Unprecedented Reunion Returns Them to Top of Rock Charts
Three Days Grace has embarked on a new chapter that could potentially be their most significant yet. The band’s track “Mayday” has claimed the top spot on the 2025 year-end Billboard Canada Mainstream Rock chart, a notable achievement for a group that has been creating music for over two decades. Adam Gontier expressed his disbelief at the band’s longevity and the continued success of their albums during a recent interview with Billboard Canada. Matt Walst, another lead singer of the band, echoed Gontier’s sentiments, emphasizing how surreal it is to have a chart-topping song in Canada after more than twenty years in the music industry.
In addition to their Canadian success, Three Days Grace has been making headlines in the United States, recently achieving their 20th Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay No. 1 hit with “Kill Me Fast.” This accomplishment puts them just one step behind Shinedown for the most No. 1 hits of all time. Moreover, three tracks from their 2025 album, Alienation, have reached the top spot on the charts. Their 2003 classic “I Hate Everything About You” joined Spotify’s exclusive Billions Club, accumulating over one billion streams. The band’s decision to reunite with original lead singer Adam Gontier has proven to be a profitable one, as their reunion tour is selling out venues worldwide.
This wave of success signifies a significant triumph following a daring move that not many bands have attempted successfully. Three Days Grace opted to leverage the unique dual-lead-singer setup, which set the stage for their current dominion over the rock charts. The band’s origins trace back to the 1990s when Gontier and Neil Sanderson crossed paths as high school freshmen in Norwood, Ontario. Inspired by Gontier’s vocal prowess, Sanderson shared his vision of forming a band. After a brief endeavor as Groundswell, the trio evolved into Three Days Grace with the addition of Brad Walst on bass. Brad’s younger brother, Matt, who aspired to be a rock star since witnessing the band’s journey from humble beginnings to arena performances, later joined the fold.
Three Days Grace’s journey to stardom was not without its challenges. During their early days in Toronto, the band endured hardships in a rundown basement apartment as they honed their craft. Matt, who initially missed out on joining the band due to lead guitarist Barry Stock’s impressive skills, pursued his musical aspirations in My Darkest Days. Despite this setback, Three Days Grace continued to climb the ranks with chart-topping hits like “I Hate Everything About You,” “Just Like You,” “Never Too Late,” and “Animal I Have Become,” cultivating a loyal fan base. The band’s breakthrough coincided with the rise of Napster and the digital music revolution, underscoring their determination to make an impact on rock radio.
In reflections on their musical journey, Gontier recalls growing up listening to influential Canadian rock bands such as Matthew Good Band, Our Lady Peace, The Tea Party, and The Tragically Hip. These formative experiences have undoubtedly shaped Three Days Grace’s evolution as they continue to make waves in the music industry. Their latest achievements serve as a testament to their enduring appeal and unwavering dedication to their craft, solidifying their position as a powerhouse in the rock genre.