Papa Roach frontman Jacoby Shaddix recently opened up about the band’s evolving mission to address mental health issues and help others heal. He shared his perspective in an interview with Heavy Interviews.
Shaddix discussed how transformation and mental health advocacy have become central to both his personal journey and the band’s artistic direction.
“It’s always been a fabric of who we are and what we sing about and what we talk about in our music. Taking the darkness and turning it into light, taking lemons and making lemonade — just a goofy saying like that really means something deep,” Shaddix said.
The vocalist emphasized the importance of sharing personal growth and healing with others who may be struggling.
“Change, transformation has been a huge part of my life, creatively, personally, spiritually. The mental health conversation has come to the forefront in the recent years. I think it’s important that we address it. I think it’s important that we find ways to heal and grow and then take what we’ve learned individually and pass it on to somebody that is in need of healing and growing,” he continued.
Shaddix explained his philosophy that true healing comes through helping others rather than keeping personal growth to oneself.
“I think in order to keep that healing and that evolution, you have to share it. You gotta help somebody that’s in need. I think that that is the magic. It’s not about just healing and growing; it’s about healing and growing and helping and serving. That’s where the magic is. ‘Cause if you just keep it for yourself, that’s not how you change the world. I think it’s an inside job in the beginning to heal and grow, but then, like I said a million times over, if you share that and you can help somebody else, it helps put things in perspective, I think,” he said.
The frontman reflected on how his career has evolved and his desire to share the wisdom he has gained.
“It’s been an evolution for me in this career, and I think we’re entering into this era of there’s some wisdom that I’ve gained and I wanna share it,” Shaddix concluded.
The band continues to use their platform to break stigma around mental health by openly discussing struggles with addiction, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
Shaddix’s commitment to mental health advocacy extends far beyond interviews and public statements. Papa Roach has transformed their platform into a vehicle for meaningful change and tangible support for those in crisis.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reported that Papa Roach’s 25th Anniversary Rise of the Roach Tour raised $230,000 for the organization. This demonstrates how the band translates their advocacy into concrete action. This substantial fundraising effort reflects the band’s dedication to supporting suicide prevention initiatives on a national scale.
“Mental health and suicide prevention aren’t just causes for us — they’re part of our story,” Shaddix stated. He emphasized the personal nature of the band’s advocacy work.
Rock River Current noted that Shaddix has been vocal about his own battle with depression and suicidal thoughts. This makes his message of healing particularly authentic and impactful for fans facing similar struggles. His openness about personal mental health challenges has helped normalize conversations around these difficult topics within the rock music community.
The band’s musical output also serves as a direct extension of their mental health mission. Their 2022 hit “Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark)” and its duet version with Carrie Underwood exemplify how Papa Roach uses their artistry as a vehicle for mental health awareness and hope. These songs offer comfort and connection to listeners experiencing dark moments in their lives.
