty serious mental health crash, I guess you could say, a few weeks ago,” Eric Bass said in the video posted to Shinedown’s social media channels. “I don’t really feel it’s the wise thing for me to do to go out on tour right now.”
He continued, “I debated whether or not to make this announcement at all and just not be there and then show back up when it’s time. But mental health being such a thing that I have championed and the band has championed, I thought that it would be not the best look to maybe seem like I’m ashamed of it.”
As for when he’ll join the tour, Eric Bass added, “Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later, but I wanna make sure that I’m safe.”
Treatment and Temporary Replacement
The bassist also noted that he is currently undergoing a treatment known as TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) at the Medical University of South Carolina.
In his absence, Josh Sturm (of the band Kairos and husband of Flyleaf singer Lacey Sturm) will fill in, with Shinedown guitarist Zach Myers taking on bass duties, as well.
Watch Eric Bass’ full video message below.
In conclusion, Shinedown will continue their tour with a temporary replacement for Eric Bass, and fans can look forward to his return to the stage when he is feeling better. The band’s commitment to mental health awareness and support is admirable, and Eric Bass’ decision to prioritize his health is a testament to the importance of taking care of one’s well-being.
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