Shinedown Bassist Eric Bass Steps Away From Tour Following Mental Health Crisis
Shinedown bassist Eric Bass has announced he’ll be stepping back from the band’s upcoming tour in order to deal with a “serious mental health crash.” He explained the situation on Instagram.
“I’m not going to be joining the band on the beginning of this tour that starts in a few days,” he said, as transcribed by Blabbermouth. “I had a pretty serious mental health crash, I guess you could say, a few weeks ago, couple of 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’ve 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.”
Bass, who has been a member of Shinedown since 2008, released a solo album in 2025 called I Had A Name, which deals with his struggles with depression and neurodivergent issues. He’s now being treated at the Medical University of South Carolina and says he’s feeling better.
Shinedown’s “Dance, Kid, Dance Act II” tour begins July 11th in Mount Pleasant, Michigan and will run through September. While Bass misses the early shows, Josh Sturm of Kairos and Zack Mack will be filling in. There’s no timeline of when Bass will return to action. He hopes it is sooner rather than later, but wants to be sure he’s safe.
“I’m very blessed to be able to take a break like this. I know a lot of people can’t,” he said. “And 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. And also, if you’re going through a mental health crisis, to give yourself time as well, and to reach out to people.”
We’re wishing the best to Eric Bass!
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
