By Kate Drexel;
Media Credit: Kate Drexel
Mosaic Arts and Entertainment Editor,
January 9, 2013 was a dark day for the Three Days Grace fans, as it was announced through a Facebook post that Adam Gontier had resigned as the band’s lead singer. Moments later, the band announced that Matt Walst, lead singer of My Darkest Days, would temporarily take over as lead singer for the upcoming North American tour, releasing three tracks with Walst’s vocals. Following this announcement, a wave of sad and angry comments filled Adam’s and the band’s pages very quickly.
Adam cited that the reason why he was resigning was not due to drugs (explaining, “that chapter in my life is over”) but it was because of a non-life threatening health issue (currently unknown) and that he wished to continue his music career solo. He then thanked the fans for the years of support and love they had continually given him.
A week later, Three Days Grace told their fans the news through a post they wrote onto their timeline. It relayed that on December 21, the band was informed of Gontier’s sudden resignation through a letter from his lawyer, stating that Adam’s termination from the band was to be effective immediately due to a health issue he has been wrestling with for quite some time. Attached was a doctor’s note that was dated back to December 14. His wish was for the band to continue to move on without him.
Later that same day, due to the many questions and comments from concerned fans flooding his page, Adam told his followers that though he is not entirely comfortable bringing spotlight to his health issues, he felt a “responsibility and obligation” to inform his fans about his wellbeing. He then proceeds to mention that eventually he will include health records and the “emotional struggles” within the band for over the past couple of years.
Among the negative comments, the ones who showed their true strength and leadership through their positive words were the commenters who stood out the most amongst the voices of many. A few of those members created Facebook pages showing support for Gontier’s decision, such as “We Support Adam Gontier” and “Adam Gontier Fans.”
However, those who support Gontier pointed their negativity towards Matt Walst, frustrated that he is “destroying” the originality of the Three Days Grace tracks; “Riot”, “Chalk Outline”, and “The High Road.”
While he may not possess Gontier’s unique voice, he does add his own style to the songs, and does not completely deviate from their originality. It offers a different sort of music experience, but it is one that is new and has a lot of potential.
According to the band, Walst’s brother, Brad (band’s bassist), asked him if he was willing to join the band temporarily for the upcoming tour and Matt, doing what any sibling would do, took the bold step and accepted this offer. If it were not for Matt’s compliance, the Transit of Venus tour would have been cancelled. Such an act would have deeply upset fans, and it is for this reason that many are grateful that Matt stepped in as a saving grace for Three Days Grace.
In a recent interview with Artisan News, Adam stepped in front of the camera, talking about his departure, regurgitating the details that were given previously via social media. The interview showed a few clips of Adam performing solo for the Rock for Recovery event in New York City.
There are quite a few videos of Adam performing acoustically on YouTube, one of the song titles being “Lost Your Shot.” After the fans viewed this new, unfamiliar look about Adam, that seemed to embody the persona of a very happy, stress-free artist, the positivity was lifted heavily. Fans pledged to continue to support their favorite musician Adam Gontier.
In his public letter of resignation, Adam stated: “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…”
