PAPA ROACH frontman Jacoby Shaddix is marking the twelfth anniversary of his decision to quit drinking
Earlier today, Shaddix posted the following to his social media: “Grateful…. Today Feb 19th marks 12 years free from alcohol. I am humbled and grateful. Thanks to all the people that have supported me on this journey.”
Jacoby sat down with Kerrang! magazine back in 2019 and revealed that the struggle with alcoholism had been in his family for generations.
“I remember my mom telling me when I was a kid that I had to be careful, as alcoholism runs deep in both sides of the family,” he said. “I should have heeded the warnings, but when you’re young and restless, you don’t give a fuck, so I went for it. And lo and behold, it started damaging relationships, and my health and drive. I tried for a long time to put the bottle down. I got kicked out of the house and it looked like my wife and I were going to split up.
“There came a point when I realized enough was enough, and now I haven’t picked up the bottle in seven years. It’s dramatically affected my life in so many positive ways, giving me the opportunity to be a good husband and father, as well as a kickass frontman. I watch all the fucking VH1 documentaries about musicians dying, and having friends die from this shit, I’m lucky that I got out alive. I can’t say I’ve been perfect — I’ve slipped up and smoked weed a few times, but haven’t had any alcohol, cocaine, pills or anything else.”
When Jacoby was asked if he ever thought that the need to stay sober might have meant he had to stop touring, he replied: “I think that’s why I kept falling off the wagon. Before we put out ‘Getting Away With Murder’ [2004], that was the first time I tried to put the bottle down. But on the road, I was apart from my sober friends, and I’d be on the bus with everyone drinking. So I’d end up in the back lounge, secretly chugging vodka. That was tough for years. Now I’ve been relieved of the obsession — I look back like, ‘That’s a young man’s game.’ Plus, I want to stay pretty.”
PAPA ROACH‘s latest album, “Ego Trip”, came out in April 2022 via New Noize Records in partnership with ADA Worldwide (WMG‘s independent label and artist services arm).
The multi-platinum nü-metal/alternative rock outfit is set for a flurry of activities in 2025, encompassing the release of new music, commemorating the 25th anniversary of their 3x multi-platinum major label debut, “Infest,” and the creation of a book.
In a recent conversation with 99.7 The Blitz, Shaddix, provided insights into the array of initiatives the band have lined up.
He said: “Right now, early in the year, we’ve been working on a bunch of new music. And so we’re essentially pulling the slingshot back. 2025 is gonna be a big year for Papa Roach. It’s the 25th anniversary of our first album ‘Infest‘. We’ve got a book, we’ve got tours, we’ve got the whole nine. And we’ve got a whole new batch of music that we’re going to drop. And so new music will be probably coming, like, later in the year — third or fourth quarter.”
“It’s good to get a little calm before the storm, and so I’m taking this year and just creating tons of music, writing for Papa Roach, writing with other artists and really just being as creative as possible.”
PAPA ROACH hail from Vacaville, California, USA, and formed in 1993. The band originally consisted of vocalist Jacoby Shaddix, guitarist Jerry Horton, bassist Tobin Esperance, and drummer Dave Buckner. Known for their eclectic mix of hard rock, nu-metal, and alternative metal, PAPA ROACH burst onto the scene with their major-label debut album, “Infest,” released in 2000. The album’s hit single “Last Resort” catapulted them to international fame and became an anthem for a generation.
Throughout their career, PAPA ROACH has continued to evolve their sound, incorporating elements of rap, punk, and electronic music into their music. Their discography includes numerous successful albums such as “Lovehatetragedy” (2002), “Getting Away with Murder” (2004), and “The Connection” (2012).
Despite facing challenges and lineup changes over the years, including the departure of drummer Dave Buckner and the addition of Tony Palermo, PAPA ROACH has maintained their status as one of the most enduring and influential bands in the rock and metal scene.
Known for their high-energy live performances and heartfelt lyrics, PAPA ROACH has garnered a dedicated fanbase worldwide. Their music often explores themes of personal struggle, perseverance, and resilience, resonating deeply with listeners of all ages.
Overall, PAPA ROACH‘s place within the metal genre is defined by their versatility, innovation, and unwavering commitment to their craft. With a career spanning over two decades and a string of hit albums and singles, the band continues to be a driving force in the world of rock music, inspiring fans and musicians alike with their passion and authenticity.
