Chris Adler Reflects on Dismissal from Lamb of God

Former Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler has opened up about the circumstances surrounding his departure from the band in 2019, attributing it to a mix of personal health challenges and tensions with his former bandmates. In a recent episode of Loaded Radio, Adler discussed his diagnosis of musician’s focal dystonia, a neurological condition that impacts muscle control during repetitive movements, which he believes played a significant role in his dismissal.

Understanding Musician’s Focal Dystonia

In his interview, Adler revealed that he was diagnosed with musician’s dystonia around 2016 or 2017, coinciding with his work with Megadeth. “I didn’t want to talk about it at the time because I felt like it would really hinder my career,” he admitted. “But I’ve gone through an incredible amount of work to be able to come back from it.”

Adler explained that the condition primarily affected his right foot, making it challenging to execute the rapid double-bass footwork that Lamb of God’s music demands. “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,” he elaborated. This led to frustrating stage performances, as he often found that his foot would not respond as intended during crucial moments.

Impact on Performance and Band Dynamics

Adler’s struggles with dystonia not only affected his playing but also strained his relationships within Lamb of God. He noted that tensions were high during this period, especially after joining Megadeth. “We were never the most functional group of people traveling around the world,” he recalled. “Whoever was not in the room was basically getting picked on. I think the combination of things got to the point where they didn’t want to deal with it, and I wasn’t happy with my performances.” This ultimately culminated in a formal dismissal that felt devastating to Adler, who had poured his life into the band.

Moving Forward After Lamb of God

Following his departure, Adler dedicated several years to intensive physical therapy to reclaim his drumming abilities. He later formed the thrash band Firstborne with Megadeth bassist James LoMenzo, releasing a self-titled EP in 2020 and a full-length album, Gods of Fire, in 2023. Reflecting on his experiences, Adler acknowledged the monumental achievements of Lamb of God and the unique place it holds in his identity. “I knew that it would be stupid for me to try to compete with what I had done before,” he stated. “Twenty-two years of traveling the world… So it wasn’t like a total death sentence.”

Resolution and Love for Former Bandmates

Despite the initial pain of his dismissal, Adler has since worked through his feelings of resentment. “I did take it hard. I did take it personally… But I’ve worked through those resentments, and I’ve got nothing but love for them,” he said, indicating a sense of closure.

Conclusion

Chris Adler’s journey following his dismissal from Lamb of God highlights the complexities of balancing personal health with the demands of a high-profile music career. While his struggles with musician’s focal dystonia significantly impacted his drumming, Adler’s resilience and dedication have allowed him to forge a new path in music without harboring negative feelings towards his past. His story serves as a reminder of the challenges many artists face and the importance of mental and physical health in creative professions.

FAQs

What is musician’s focal dystonia?

Musician’s focal dystonia is a neurological condition that affects muscle control, making it difficult for musicians to perform repetitive movements accurately. It can be particularly debilitating for instrumentalists, impacting their ability to play their instruments as intended.

How did Chris Adler’s condition affect his work with Lamb of God?

Adler’s dystonia primarily affected his right foot, hindering his ability to perform the rapid double-bass techniques required in Lamb of God’s music, leading to frustration both for him and his bandmates.

What has Chris Adler done since leaving Lamb of God?

After leaving Lamb of God, Adler focused on physical therapy to recover his drumming abilities and formed a new band called Firstborne, releasing music and continuing his career in the metal scene.

Does Chris Adler harbor any ill feelings towards his former bandmates?

No, Adler has expressed that he has worked through any resentments and holds “nothing but love” for his former bandmates, reflecting a sense of closure regarding his departure from the band.