Feature Photo: Savingatlasfl, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Formed in 1992 in Norwood, Ontario, Three Days Grace initially began as a high school band under the name Groundswell. The original lineup disbanded in 1995, only to reform in 1997 under the Three Days Grace moniker. The band’s breakthrough came with their self-titled debut album, Three Days Grace (2003), which featured chart-topping singles like “I Hate Everything About You.” They have since released a total of seven studio albums: Three Days Grace (2003), One-X (2006), Life Starts Now (2009), Transit of Venus (2012), Human (2015), Outsider (2018), and Explosions (2022).
Over the years, Three Days Grace has undergone significant lineup changes, most notably the departure of original lead vocalist Adam Gontier in 2013, who was replaced by Matt Walst. Despite the changes, the band has maintained its success, with numerous singles reaching the top of the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. Known for their emotionally charged lyrics and dynamic rock sound, they have received accolades such as multiple Juno Award nominations and wins, as well as a loyal global fanbase.
Today, Three Days Grace continues to tour and produce music with a mix of founding and newer members. Their longevity in the industry can be attributed to their ability to adapt while retaining the core elements of their sound.
Adam Gontier
Adam Gontier was a founding member of Groundswell in 1992 and later rejoined the rebranded Three Days Grace in 1997 as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist. He played lead guitar until Barry Stock joined in 2003. Adam’s contributions defined the band’s early sound, especially on their self-titled debut, which featured hits like “I Hate Everything About You” and “Just Like You.” His songwriting on One-X explored themes of addiction and personal struggles, resulting in critical and commercial success with tracks like “Animal I Have Become” and “Never Too Late.” Gontier remained with the band through Life Starts Now and Transit of Venus but left in 2013 due to personal reasons. Outside of Three Days Grace, he formed the band Saint Asonia in 2015 and continued to explore his musical creativity. In 2024, Adam returned to Three Days Grace, resuming his role as lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist.
Neil Sanderson
Neil Sanderson has been the drummer and backing vocalist for Three Days Grace since its inception as Groundswell in 1992. After the initial breakup in 1995, he rejoined in 1997 when the band reformed. Neil’s drumming style and vocal harmonies have been a constant across all the band’s albums, starting with their debut in 2003. He began contributing keyboards to the band’s sound on Life Starts Now, adding a new dimension to their arrangements. Sanderson’s versatility has been crucial to the band’s evolution, as seen in tracks like “Pain” from One-X and “The Mountain” from Outsider. Outside the band, Neil has contributed to other musical projects as a songwriter and producer.
Brad Walst
Brad Walst, the bassist and backing vocalist, is another founding member of both Groundswell and Three Days Grace. He has been a consistent presence in the band since 1992. Brad’s bass work anchors the band’s sound, providing a steady rhythmic foundation on all their albums, from Three Days Grace to Explosions. In addition to his musical contributions, Brad played a pivotal role in keeping the band together during lineup changes, particularly during the transition following Adam Gontier’s departure. Outside the band, Brad has collaborated on various music projects and is known for his involvement in the production side of the industry.
Barry Stock
Barry Stock joined Three Days Grace in 2003 as the lead guitarist, taking over lead duties to allow Adam Gontier to focus on vocals and rhythm guitar. His first appearance was on One-X, where his heavy, precise guitar work became a key element of the band’s sound, particularly on tracks like “Riot” and “Animal I Have Become.” Barry has contributed to every album since, evolving his style to match the band’s changing dynamics. From Life Starts Now to WALLS, his guitar solos and riffs have been integral to their success. Barry also handled rhythm guitar between 2013 and 2017, showcasing his adaptability within the group.
Matt Walst
Matt Walst became the lead vocalist of Three Days Grace in 2013, stepping in after Adam Gontier’s departure. As the brother of bassist Brad Walst, Matt was already familiar with the band’s style. His debut on Human marked a shift in the band’s sound, with tracks like “Painkiller” and “I Am Machine” maintaining their presence on the charts. Matt later added rhythm guitar to his role in 2017, further contributing to the band’s arrangements on albums like Outsider and Explosions. Before joining Three Days Grace, Matt was the frontman for My Darkest Days, a band he founded in 2005, which achieved success with hits like “Porn Star Dancing.”
Phil Crowe
Phil Crowe was the lead guitarist for Groundswell during their early years from 1992 to 1995. Although he did not rejoin the group when it became Three Days Grace, Crowe’s contributions were foundational during the band’s formative years. His work with Groundswell helped establish the groundwork for what would later become Three Days Grace.
Joe Grant
Joe Grant played rhythm guitar in Groundswell from 1992 to 1995. Like Crowe, he did not return when the band reformed as Three Days Grace in 1997. His role in the early iteration of the group was essential in shaping their initial sound, though his career outside Groundswell remains less documented.
Check out more Three Days Grace articles on ClassicRockHistory.com Just click on any of the links below……
Top 10 Three Days Grace Songs
Complete List Of Three Days Grace Albums And Discography
Read More: Artists’ Interviews Directory At ClassicRockHistory.com
Read More: Classic Rock Bands List And Directory