Adam Gontier’s Role: Sobriety Fuels Return to Three Days Grace

Updated June 16, 2025

Adam Gontier ⁤believes his‍ departure from Three Days Grace in 2013 may have saved his life. The Ontario singer,who rejoined the band last year,said the decision was crucial for his well-being.

Gontier said that if he hadn’t stepped away,things coudl have turned out badly. ⁤He added that he is unsure if he would still be alive.

While artistic differences where initially cited for Gontier’s exit 12 years ago,it later emerged that he was struggling with serious substance abuse. The pressures of rock stardom exacerbated his existing issues, Gontier said.

“I ⁢was trying to be someone I’m not, even⁣ when I wasn’t on stage,” ⁤Gontier said. “I started taking drugs well before the band signed a record contract. When we got that contract, I started using even more. We were on the road, and it was easy to party. It was simply a perfect storm.”

After leaving Three Days Grace, Gontier focused on rebuilding his life⁣ and continued making music, forming Saint Asonia in 2014 with Stained guitarist Mike Mushok.More importantly, ⁢he overcame his addiction and has been sober as the birth of his first child in 2017.

“I never looked back,” Gontier said. “It’s thanks to my‍ son.Everything⁤ changed. Life⁣ has transformed for the better in all sorts of ways. Sobriety has helped me be stronger and emotionally more present.”

Brad Walst, brother of current Three Days Grace vocalist Matt Walst, approached Gontier about rejoining the band after the pandemic. Matt Walst had taken over the lead singer role in 2014.

“It was Matt’s idea,” Gontier said. “I think ⁢it was the right time⁤ to do it.”

Three Days Grace now features two vocalists, performing hits like “I ⁤Hate everything About You” and “Animal I Have ⁤Become.” Gontier said that he and⁣ Matt complement each other well.

“Matt can scream, so he can do the heavier segments, while I take the parts that are, how to say, more sensual,” he said.

The band’s eighth album, “Alienation,” is scheduled for release Aug. 22. ⁣Early singles “Mayday” and “Apologies” suggest the dual-vocal approach is⁣ working effectively. The new songs reflect Gontier’s personal journey.

Gontier said that a ⁤song like “Alienation” is a good example. He added that feeling alienated from people he knew is ‍something he has felt over the years and that the writing comes from the same place as before, being emotional and