Analyzing Three Days Grace Pre and Post Adam Gontier Departure
When a band goes through changes, especially the departure of a key member like the lead singer and one of the founders, it’s never an easy transition. Three Days Grace found themselves in this situation when Adam Gontier left the band in 2013. However, they were able to seamlessly pivot and continue producing chart-topping rock hits with their new frontman, Matt Walst.
In January 2025, Three Days Grace achieved their 19th No. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart with the song “Apologies,” following their previous hit “Mayday.” What sets these songs apart is that “Apologies” and “Mayday” feature both Adam Gontier and Matt Walst as vocalists. This unique dynamic of having two lead singers has proven to be successful for the band.
Matt Walst, who hails from the rock band My Darkest Days, stepped into the role of lead singer after Gontier’s departure. While Three Days Grace and My Darkest Days share a similar hard rock sound, with roots in the post-grunge era of the early 2000s, their paths diverged in terms of breakout success. My Darkest Days achieved commercial success in 2010, while Three Days Grace had been making waves since their formation in 1992.
Despite the change in lead vocalists, Three Days Grace’s musical identity has remained consistent. Whether listening to their early music with Adam Gontier, tracks featuring Matt Walst, or songs with both vocalists, the band’s signature sound shines through. Bringing Walst on board was a strategic move, as his vocal style complements the Three Days Grace sound seamlessly.
With two lead singers at the helm, Three Days Grace is rapidly climbing the ranks in terms of chart-topping success. Only trailing behind Shinedown for the most No. 1 hits on the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, the band shows no signs of slowing down. The combination of two distinct vocalists, coupled with their knack for producing hard-hitting rock anthems, has proven to be a winning formula for Three Days Grace.
In conclusion, the evolution of Three Days Grace from a band led by Adam Gontier to one with both Gontier and Matt Walst showcases their adaptability and resilience in the face of change. By embracing a dual-vocalist approach, the band has solidified their standing in the rock music scene and continues to deliver music that resonates with fans old and new.