Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com “You left me here like a chalk outline” – the chorus to the first single off of Three Days Grace latest disc ‘Transit of Venus’ rang out almost prophetic in nature as the band took the stage to ravage a rock-hungry New England crowd on a freezing February evening in Lowell, Mass., on Wednesday (Feb. 20). Shortly before the co-headlining tour with Shinedown kicked off, former Three Days Grace frontman Adam Gontier unceremoniously up and left the band without much notice, leaving them in a bit of a bind. Luckily, the music genes seem run deep in bassist Brad Walst’s family and he was able to recruit his brother, My Darkest Days frontman Matt Walst, to fill in on the trek. While this left Matt with some large shoes to fill and certainly sky high expectations, he seems to have settled into the role as the (temporary?) Three Days Grace vocalist with ease. The band erupted onto the stage looking as if they just crawled out of the wreckage of a post-apocalyptic showdown. With guns blazing in the form of behemoth beams of pyro, the band certainly showed no signs of only having recruited their singer a month ago, they played like a well-oiled machine. With one of the best bass faces in the business, Brad Walst performs alongside guitarist Barry Stock and drummer Neil Sanderson as seasoned vets on the stage. And while Matt Walst may be seeing some of the largest crowds he’s seen throughout his young career, you’d never know it. It’s hard to deny that many bands are defined by their lead singer and vocalwise, Walst’s voice has a lower register and overall sounds a lot cleaner than Gontier’s. There’s a lot less grit and grime and a bit more clarity fueled by his tenacity to deliver the songs in a manner where they still sound familiar. Of course, Gontier’s gritty vocals complement the often angst-ridded lyrics of Three Days Grace songs, but judging by the reaction of the crowd, Matt Walst was accepted with open arms. While the future of Three Days Grace seems a bit unclear at the moment, the band has truly embraced the rebellious spirit of rock and punched it into high gear to move forward wherever their path may take them. Shinedown were up next, starting off their set with a bit of a surprise. Drummer Barry Kerch walked onto stage solo and took his place behind the kit. As the music for their song ‘Enemies’ engulfed the arena, fans were searching to see where it was coming from. They only had to look back to the mixing board to see a separate smaller stage where vocalist Brent Smith, guitarist Zach Myers and bassist Eric Bass were getting the night started, rocking their hearts out. Halfway through the song, the three darted through the crowd and back to the main stage for a proper introduction to the near capacity venue. With something that has become part of a ritual at any Shinedown show, Smith encouraged fans to say hello to the people around them, engage a bit, and just have a good time throughout the night. It’s this all for one and one for all vibe that provides a lot of the backbone to their latest disc ‘Amaryllis’ and fuels such a solid connection between the band and their fans. Decked out head to toe in formal attire and looking like they’re possibly in the best shape of their lives, the sharp-dressed men of Shinedown didn’t let formality cloud their vision of getting down and dirty and delivering the best rock show in town. With a set that showcased their latest disc while still offering up some of the biggest hits of their career throughout, fans soaked up a retrospective of Shinedown’s full discography spanning from 2003’s ‘Leave a Whisper’ to their latest single ‘I’ll Follow You.” One thing Shinedown has mastered is seamlessly in a live environment is transitioning from uptempo rockers to more heartfelt ballads without losing energy along the way. This is something that has clearly come from years of experience. There’s a lot of fun going on up there too. Between Smith striking rockstar worthy poses centerstage, Myers and Bass swapping sides of the stage to say hi to the fans sitting on the sides, and Kerch’s hair flying to the beat of his own drum, the guys in Shinedown obviously love what they do, and that kind of infectious energy is the permeating kind. Although it seemed that their time onstage felt a bit short — Shinedown fans would probably feel that way if the set spanned three hours – the band delivered a jam-packed set that featured a slew of familiar chart-topping hits. Boom! P.O.D. got the night started with a short set that featured hit tunes like ‘Alive’ and ‘Youth of a Nation.’ Before their time was over, frontman Sonny Sandoval jumped off the stage and right into the fray to visit the fans in the front row and sing a song with them. After their hiatus, it’s great to see P.O.D. back in their element. It’s obvious that’s where they are at their best, so get there early to check them out! The Shinedown, Three Days Grace, P.O.D. tour continues through the end of March, check out all the remaining dates here . Photos of Shinedown, Three Days Grace + P.O.D. in Lowell, Mass.: Shinedown: Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Three Days Grace: Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com P.O.D.: Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com
Posts Tagged ‘grace’
Shinedown, Three Days Grace + P.O.D. Devour Massachusetts With Rock Assault
February 22nd, 2013 
Metalkult Former Three Days Grace Frontman Adam Gontier Working on Solo Album, Wishes Band ‘All The Best’
January 21st, 2013 Metalkult Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com After what could be described as a tumultuous split with his former band Three Days Grace , Adam Gontier made his first solo debut since leaving the band at the ‘Rock For Recovery’ benefit show at the Gramercy Theater in New York City on Jan. 17. When Artisan News asked the singer about his departure from Three Days Grace and how he felt, Gontier had nothing but positive things to say. “I feel great about it; this is a new chapter of my life,” he said in the video interview (watch below). “Three Days Grace for me ran its toll. We were a band for 20 years and things don’t last forever. You have to move on and do what’s right for you and for own well-being. For me it was just the end of the road.” He didn’t leave it at that though; he took some time to wish the band well without him. “I wish the guys all the best,” Gontier said. “I wish them all the best and no hard feelings but for me it was time to move on and into a new chapter of my life.” These statements come in contrast to recent remarks by Gontier, in which he criticized the creative direction of Three Days Grace. As we reported recently, Gontier said, “The music really wasn’t coming from the heart. I can say that on the record ‘Transit of Venus,’ there’s maybe one or two songs that actually do come from my heart … Quite a bit of it just adds up to the fakeness of the whole industry and how you’re writing hits for other people.” That new chapter of Gontier’s life includes an upcoming solo album that is already in the works. Gontier shared that he’s already written many new songs for the disc that should be out some time in 2013. “It’s a matter of basically tweaking songs that have already been written and recording them, getting them done,” Gontier explained. “I would think within a few months I should have something done.” As Gontier continues to pursue his solo career, Three Days Grace are gearing up for their co-headlining tour with Shinedown. With Gontier gone from the band, Three Days Grace have recruited singer Matt Walst to sing on the tour, who coincidentally just happens to be the brother of bassist Brad Walst. The tour kicks off in February. Watch Adam Gontier Talk About His Solo Career and Split From Three Days Grace [button href=”http://loudwire.com/adam-gontier-criticizes-direction-three-days-grace-promises-release-health-records/” title=”Next: Adam Gontier Criticizes Musical Direction of Three Days Grace + More” align=”center”]
Posted in News 
Tags: a-band-for, a-new-chapter, adam gontier, best, from-the-heart, grace, heart, rock, three-days, tour, videos 
No Comments »Art of Dying Dedicate ‘Raining’ Lyric Video to Three Days Grace
January 17th, 2013 Metalkult Ethan Miller, Getty Images / Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Art of Dying are digging deeper into their ‘Vices and Virtues’ album by issuing a new lyric video for ‘Raining’ off their breakout disc. The track holds a special place for the band as it features a guest turn from former Three Days Grace vocalist Adam Gontier , and the band has decided to dedicate the release to Gontier and his former group. ‘Raining’ follows the prior ‘Vices and Virtues’ singles ‘Die Trying,’ ‘Get Thru This’ and ‘Sorry.’ In a mailing to fans, Art of Dying discussed the decision to make the dedication and why just beyond Gontier’s guest appearance that they chose to salute the whole band. The statement reads as follows: In light of Adam’s departure from the band last week, we are dedicating this lyric video to Adam, Brad, Neil, Barry and all of the Three Days Grace fans around the world. They have moved us with their music and we wish all of them the best on their new musical path’s and life journeys.??The story behind the recording: As many of you know Cale and Adam are cousins, and grew up together in Ontario. Adam was kind enough to sing the second verse and do some harmonies with us in the studio. It’s been such an honour having Adam on our record and learning from his unique style and benevolent nature. In a solo posting at the band’s Facebook page , Art of Dying frontman Jonny Hetherington added, “You created powerful music that inspired us in so many ways. Wishing you the best on all of your musical paths and life’s journeys.” Those with a keen eye might also recognize another famous rocker in the video, as Disturbed ‘s David Draiman turns up with a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it appearance. Art of Dying have a close association with Draiman and his Disturbed bandmate Dan Donegan, as the two rockers run Intoxication Records, which signed the group and opened the door to their current success. Watch Art of Dying’s ‘Raining’ Lyric Video [button href=”http://loudwire.com/art-of-dying-welcome-fan-involvement-for-acoustic-sorry-video/” title=”Next: Watch Art of Dying’s Fan-Generated ‘Sorry’ Video” align=”center”]
Posted in News Tags: a-keen-eye, a-new-lyric, disturbed, gontier, grace, news, opened-the-door, rock, sing-the-second, three days grace, unique No Comments »Three Days Grace Share Intimate Details of Singer Adam Gontier’s Departure
January 17th, 2013 Metalkult Ethan Miller, Getty Images The recent exit of Three Days Grace singer Adam Gontier from the group shocked many in the music industry, but probably no one more than the rest of his bandmates. After offering a very brief statement on Gontier’s exit and revealing that My Darkest Days frontman Matt Walst would be filling in on their upcoming tour with Shinedown, more and more details have begun to leak out. Initially it was stated that a “health issue” was part of the reason for Gontier’s sudden exit , but the vocalist later told fans that he had not suffered a relapse in his sobriety and that he had decided the time had come to “evolve on his own terms.” For their part, Three Days Grace issued another statement after the initial posting stating that they were shocked to hear the news, but were committed to their tour and still felt a passion for what they were doing. Not soon after his exit, it was revealed that Gontier was planning a solo show at a New York City benefit on Jan. 17, which raised a few more eyebrows. Having some time to deal with the aftermath of Gontier’s exit, the group has decided to let fans in on the timeline of the singer’s departure and today (Jan. 16) offered a Facebook posting with more intimate details about the split. It reads as follows: It had been our desire to keep an internal band matter just that, internal. However, after public statements by Adam we feel the need to give our fans the facts. Here’s the exact timeline of events over the past few weeks. On December 21, 2012, Neil and Brad (via email), our manager and business manager (via federal express) received a letter from Adam’s lawyer stating, “Please be advised effective immediately Adam is terminating his involvement with the band Three Days Grace. Adam has been wrestling with a health issue, outlined in the attached letter (a doctor’s letter dated December 14), which would have precluded him from touring with the band in 2013 and he wants the group to continue moving forward as they see fit while not holding them back.” As you can imagine, this came as a complete shock to us. We had just played a series of shows in Hartford and Peterborough the preceding week with no mention from Adam of any health issues or that this resignation letter was coming. We had no idea then that the December 15th Hartford show (which we played one day after the date of the doctor’s note attached to Adam’s lawyer’s letter) would be our final show with Adam as lead singer. After receiving Adam’s lawyer’s letter, Brad sent Adam a text offering to get together to make sure that Adam’s decision was in fact the decision he wanted to make, a final decision, and to talk through any issues. As Brad said, “It would suck to end a twenty year relationship through a lawyer.” Brad’s invitation was declined by Adam via a text stating, “My decision is 100%. My relationship with Three Days Grace is over.” We were then surprised to learn that even though we were told on December 21st that Adam was not able to tour with the band due to health concerns, he apparently planned on participating in a show on January 17 in New York City, as a solo artist. How would you feel if you were in our shoes? Someone you had known for 20 years, whom you had grown up with, gone through ups and downs with, shared dreams with, ends that relationship as if you had known him for a single day with a letter from a lawyer. With a new album and new tour about to begin, and music that everyone in the band is proud to play and promote, we were quickly left to come up with a way to continue what we started. We had a tour for “Transit of Venus” scheduled to start in a month, and we felt we owed it to our fans and ourselves to go through with it. As we have said before, our fans are the best. You have stood with us through good times and bad times and you are the reason we do what we do. We appreciate more than we can say in words the support we have received during this time. This is not about choosing sides or deciding who’s right or who’s wrong. This is about being honest with you. Adam has made his choice and we wish him well. We care about our band, and we care about honouring our commitments to you, the fans. Three Days Grace has never been about one single band member and it never will be. After touring is complete, we will move forward. In what shape and form, that is yet to be determined. What we can tell you is that and are excited to rock live and we can’t wait to see you all on the road. Given the new information from the band, now how would you vote in our recent Readers Poll about the Three Days Grace singer situation? Voice your opinion by clicking on the red button below: [button href=”http://loudwire.com/three-days-grace-singer-swap-readers-poll/” title=”Vote in the Three Days Grace Singer Swap Readers Poll” align=”center”]
Posted in News Tags: a-letter-from, adam gontier, december-, fans, gontier, grace, Music, news, readers-poll-, shoes, singer, three, three days grace, time, timeline No Comments »Suffocation Unleash Track ‘As Grace Descends’ From 2013 Album ‘Pinnacle of Bedlam’
December 14th, 2012 Metalkult Nuclear Blast Brutal death metal architects Suffocation are set to release their seventh full-length album, ‘Pinnacle of Bedlam’ on Feb. 15, but fans won’t have to wait another two months to hear new material from the band. Suffocation have just unleashed the new track ‘As Grace Descends,’ and spoiler alert: It’s very heavy. After the departure of drummer Mike Smith, there were some big shoes to fill behind the kit. Thus, Suffocation made an incredibly wise decision in recruiting Dave Culross of Malevolent Creation. Culross has drummed from Suffocation in the past, blasting away on the band’s masterful 1998 EP, ‘Despise the Sun.’ “You will definitely hear ‘Despise the Sun’ shining through on this record,” Culross told us in our recent interview with the band. Not only because of my playing on it, but the grooves in some of the stuff that we did are very similar to the grooves in ‘Despise the Sun,’ and I think that’s what will people are gonna characterize between the two albums … you’ll hear the accents in the blasts, a lot of fast double bass; definitely reminiscent of ‘Despise the Sun.’” ‘As Grace Descends’ showcases a more crisp and powerful production standards, which offers an interesting dichotomy as Suffocation bring a more raw sense of composition to the track. Vocalist Frank Mullen is also noticeably straight-forward in his performance, as he keeps his gutturals low while focusing on the pronunciation of his lyrics. Introduce yourselves with ‘As Grace Descends’ in the player below, and whatever you do, only perform the classic Frank Mullen hand chop if you’ve warmed up first, as you will likely break your wrist otherwise. Suffocation, ‘As Grace Descends’ Suffocation, ‘Pinnacle of Bedlam’ Track Listing: 1. ‘Cycles of Suffering’ 2. ‘Purgatorial Punishment’ 3. ‘Eminent Wrath’ 4. ‘As Grace Descends’ 5. ‘Sullen Days’ 6. ‘Pinnacle of Bedlam’ 7. ‘My Demise’ 8. ‘Inversion’ 9. ‘Rapture of Revocation’ 10. ‘Beginning of Sorrow’ [button href=”http://loudwire.com/suffocation-pinnacle-of-bedlam-future-of-vocalist-frank-mullen/” title=”Suffocation Talk ‘Pinnacle of Bedlam,’ Future of Frank Mullen + More” align=”center”]
Shinedown + Three Days Grace Add Second Leg to 2013 Co-Headlining U.S. Tour
December 10th, 2012 Metalkult Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com Just a few weeks ago, Shinedown and Three Days Grace announced the first leg of a co-headlining U.S. tour that kicks off in February 2013. Now, the two bands have added a second leg of dates to the trek. With the new leg kicking off on March 9 in Orlando, Fla., at the Amway Center and taking them through March 30 in Fargo, N.D. at the Fargodome, the 16 new dates will have the rock titans out on the road through the end of March. The tour will mark the first time that many fans will be able to catch Three Days Grace playing songs off their new disc ‘Transit of Venus,’ released on Oct. 2. Meanwhile, Shinedown will continue to showcase their latest disc ‘Amaryllis,’ which has already spawned hit singles like ‘Bully,’ ‘Unity,’ and ‘Enemies.’ Three Days Grace are anxious to get back out on the road after playing a handful of sold out shows in small venues for their fans, commenting, “We can’t wait to get back out on the road to play live for our fans; that’s the best part of doing what we do.” Shinedown have already promised to raise the bar for this new tour, which is a pretty hefty pledge considering their successful summer run on the 2012 Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival Both bands are competing in the 2012 Loudwire Music Awards for ‘ Rock Song of the Year .’ As they are doing for the first leg, P.O.D. will be opening all of the shows on the new leg of the tour. Check out all the dates and locations below. Three Days Grace + Shinedown + P.O.D. 2013 U.S. Tour Dates: Newly Announced Second Leg: 3/9 – Orlando, Fla. – Amway Center 3/11 – Estero, Fla. – Germain Arena 3/12 – Savannah, Ga. – Civic Center 3/14 – Pensacola, Fla. – Pensacola Civic Center 3/15 – Jackson, Miss. – Mississippi Coliseum 3/16 – Little Rock, Ark. – Verizon Arena 3/18 – Baton Rouge, La. – Baton Rouge River Center 3/19 – Belton, Texas – Bell County Expo Center 3/21 – Oklahoma City, Okla. – Chesapeake Energy Center 3/22 – Lubbock, Texas – Lonestar Event Center 3/23 – Wichita, Kan. – INTRUST Bank Arena 3/25 – Broomfield, Colo. – 1st Bank Center 3/26 – Lincoln, Neb. – Pershing Center 3/28 – Sioux City, Iowa – Tyson Events Center 3/29 – La Crosse, Wis. – La Crosse Center Arena 3/30 – Fargo, N.D. – Fargodome Previously Announced First Leg: 2/1 Moline, IL – iWireless Center 2/2 Madison, WI – Alliant Energy Center 2/5 Minneapolis, MN – Target Center 2/6 Green Bay, WI – Resch Center 2/8 – Nashville TN – Bridgestone Arena 2/9 – Huntington, WV – Big Sandy Superstore 2/10 – Knoxville, TN – Knoxville Civic Auditorium Coliseum 2/12 – Saginaw, MI – DOW Events Center 2/13 – Battle Creek, MI – Kellogg Arena 2/15 – Ft. Wayne, IN – Allen Co War Memorial 2/16 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena 2/17 – Reading, PA – Sovereign Center 2/19 – Baltimore, MD – 1st Mariner Arena 2/20 – Lowell, MA – Tsongas Center [button href=”http://loudwire.com/shinedown-already-recorded-new-album/” title=”Shinedown: We’ve Already Recorded a New Album” align=”center”]
Posted in News Tags: center, concerts, grace, newly-announced, pershing-center, reading, shinedown, texas, tour No Comments »Three Days Grace + Shinedown To Co-Headline 2013 U.S. Arena Tour Featuring Support Act P.O.D.
November 12th, 2012 Metalkult Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com / Liz Ramanand, Loudwire In a pairing of hit-making rock acts, Three Days Grace and Shinedown are teaming up for a co-headlining U.S. arena tour kicking off in February 2013. Adding more firepower to the bill will be opening act P.O.D. The trek kicks off Feb. 1 in Moline, Ill., and is currently scheduled through a Feb. 20 show in Lowell, Mass. Dates are primarily centered in the Midwest, with a couple of East Coast dates thrown into the itinerary. However, the bands promise more dates will be added shortly. Three Days Grace, who recently released the album ‘Transit of Venus,’ issued this band statement regarding the tour: “We can’t wait to get back out on the road to play live for our fans; that’s the best part of doing what we do.” The band’s current single ‘Chalk Outline’ spent several weeks at No. 1 on the active rock chart. Meanwhile, Shinedown will be out in support of their latest album, ‘Amaryllis,’ and singer Brent Smith says of the trek: “Shinedown prides itself on always taking our live shows to the next level and giving our fans everything they want – honest, emotional, and incendiary performances. This tour is no exception. In fact, we’re raising the bar.” This past summer, P.O.D. released ‘Murdered Love,’ which has yielded the No. 1 rock hit ‘Lost in Forever.’ They are gearing up to head out on the road with 3 Doors Down and Daughtry this month. Check out the current list of dates for the Three Days Grace / Shinedown / P.O.D. tour below: Three Days Grace + Shinedown + P.O.D. 2013 U.S. Tour Dates: 2/1 Moline, IL – iWireless Center 2/2 Madison, WI – Alliant Energy Center 2/5 Minneapolis, MN – Target Center 2/6 Green Bay, WI – Resch Center 2/8 Nashville TN – Bridgestone Arena 2/9 Huntington, WV – Big Sandy Superstore 2/10 Knoxville, TN – Knoxville Civic Auditorium Coliseum 2/12 Saginaw, MI – DOW Events Center 2/13 Battle Creek, MI – Kellogg Arena 2/15 Ft. Wayne, IN – Allen Co War Memorial 2/16 Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena 2/17 Reading, PA – Sovereign Center 2/19 Baltimore, MD – 1st Mariner Arena 2/20 Lowell, MA – Tsongas Center [button href=”http://loudwire.com/top-hard-rock-songs-21st-century/” title=”Three Days Grace, Shinedown + P.O.D. – Top 21st Century Hard Songs” align=”center”]
Posted in News Tags: a-tour-kicking, alliant-energy, bands, grace, knoxville-civic, mariner, mariner-arena, news, reading, shinedown, songs, three days grace No Comments »
