Shinedown is back on the move in 2024, and guitarist Zach Myers stopped by WRIF to catch up with Meltdown and talk everything from new music to ghost stories… and yes, even shrimp guts in New Orleans.
Detroit Energy and Tour Prep
Zach was in Detroit taking in the city’s energy ahead of Shinedown’s return on July 25th at Little Caesars Arena for the Dance Kid Dance Tour. While hiding tickets around town and catching up with local hockey legends, he soaked in the Motor City vibe:
“I’m just taking in all Detroit has to offer today.”
And yeah, they’ve been working hard on this tour.
“We’ve been designing the show, building it out. I’ve got people threatening to murder me if I don’t finish the setlist.”
Zach joked about the pressure of picking songs when your band has 23 number-one hits—a good problem, but still a tough one.
“You want to give the hardcore fans something special, not just singles. But you can’t play everything.”
New Album, New Approach
While we’ve already heard “Dance Kid Dance” and “A Symptom of Being Human (365),” the rest of Shinedown’s 8th studio album is still coming together.
“We’ve never done it this way before. Usually, everything’s done—record, artwork, singles. This time, we’re releasing songs while we’re still making the record.”
And no, it’s not a concept album this time.
“This’ll be our first non-concept album in seven years. We just want to write great songs.”
Even though “Dance Kid Dance” feels like it could’ve come from Planet Zero, Zach confirmed this one’s more open and eclectic. It also touches on some heavy stuff—“365” deals with loss and grief, especially the heartbreak bassist Eric Bass went through last year.
“That phrase ‘a lot can happen in a year’ hits different. It’s real.”
Will Spurrier
Meltdown with Zach Myers of Shinedown
Writing, Lyrics, and Collaboration
Zach also opened up about how the songwriting process has evolved within the band.
“Brent used to handle most of the lyrics. But starting with Attention Attention, it became more collaborative between me, Brent, and Eric. ‘Dead Don’t Die’? That’s one I brought in fully written.”
And when your band is known for emotionally resonant lyrics, that trust means everything.
“Our lyrics mean a lot to people. We’ve seen the tattoos.”
His personal favorite?
“‘Even in madness, I know you still believe.’ That line from ‘I Dare You’ gets me every time.”
Life Off Stage: From Road Stories to Barbecue Battles
In true WRIF fashion, Meltdown got into the wild stories—and Zach had plenty.
There’s the time Chad Kroeger from Nickelback woke him up at 3 a.m. to go to Cabo.
There’s the Gene Simmons bass story—where Gene gave Zach a blood-soaked axe bass for free after a tour.
And there’s the infamous shrimp incident in New Orleans, where he Jackson Pollocked a guy’s shirt on a date and didn’t say a word.
“If he felt it, he didn’t let us know. But yeah… he definitely left smelling like shrimp.”
Zach’s Other Passions: Paranormal, Pellet Smokers, and Ordering for the Table
He’s not big into ghost hunting but believes the supernatural is real—especially in New Orleans.
He’s also serious about pellet smoking (sorry, stick burner purists), defending it as only a true Memphis BBQ guy could.
“Put me in a blind taste test against anyone. You won’t tell the difference.”
And apparently, when he goes out to dinner with friends?
“I order for the whole table. Steaks, apps, sides—I want everyone to try everything.”
So, When’s the Album Dropping?
Zach wouldn’t lock down a date—“What record?” he joked—but it’s expected later this year. Whether it’s July, August, or October, one thing’s for sure: Shinedown 8 is coming.
“It’ll happen. We’re working on it. We’ve got touring to do, but it’s on the way.”
Catch Shinedown in Detroit
📅 July 25, 2024
📍 Little Caesars Arena
🎟️ Dance Kid Dance Tour
Stay tuned for more Shinedown drops on WRIF. And maybe… “What Album?” really is the album title.
Meltdown started on the mighty WRIF on the evening of Halloween, 1995. Technically, his first on-air shift was the morning of November 1st. Moving to the Motor City from Buffalo, N.Y., he has built a career and family. Over his almost three-decade stint at RIFF, he's had the privilege to work with some of the biggest personalities in Detroit radio history. He boasts of being just the second-afternoon drive jock in the station's illustrious 53-year history.
Along with his love for rock music and attending concerts, he's also an avid Harley-Davidson enthusiast and hockey player. He plays year-round and manages to squeeze in a few charity games throughout the year. Meltdown writes about the Detroit Red Wings, rock music, and Detroit concert venues.
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