By now you’ve heard about the surprising news of the departure of Adam Gontier from Three Days Grace. I think everyone who heard or read about it was scratching their head saying, “What is this about?” Here’s the band’s statement I just received:
We appreciate everyone’s concern about Three Days Grace. We found out on December 21st that Adam wished to resign from the band. In a letter to us Adam indicated that he was resigning from the band due to a non-life threatening health issue and wanted the band to continue moving forward without him. We were as shocked as many of you were to hear the news. Three Days Grace has always been and will continue to be not only our job but our passion. Instead of cancelling the tour, we felt an obligation to you, the fans, to forge ahead and put on the best show we can. Brad recently reached out to his brother Matt Walst, lead singer for ‘My Darkest Days’ to fill in for the tour dates already announced. We’ve been hanging out and rehearsing with Matt and look forward to rocking the stage in a few weeks! As of right now, Matt’s role is temporary and as far as the future and beyond this tour, we are taking it one day at a time.”- 3DG
And I went to Adam’s Facebook and here is what he told fans:
ADAM GONTIER’S “ADDRESS OF RESIGNATION” FROM THREE DAYS GRACE
To all of my fans, my friends, my family, these are my words coming from my heart, separate from my role as “lead singer of Three Days Grace”.
I want you all to know how very thankful I am for your consistent love, your respect, and you’re undying support. It is important for me to address any concerns regarding my health being connected to drugs or addiction. The truth is, when I was struggling during that dark time in my life, I hit rock bottom, and I had the kindest of people reach out from all over the world, and reach their hands out to help pick me up. I am so blessed to be walking in the light now. I am reminded of your loyalty, always. The truth is, and I’m very proud to say this…, I am sober. That chapter in my life is over.
There have been many defining moments in my life. My time as part of Three Days Grace is most definitely one of the miraculous ones. I have had so many tender hearted people share with me their stories. How I’ve touched, or changed their lives. My truth is that all of the love I have received has forever changed my life. Each letter I’ve read, every picture I’ve been sent, all of the voices I’ve heard sing along with me, I will forever remember, and never forget…
After twenty years of being part of an ever evolving band, I have been inspired by life, to move on and to continue to evolve on my own terms. I could not be more grateful for all the souls who have travelled along with me. A journey I look back on with integrity, and a future I look forward to with such hope. I have always admired brave hearts. Life is always changing. I will continue to follow my heart, and what I love to do. I’m not sure what the next horizon will look like, but I do have all the faith in the world that whatever it is, It’s meant to be, and I have faith that blessings will continue to shine over all of us. I once heard a “brave heart” say:
“When nothing is sure, everything is possible.”
It’s because of my life’s journey, because of all of you, that I believe.
Sincerely, with love,
Adam
Now here’s my take on all this. I think Adam did not want to be in a band. I think he was tired of touring. Perhaps he wanted to slow his life down, spend more time at home, and work on some projects like his label and band he’s produced called Behind the Curtain. I am sure he has made a lot of $$$ and is in a position to say, “well, it’s now or never.” It’s never a right time to leave an established band where you have been like a brother, but you’ve got to follow your heart. Good news here is, at least for the rest of Three Days Grace, they’ve got a temporary solution with Matt Walst as the singer. I think he will be just fine in the job. And then they’ll decide what. Whatever happens, I wish all the best. Like these guys alot, known them since they first started out. I know one thing they are happy about—-NHL season begins Jan 19th! P.S. Adam is headlining a benefit show for ROCK FOR RECOVERY on Jan 17th here in NYC at the Gramercy Theater. He will be performing with Art of Dying, Sid Wilson from Slipknot, Hurt, Smile Empty Soul, Edisun, and Behind the Curtain. Proceeds go to the Mercury One Foundation. Their mission statement: “To inspire, organize and mobilize individuals to improve the human condition physically, emotionally and spiritually with malice towards none and charity for all.” For more: www.mercuryone.org
