Jacksonville based band Shinedown is elevating current guitarist Zach Myers to the role of lead guitarist beginning immediately. Myers is replacing Nick Perri who is leaving the group to explore other projects. “I’d like to thank Nick for touring with us over the past year,” commented lead singer Brent Smith. “I wish Nick the best in his future endeavors. That being said, I’m pleased Zach is taking over Nick’s role in the group. Zach is one of the most phenomenal guitarists I know. We’re looking forward to all the upcoming touring we’ll be doing in the New Year.” “Brent offered me an incredible opportunity — one that I am grateful for, one that I have never taken for granted, and one that I will always cherish,” commented Nick Perri. “The truth is, however, after 10 months something inside of me just doesn’t feel right. This is a personal matter and has nothing to do with the band, our amazing crew, or inspiring team at In De Goot management and Atlantic Records. They have ALL made me feel welcome, and for that I thank them. On a final note I wanted to thank my brothers — Brent, Barry, Zach, and Eric. You guys are the best musicians I’ve ever known, and are inspiring both onstage and off.” Shinedown’s latest single, “Second Chance”, kicked off with a blistering performance on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” on September 5. The single is currently No. 2 at rock and Top 5 at modern rock. The song is now headed to Top 40 radio in early January. Shinedown’s latest album, “The Sound Of Madness”, was produced by multiple Grammy Award winner Rob Cavallo. Upon its release, it became the band’s biggest debut of their career landing at No. 8 its first week on the charts. The album has remained on the Billboard Top 200 album chart for 24 consecutive weeks.