It’s truly remarkable to hear Adam Gontier’s candid reflections about his departure from Three Days Grace in 2013. His decision to leave the band was clearly rooted in deep personal struggles, both physically and emotionally. The pressures of relentless touring, combined with the mental and spiritual toll it took on him, ultimately led him to step away and focus on his well-being. It’s a tough decision for any artist, especially when they’re part of such a successful group, but Gontier’s acknowledgment of needing to take care of himself at that moment shows real maturity.
It’s also interesting to hear him admit that he could have handled his exit more gracefully, but at the time, his focus was entirely on what he needed. That kind of honesty about not being able to see past his own struggles to consider the team or the fans is something a lot of people can relate to—especially when mental health comes into play. It wasn’t about selfishness but about survival and the reality of being overwhelmed by the demands of fame and success.
Fast forward to his return with Three Days Grace, and it feels like a full-circle moment not just for Gontier but for the fans as well. The band hinted at his return with a clever voicemail teaser, and then the release of the new song “Mayday” was such a strong statement that things have come full circle. It must have been an intense experience for both the band and Gontier to come back together after such a long time. Fans are undoubtedly excited to hear what this new era with Adam brings, especially after hearing “Mayday,” which has that familiar Three Days Grace energy but also a lot of depth.
Do you feel like his return has added a fresh layer to the band’s sound? Or does it feel more like a nostalgic return to their classic sound?
