Chris Adler Reveals Reasons Behind His Departure from Lamb of God
Chris Adler Opens Up About Lamb of God Firing: A Journey Through Dystonia and Resilience
In an exclusive interview with Loaded Radio, Chris Adler—the legendary drummer and co-founder of Lamb of God—has broken his silence about the circumstances that led to his shocking firing from the band in 2019. Renowned for his powerhouse drumming and contributions to modern metal, Adler’s exit left fans reeling and sparked widespread speculation. Now, six years later, he’s ready to share the truth behind the scenes.
Adler’s drums had long been the heartbeat of Lamb of God since its inception in 1994. But in the year leading up to his dismissal, the drummer faced a series of personal and professional challenges. A devastating motorcycle accident left Adler with a shattered collarbone and shoulder, thrusting him off stage and into a series of physical and emotional struggles. To fill the void during his absence, the band enlisted Art Cruz, who would ultimately take over Adler’s spot permanently.
However, Adler’s woes extended beyond physical injuries. He revealed to Loaded Radio that he was battling musician’s dystonia—a neurological condition that wreaked havoc on his performance. “Dystonia is basically a neurological condition where the nerve that controls the movement of any particular body part deteriorates to the point where that motion becomes impossible,” Adler explained. “It happens a lot to people who repeat the same motion for decades. For me, it started affecting my right foot.”
The drummer vividly described the struggles of performing under the condition: “I would be playing a song, and my foot would shoot off to the side or shoot back when I intended to press the pedal. Coming off stage felt devastating; I was depressed with my performance." Adler’s medical condition, alongside tensions from his collaborations with Megadeth for their Grammy-winning album Dystopia, contributed to the growing frustration within the band.
According to Adler, he did provide his bandmates with medical documentation, hoping for understanding and support: “I told them there are a couple of songs that really aggravate this, but I can manage the rest if they’re willing to make some changes.” Unfortunately, the situation escalated. “I think the combination of things got to the point where they didn’t wanna deal with it,” he recalled. “It was surreal getting that email—‘service is no longer required.’ I felt like it was my baby, my project; I put my life into it.”
Adler’s journey didn’t end there. After intensive physical therapy and an unwavering determination to reclaim his passion, he returned to the stage. He has since formed a new band called Firstborne, featuring guitarist Myrone and vocalist Girish. Their debut album, Lucky, is set to drop on July 18th, a project Adler approaches with fresh optimism and renewed vigor.
The upcoming record symbolizes not only a new beginning but also a profound testament to resilience. In discussing his recovery and return to music, Adler noted, “This next chapter is about moving forward and embracing what I learned.” As the world awaits the new sounds of Firstborne, Adler’s story serves as a compelling reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity.
For those eager to follow Adler’s journey, the interview with Loaded Radio provides a candid look into his experiences, while Firstborne’s debut single “Wake Up” offers a taste of what’s to come. In both ways, Chris Adler continues to thrive—proving that while the past may shape us, it does not define us.
