I-Rock 93.5 Exclusive Chat With Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach “I’m Iowan-ish”

Did you know Jacoby Shaddix from Papa Roach spends a lot of time in the Quad Cities?  Some people do because they've seen him at stores, restaurants, and Storm games.

Jacoby visits often because his sons go to St. Ambrose University.  So you can also see him cheering on the Bees Lacrosse team when he's not on the road doing Papa Roach things.

With Jacoby in town, we put the call out to stop by the studio and chat.  Well, now you can listen to that chat below after he came rolling in to hang with I-Rock 93.5.

Jacoby Knows The Quad Cities

When Jacoby is in town he isn't just hiding out with his son, he's experiencing the city.  He says that he loves the chill Davenport vibe.  Having been around here for a few years he said he loves going to La Finca, Azteca, El Compita...which he just discovered and called "a banger".  It's more than Mexican food.  He tossed out Red Band coffee and as he said "Texas Choad House...I mean Road House."

He's made more connections here than just food.  He has friends at Silver Key Tattoo where he's gotten multiple tattoos and other family members have gone for ink.

So, how did his family become part of the Quad Cities? Jacoby said his son came to the Quad Cities after being recruited by St. Ambrose and told his dad, "I feel like this is like home."

Jacoby is originally from Sacramento so while the vibe might feel like home, the weather at times does not.  But, he's even used to that.  "I just layer up.  I was wearing my long johns like 10 minutes ago!" said Jacoby.

Papa Roach New Music & A Live Show In The Quad Cities

While we could have talked about the Quad Cities for an hour, we also had to talk about music as well cause they have a great new song out called "Even If It Kills Me".

Jacoby said, "The music for Even If It Kills Me started 2 years ago...then life happens.  My older son went through this really traumatic heartbreak breakup.  I watched my son just crumble and that was a tough one.  To tell him there are some hard truths about life and sometimes people aren't what they show themselves as.  There are two sides to people sometimes and you got one then eventually discovered that dark side and you were hurt."

Jacoby said the song was born from that moment, "I want to be able to help but I also know you have to walk through the fire.  Know I'm not going to leave you but I'm also going to stand in that fire with you."

When you listen to him talk about it (below) and then check the lyrics again the song will hit even harder.

Knowing the song is about his son Jacoby added, "This truly is dad rock.  My style is "Daddie-core".  First time you heard it in Iowa."

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The real question so many people want to know...when is Papa Roach going to play the Quad Cities?  Jacoby said, "I keep telling my agent about the Vibrant Arena".

I also mentioned the Mississippi Valley Fair and he said "The promoters have reached out a couple of times, so that might be a possibility.  I would love to rip this arena.  I've seen the Storm there a couple of times, I saw my son graduate in it and I'm like I need to perform here.  You will see us here.  My guest list will be huge.  Half of Ambrose will be there."

Find The Good Or The Bad

Jacoby has been working with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and we also talked about the struggles and the dark times.  And what he went through to get sober and find the light.  "We are in the midst of a mental health crisis but there is hope and there is help."

With winter upon us, it can hit even harder.  But as we know when we get a little sun we can turn those winter blues around and Jacoby agreed, "You know you are an Iowan if you are outside in 40 degrees in shorts and a tank top.  I gotta little Iowan in me!"

He really does have a personality that instantly lights up a room.  While it was "only" 24 minutes (plus another 10ish off mic) it felt like the blink of an eye with so many more things we could just chat about.  Truly a great guy and proud to have him "Iowa-ish".

You can check out the full interview below along with all our other I-Rock with Rock Star podcasts here.