Three Days Grace’s former frontman Adam Gontier recently posted a deeply personal tribute to bandmate Matt Walst, reflecting on the challenges Walst faced after stepping in as lead singer in 2013. Shared on Instagram in celebration of Walst’s birthday, the message acknowledged the intense pressure and criticism Walst endured from fans following Gontier’s departure.
Gontier emphasized Walst’s perseverance and credited him with helping the band survive and thrive during a turbulent period.
“Here’s way too many great things I could say about Matt Walst. They won’t all fit into an instagram post. But I will say this. He was put into a VERY difficult situation but handled it with great resilience,” Gontier said. “He dealt with many people saying nasty things to / about him daily, but he kept going.”
Gontier went on to commend Walst’s commitment to the band and spoke candidly about their current relationship.
“He did everything in his power to keep Three Days Grace alive through the years, and he did it well, and with success. In spite of everything, he has welcomed me back into the fold with nothing but love and respect,” he continued. “What we’re doing now with this band is extremely rare, and none of it would be possible without Matt. I am so grateful to call him my friend and my brother.”
This public recognition follows years of complicated band dynamics and an extraordinary reunion that has resulted in a rare scenario within rock music.
According to Wikipedia, Gontier’s exit from Three Days Grace in 2013 was abrupt and attributed to medical issues, occurring just as the band was preparing to launch a co-headlining tour. The timing forced the group to quickly find a replacement who could step in without disrupting their momentum.
Wikipedia also noted that Matt Walst was selected to fill the role. At the time, Walst was the lead vocalist of My Darkest Days and is the younger brother of bassist Brad Walst. While the familial connection eased the logistical transition, it did little to protect him from backlash by longtime fans devoted to Gontier’s unmistakable voice.
Despite this, the band’s current configuration stands out as highly unusual in the genre. Goldmine Magazine reported that Gontier officially rejoined Three Days Grace in 2024, resulting in a dual-lead-vocalist lineup in which both singers now share live and studio responsibilities. This collaboration led to the 2025 album “Alienation,” the first release to feature both vocalists on new material.
Rather than following the traditional path of replacing one singer with another, Three Days Grace has evolved into a collaborative unit that acknowledges both chapters of its history. The renewed partnership between Gontier and Walst reflects the band’s growth and signals a future built on mutual respect, resilience, and reinvention.
