Review: Three Days Grace’s New Era at Manchester Concert

It’s taken me far longer than I wanted to review this gig, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less fresh in my mind. In fact it is a night I will never forget. From the 1000-person-long queue that resembled a snake to get in, the lack of decent t-shirt sizes, and a somewhat dodgy car park… But when those are the low points, you know you’ve had a fantastic night.

I arrived at the O2 Apollo in Manchester already knowing I was in for a good night, to be honest. Three Days Grace are, without a single doubt in my mind, my favourite band of all time. So how could I not be excited? On the way, I listened to a playlist of their songs along with the tour’s warm-up act Badflower… who I have since become completely obsessed with.

https://open.spotify.com/track/7w09r53aPON8ZUvEAnPe94?si=6a118cae840b4e97

As I got to my seat in the auditorium, those around me decided to play musical chairs, with my neighbours changing roughly every 20 minutes before the show. In the end though, I was joined by the lads from Attic Theory. You should recognise that name, as they were recently one of our Songs of the Week — and we’ll soon be doing an interview with them, so keep an eye out for that.

The moment Badflower took to the stage, I knew they were the real deal. Completely unapologetic in who they are. From every word spoken or sung, to each guitar/bass strum and drumbeat. The band aren’t afraid to make people uncomfortable either, with themes like mania, pain, and sadness presented in their rawest form.

The singer Josh openly stated he hadn’t slept the night before (a topic they touch on in their songs), and I found that honesty genuinely refreshing. The rockstar lifestyle despite how certain bands like to portray it is not always glamourous. All in all, Badflower are a brilliant band and, given their raw subject matter, a perfect support act for a band like Three Days Grace. Alongside the songs included here, I’d also recommend Don’t Hate Me, Family & 30 to new listeners.

https://open.spotify.com/track/0leJYiYyZE6jjXCEVYUQAm?si=0ae92fa18ff84bf3

Then it was time… to see a new Three Days Grace. Dare I say it? A better Three Days Grace.

While Matt (Walst) had stepped in remarkably well for the departing (and now returned) Adam (Gontier), I always felt something was missing. It was the rawness of Adam’s voice — something made even more obvious by how much I enjoyed his work with Saint Asonia. That said, Matt brought something completely unique to the table too: a faster, more fluid vocal style that Adam could never quite replicate.

https://open.spotify.com/track/3cj0CWBE6LW9M4MUPK78Iv?si=7c781f30ccb14d7f

That’s why I was THRILLED when news broke that Adam and the band had patched things up and even more so when I found out Matt was staying. This new five-piece version of 3DG is a completely different animal, with the new album Alienation being a huge success. The dual vocalists allow for fast-paced songs with added emotional intensity. The very first song of the night proved exactly that. Dominate went down an absolute storm, and honestly, my brain could barely keep up with how excited I was.

https://open.spotify.com/track/5eFxwmqKrHpSQDOEIFYlgY?si=6973ddde500b46a2

It was at this moment I noticed others wearing Loop earplugs which I knew I was getting for Christmas. I looked in envy as I knew it would mean they got a much clearer audio…

I did wonder how the band would split vocals for the older songs, but that became clear very quickly. Just the second track of the night was the monster hit Animal I Have Become, with Adam taking lead vocals and Matt supporting him. This became the theme of the night — each singer leading on “their” songs while the other backed them up. It created a really interesting dynamic and gave some of the classics a fresh twist. I’d even love to see them consider re-recording some tracks like this.

https://open.spotify.com/track/6OMO6WdRhSfjMPAiPT94wH?si=e86eb1940113443c

The dual-vocal approach actually made me appreciate Matt’s vocals more than ever before. His quicker, slightly softer style really shone through — Painkiller being a perfect example, where Adam stepped in here and there but let Matt fully take control. There’s no shame in me saying I still prefer Adam’s style overall and, for me, he remains the stronger vocalist.

https://open.spotify.com/track/6E2FuUiyJtToZUErsXvR4l?si=c27edc10e1bc419c

I do want to give a proper nod to just how good the new album Alienation is. Tracks like Mayday (Which was the new look bands first single), Kill Me Fast, and Apologies are simply brilliant. I loved how the band spaced them throughout the set, giving both new and old material real attention and love. It also felt like a celebration — respecting both eras of the band while clearly showing how excited they are for this new chapter.

https://open.spotify.com/track/3I3FSs3C05QUs3r8fSdSeQ?si=e825921bb0a44d77

I mentioned Saint Asonia earlier, and those in attendance were treated to something special when Adam’s cousin and bandmate joined him on stage for an acoustic version of Don’t Wanna Go Home Tonight. Knowing the song is about growing up together made it hit even harder. Elsewhere, we were also treated to a solo performance of Radiohead’s Creep by Adam — a song I’ve always wanted to hear live but never had the chance to until now.

https://open.spotify.com/track/0M955bMOoilikPXwKLYpoi?si=f397386e81e64eb6

It might be cliché, but my favourite song by the band is I Hate Everything About You. I used to play it during particularly rough breakups — it was my go-to venting track. Now though, it’s become more of a strength anthem for me, an instant pick-me-up. Hearing it live was incredible. And then, of course, there was the final song of the night — Riot. Even now, that track still gives me chills. A real break things to feel better anthem!

https://open.spotify.com/track/5eALoO9RRACvoxvLKF9zt4?si=b1e1eaabb9c94533

I enjoyed the night so much that I had to grab a poster on the way out, which I’ll be getting framed for my office — a fitting way to remember a night I won’t forget.

Those in attendance will already know this, but this reunion with Adam is no publicity stunt. The band genuinely feel connected again. Ironically, I think the person who benefits the most is Matt — someone many fans previously struggled to connect with. The way Adam spoke about him continuing the band in his absence felt sincere and heartfelt. Of course, part of me still wishes Adam had never left in the first place. Something the crowd made very clear with a massive boo when it was mentioned.

However this is a new chapter. And it’s a bright one.

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