Breaking news: the world is somehow still spinning despite SHINEDOWN bassist Eric Bass taking a temporary leave of absence from the band’s upcoming tour to focus on his mental health 🤯. I mean, who wouldn’t need a break from the grueling schedule of playing sold-out shows and making millions of dollars? 😴 It’s not like the band’s fans will be utterly devastated by his absence or anything… 🙄. In a shocking turn of events, Eric Bass has announced that he’ll be missing the first few shows of SHINEDOWN’s “Dance, Kid, Dance Act II” tour to receive treatment for a “pretty serious mental health crash” he experienced a few weeks ago. Because, you know, being a rockstar is all about prioritizing your mental health and not, say, partying like a rockstar 🤘.
The next North American leg of the tour is set to kick off tomorrow (Saturday, July 11) in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, and wrap up in early September. But don’t worry, folks, the show will go on – with a little help from Eric’s friends Josh Sturm and Zack Mack, who will be filling in for him until he returns. Because, let’s be real, the show must go on, even if the bassist is busy getting his mental health in check 🎸.
The Struggle is Real
In a video message, Eric explained that he’s been struggling with depression and has started undergoing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment at the Medical University of South Carolina. Because, you know, being a rockstar doesn’t make you immune to mental health issues 🤕. He also encouraged anyone who’s struggling with mental health issues to reach out for help, because, you know, it’s not like they’re alone in this struggle or anything 🤷♀️.
But seriously, folks, it’s great to see Eric being open and honest about his struggles with mental health. I mean, it’s not every day that you see a rockstar talking about their feelings and encouraging others to do the same 🤗. Maybe this will start a revolution in the rock music industry, where artists actually prioritize their mental health over, say, partying and making music 🎶.
In other news, Eric released his first solo LP, “Eric Bass Presents: I Had A Name”, in 2025, which was described as “an immersive, expansive, and richly thematic work” 🤯. Because, you know, being a rockstar isn’t enough – you also have to be a solo artist and release your own music 🎸. The album apparently explores themes of mental health, depression, and neurodivergent issues, because, you know, that’s not a cliché at all 🙄.
What’s Next for SHINEDOWN?
So, what’s next for SHINEDOWN? Will they continue to tour without Eric, or will they take a break to focus on their own mental health? 🤔 Only time will tell, folks. But one thing’s for sure – the band’s fans will be eagerly awaiting Eric’s return to the stage, because, you know, it’s not like they can just replace him with any other bassist or anything 🙅♂️.
In the meantime, let’s all just take a moment to appreciate the sacrifices that Eric is making for his mental health. I mean, it’s not easy being a rockstar, folks 🤘. It takes a lot of courage to admit when you need help, and even more courage to take a break from the spotlight to focus on your own well-being 🌟. So, let’s all just give Eric a big round of applause for being a true rockstar, both on and off the stage 🎸.
And finally, let’s end with a quote from Eric himself: “I love all of you. Thank you all for your understanding. I can’t wait to get back up on stage again.” 🎸 Because, you know, that’s not a cliché at all 🙄. We’ll be eagerly awaiting your return, Eric – but in the meantime, take all the time you need to focus on your mental health, because, you know, it’s not like the world is going to end without you or anything 🌎. 😴
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
