SHINEDOWN bassist Eric Bass has confirmed he will miss the band's late summer 2026 tour to focus on mental health treatment. Bass revealed in a podcast interview that he is undergoing therapy and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation at The Medical University of South Carolina, a treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain nerve cells and alleviate symptoms of major depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. He stated that his decision to step away from touring was necessary to address a serious mental health crisis, which has led to feelings of disconnection and a sense of not belonging in his own life.

Bass confirmed that Josh Sturm of KAIROS and Zack Mack will temporarily fill his role during his absence. He emphasized that the decision was not made lightly and that he is grateful for the support from fans and the music community, despite receiving some negative online comments. Bass expressed that the experience has been deeply personal and that asking for help was one of the most difficult things he has done in his 51 years.

The current North American leg of SHINEDOWN's 'Dance, Kid, Dance Act II' tour began on July 11 in Mount Pleasant, Michigan and will conclude in early September. Bass, who has been with SHINEDOWN since 2008, released his debut solo album, 'Eric Bass Presents: I Had A Name,' in 2025. He did not provide a timeline for his return, only expressing hope it would occur 'sooner rather than later.'

Bass urged fans and business owners to support employees facing mental health struggles, emphasizing that asking for help is a vital step toward healing.