Shine Still Echoes: Collective Soul’s Will Turpin on Legacy, Longevity & Letting the Music Lead

Thirty-one years in, and the bass still hits like the first time. But these days, Collective Soul’s Will Turpin is swapping pre-show adrenaline for well-earned naps and post-set shuffleboard battles with the same guys he’s been making music with since the early ’90s. On a recent episode of Press Play Conversations, host Don Thatcher and Tina Houser, CEO of Press Play, caught up with Will mid-tour in Houston — and what unfolded was less of an interview and more of a masterclass in rock and roll endurance. “We used to play 18 holes of golf, then the show, then stay up all night — and repeat it the next day,” Will laughed. “Now we nap. Hard.” The laughs kept rolling, but the conversation soon took on depth — particularly when the discussion turned to the band’s recent documentary and what it feels like to still be drawing crowds and accolades over three decades in. “When Dolly Parton said ‘Shine’ was one of her all-time favorite songs… I mean, come on,” Will said, visibly humbled. “She didn’t do it because it was a smart business move. She did it because she wanted to record it. That’s real.” And for a band whose breakout hit was recorded by Ed Roland mostly alone — long before Will or Dean were even officially in the group — it’s a testament to the staying power of a song that’s become a cultural bookmark. But for all the spotlight Collective Soul has had, Will is refreshingly grounded. “We never thought, ‘Look, we made it,’” he admitted. “We’ve always been more like, ‘What’s next?’” That mentality carries through to the stage today. Turpin lit up when talking about songs that still give him goosebumps. “We’ve been playing ‘Tremble for My Beloved’ again — first time in over 10 years. That bass line? Total U2 vibe. Adam Clayton style. I love that moment in the set.” He also mentioned an extended live version of December that turns into a full-on jam between him, drummer Johnny Rabb, and guitarist Jesse Triplett. “That one still gets me.” The documentary, which was filmed fly-on-the-wall style by director Joseph Guay, gives fans an unfiltered look at the band as they recorded at Elvis Presley’s former estate in Palm Springs. “It was a time capsule,” Will said, recalling the untouched furniture, gear, and Palm Springs’ retro charm. “We were there for a month. Within ten days, everyone in town knew Collective Soul was recording.” Even after decades on the road, Will’s still humble enough to talk about formative failures. When asked what musical setback he learned from most, he didn’t hesitate: missing All-State percussion auditions in 10th grade. “It was that moment of realizing I wasn’t ready. The next year, I practiced like crazy and made it with the highest score in the state.” That bounce-back instinct has served him well ever since. These days, Will’s also watching the next wave with admiration. Touring with up-and-coming acts like Graylin and Jade Elephant, he says, reminds him of their early fire. His son Tristan is now part of the band too, playing piano, strings, and singing on stage — living proof that the soul of Collective Soul lives on through new blood, not just old anthems. From high school percussion charts to headlining tours with Live and Our Lady Peace, Will’s journey is marked not by ego, but evolution. “Nobody sounds like Collective Soul,” he says, without bravado. Just fact. “It’s still about what’s next.” And if you ask him what he’s still chasing after all these years? Goosebumps. Chord drops. A band in sync. A crowd on fire. That moment when a song — even after the thousandth time — still hits home. ???? Want more Collective Soul? Find tour dates, music, and their documentary at www.collectivesoul.com. ???? Listen for Collective Soul on Press Play Radio — and check out the game they played in the interview at PressPlay.me. Still shining. Still soulful. Always Collective. #collectivesoul  @collectivesoultv  #shine #georgia #dolly