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Rock band bassist steps away from tour for mental health treatment
๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ท Croatia /Health & Science

Rock band bassist steps away from tour for mental health treatment

From Veฤernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • Eric Bass, bassist for the rock band Shinedown, announced he is temporarily stepping away from their world tour to focus on his mental health.
  • Bass shared an emotional video detailing his struggle with depression and his decision to seek professional help.
  • The announcement has garnered widespread support from fans and fellow musicians, highlighting the growing conversation around mental well-being in the music industry.

Eric Bass, the bassist for the American rock band Shinedown, has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the initial leg of their massive "Dance, Kid, Dance Act II" world tour to prioritize his mental health. In an emotional video message posted on Instagram, Bass openly discussed his ongoing battle with depression and his recent "serious mental health breakdown."

For the first time in my life, I called someone and said, 'I can't do this alone, I need help.'

โ€” Eric BassEric Bass explaining his decision to seek professional help for his mental health.

Speaking from a personal setting, Bass revealed the significance of seeking help, stating, "For the first time in my life, I called someone and said, 'I can't do this alone, I need help.'" He urged others facing similar struggles to reach out. Bass is currently undergoing treatment at the Medical University of South Carolina, which includes talk therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive treatment for depression.

I feel better, but I need to take time to recover.

โ€” Eric BassEric Bass expressing his current state and need for recovery time.

The decision to step away from the tour, which supports their eighth studio album "EI8HT," was not easy. Bass emphasized the importance of taking time for recovery, expressing optimism about rejoining the band when he feels ready. His candidness comes at a time when mental health challenges within the music industry are increasingly being discussed, as the pressures of touring, creative work, and public life take a toll on artists.

Eric, I love you so much, brother. Iโ€™m here anytime to talk. Itโ€™s brave of you to step up and do the work on your healing.

โ€” Jacoby ShaddixJacoby Shaddix, frontman of Papa Roach, offering support to Eric Bass.

Shinedown shared Bass's message with a supportive note, "All of us from Shinedown... A message from Eric. We are proud of you." The post quickly filled with messages of solidarity from fans and numerous rock musicians. Papa Roach frontman Jacoby Shaddix offered his support, writing, "Eric, I love you so much, brother. Iโ€™m here anytime to talk. Itโ€™s brave of you to step up and do the work on your healing." Shinedown guitarist Zach Myers also expressed his love and assured Bass he would be missed on stage.

I love you, my big brother... I will miss you every night when I look at the stage and you are not there.

โ€” Zach MyersZach Myers, guitarist for Shinedown, expressing his feelings to Eric Bass.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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