Talking To Shinedown's Zach Myers

In this episode, Chris and Craig are joined by Zach Myers, the lead guitarist of the multi-platinum rock band Shinedown.

Zach takes us on a deep dive into his incredible journey in the music industry, starting from getting his first record deal at just fourteen years old. He opens up about the immense pressure of following up the massive success of The Sound of Madness album, the anxiety behind releasing the hit single Bully, and the band's staggering achievement of scoring twenty-four number-one hits.

The conversation takes a wild turn as Chris Kael and Zach swap unbelievable touring stories, including the terrifying night Chris had to be wheeled out of an arena in Billings, Montana on a stretcher due to a drug overdose. Zach also shares candid stories about his bandmate Brent Smith's past battles with addiction, including a hilarious but dark memory of Brent accidentally smoking a Lifesaver mint thinking it was crack cocaine.

Beyond the wild rockstar tales, Zach reveals his deeply emotional side. He discusses the profound impact of fatherhood, sharing heartwarming stories about his kids, trying to hold back tears in Target, and his infamous snuggle contract. The trio also pays tribute to the late, legendary Philadelphia radio DJ Pierre Robert, recalling unforgettable late-night jam sessions at the WMMR station. Finally, Zach explains the beautiful story of how Shinedown secretly brought their original bassist, Brad Stewart, back on stage to perform with them at Madison Square Garden after almost twenty years apart.

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CHAPTERS:

00:00:00 Zach Myers from Shinedown on Comedy & Music

00:04:04 What is Rockstar Zach Myers Actually Doing Tonight in Vegas?

00:05:11 Getting a Record Deal at 14 & Learning to Play Guitar

00:07:17 Why Stand-Up Comedy is Harder Than Being a Rockstar

00:08:55 Bombing on Stage in Front of System of a Down

00:11:20 How Dave Chappelle Saved a Terrible Comedy Set in 1998

00:14:10 Growing Up in Memphis to Becoming a Famous Rockstar

00:16:15 How Zach Myers Met His Wife (And Why She's a Better Musician)

00:18:11 Fatherhood & Why Being a Dad Makes You More Emotional

00:20:25 Channeling Emotion into Hit Songs & The Saddest Movies

00:22:44 The Anxiety of Songwriting & Following Up "The Sound of Madness"

00:24:23 Breaking Records: How Shinedown Scored 24 Number One Singles

00:25:43 Why Shinedown Takes Their Fans So Seriously (The Last Seat)

00:27:45 Dealing with Imposter Syndrome & Why We Stopped Meet and Greets

00:31:18 Why Zach Myers Drives 6 Hours on Days Off to See Live Music

00:32:32 The Absolute Biggest Perk of Being a Famous Rockstar

00:34:18 Getting Starstruck: Meeting Roger Clemens & Sports Legends

00:35:31 The Incredible Randy Johnson "Bird Killer" Signed Baseball Story

00:37:23 Kid Rock's FaceTime Game & Why Donald Trump Doesn't Sleep

00:39:02 Taking Mushrooms for the First Time at 42 for Anxiety

00:39:37 Chris Kael's Terrifying Meth Overdose Ambulance Story

00:43:49 Shinedown's Brent Smith & The Dark Reality of Alcohol Addiction

00:45:39 Buying Drugs in the Worst Parts of Town & Brazilian Favelas

00:46:34 Finding Hidden Drugs Under Bunks & Touring with Addicts

00:49:33 Being Best Friends with Nikki Sixx from Mötley Crüe

00:52:29 Eddie Vedder, Joey Ramone, and Firing Terrible Tour Techs

00:58:29 The Secret to Shinedown's Healthy Band Dynamic & Riding One Bus

01:00:37 The Epic Reunion: Brad Stewart Joins Shinedown After 20 Years

01:04:25 Inside Shinedown's First Madison Square Garden Headlining Show

01:05:27 A Heartfelt Tribute to Legendary Philadelphia Radio DJ Pierre Robert

01:12:17 "Checking Oil": How to Keep Bandmates Laughing on Stage