Breaking News today in the Music World and it pertains to some of my favorite bands and artists! It was announced today on Three Days Grace Website that Adam Gontier is leaving the band and Matt Walst of My Darkest Days will be joining TDG on their upcoming tour as singer. Matt Walst is the brother of Brad Walst, the bassist for Three Days Grace. I know, I know, it may come as a big shock. Believe me I was extremely shocked as well, especially because there has just been so many of my favorites leaving bands or moving on, or bands breaking up. It has been a lot to take in.
Here is the post from Three Days Grace website:
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MATT WALST OF MY DARKEST DAYS JOINS THREE DAYS GRACE AS LEAD SINGER FOR NORTH AMERICAN TOUR
Three Days Grace has announced that Matt Walst, lead singer of My Darkest Days, will be joining the band as the lead singer for their North American co-headlining tour with Shinedown, starting in Moline, IL on February 1st.
Former lead singer, Adam Gontier, has left the group effective immediately due to a health issue.
In response, Brad Walst stated: “We were surprised and distressed by Adam’s sudden departure. We are however very excited for this upcoming tour, and to have my brother Matt stepping in as lead singer.”
Listen to Matt in rehearsal with Three Days Grace performing “The High Road,” “Chalk Outline” and “Riot” – click here.
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Shortly after, Adam made his own post on his Facebook page to address the issues brought up about health. Here is that post:
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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
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Immediately following has been a mass of tweets, posts and updates from fans stating their disbelief, shock and well wishes. Of course as soon as someone announces a departure from a band it seems that immediately everyone wants to point the finger at someone or play the blame game or imagine all the things that provoked this event. It really drives me crazy.
I love Matt Walst’s vocals on My Darkest Days as well as love Adam Gontier’s vocals on Three Days Grace. I also wish all the bands the best as well as Adam Gontier on his future endeavors. I would hope that everyone could join me in supporting the bands and the artists with their choices. I could only imagine what a struggle it must be to make that decision and move into uncharted waters and I think that everyone’s decision should be respected and honored.
So with that, I can’t wait to see Three Days Grace on their upcoming tour which they will be co-headlining with Shinedown. I also can’t wait to see what Adam has in store for us in his future whether it be a solo career or maybe even photography! I truly love his photos that he has shared over the years.
Here are the photos that we took from the Oct. 14, 2011 show at The Shoreline Amphitheatre.
~ Peace, Marisol
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