Three Days Grace’s Adam Gontier recently shared a heartfelt message about his bandmate Matt Walst. The message addressed the difficult situation Walst faced after replacing Gontier as lead singer in 2013. The statement was posted on Instagram to celebrate Walst’s birthday.
Gontier’s message focused on acknowledging the resilience Walst showed in handling the backlash from fans. It also highlighted his role in keeping the band successful during challenging times.
“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.”
The former lead singer continued to praise Walst’s dedication to the band and their current working 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 acknowledgment comes after years of complex band dynamics and a remarkable reunion that has created an unprecedented situation in rock music.
Wikipedia reported that Gontier’s departure from Three Days Grace in 2013 was sudden and attributed to medical reasons. This left the band in a difficult position just as they were launching a co-headlining tour. The timing created an urgent need for a replacement vocalist who could step in immediately and maintain the band’s momentum.
Wikipedia documented that Matt Walst was chosen to fill the void. Walst was previously the lead singer of My Darkest Days and the younger brother of Three Days Grace bassist Brad Walst. The family connection made the transition smoother from a logistical standpoint. However, it didn’t shield Walst from the intense scrutiny and criticism from longtime fans who remained loyal to Gontier’s distinctive vocal style.
The band’s unique current arrangement represents a rare occurrence in rock music. Goldmine Magazine revealed that Gontier officially returned to Three Days Grace in 2024. This created a dual-vocalist setup where both singers now share the stage and recording duties. This collaboration has resulted in their 2025 album “Alienation,” marking the first time both vocalists have worked together on new material.
The reconciliation and current working relationship between Gontier and Walst demonstrates how the band has evolved beyond the typical replacement scenario. Rather than one singer simply taking over for another, Three Days Grace has embraced a collaborative approach that honors both eras of the band’s history while creating something entirely new for their future.
