Jimmy Eat World (1993–present) Adkins grew up in
Mesa, Arizona, and has been playing guitar since the age of two. He has cited
Def Leppard's song "
Photograph" as an early influence that sparked his desire to become a guitarist and had also learned songs by
hair metal bands such as
Mötley Crüe. Around this time, Adkins teamed up with Joel Leibow to help promote Mesa as a touring spot for musicians in order to build up a local scene. Reflecting on the critical and commercial success of Jimmy Eat World's 2001 album
Bleed American almost two decades after its release, Adkins claimed that his songwriting in the early days of Jimmy Eat World was "100 percent" unconscious (that is, spontaneous), but that over time he developed a conscious need to make sure each of Jimmy Eat World's records stand up on their own by having a reason for their creation. Around 2013, Adkins had become sober and has credited his sobriety with enhancing his enjoyment of songwriting. with features, pickups, and modifications designed to support his sound. == Personal life ==