Shinedown guitarist Zach Myers has spoken publicly for the first time about bassist Eric Bass's decision to step back from the band's current tour to focus on his mental health, explaining that Bass needed time away from the demands of both touring and studio work. Myers, speaking to Rock 102.1 KFMA's Razor, said the move reflects the different pressures each band member carries and stressed that Bass's absence is temporary, with the guitarist predicting he will return "sooner than later." The comments matter because Shinedown has long championed mental health awareness, making the band's handling of Bass's break a visible example of the openness they encourage in others.

While Bass is away, Josh Sturm of the band Kairos (married to Lacey Sturm of Flyleaf) and Zack Mack, Myers's bandmate in the side project Smith & Myers, have stepped in to cover bass duties, reportedly learning 45 songs in just four days. Myers praised the pair's efforts and noted that it took two musicians to fill Bass's role, highlighting the breadth of his contributions to songwriting, recording and production. Myers also linked the situation to Shinedown's longstanding advocacy work with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, reflecting on how social media negativity can affect mental wellbeing and reaffirming the band's preference for uplifting, rather than confrontational, live performances.