Chris Adler has broken his silence about his departure from LAMB OF GOD , explaining that he "did not make the decision to leave [his] life's work."
LAMB OF GOD officially parted ways with Adler in July. His replacement is Art Cruz , who has previously played with PRONG and WINDS OF PLAGUE , and filled in for Adler on several LAMB OF GOD tours in 2018 and 2019.
Earlier today, Adler released a statement in which he finally explained some of the reasons for his exit from the band he co-founded 25 years ago.
The drummer wrote: "I feel it is time to address the many questions being asked about my departure from LAMB OF GOD .
"Allow me to start with a relative concept of understanding. We all gave our lives to this, 26 years is not flippant. Each one of us sacrificed and lost much on a personal level to live the dream we had when we were kids.
"I will always love each member of the band for believing in me and agreeing to take on the world. We managed to find some love in the machine but in turn, it took things that cannot be recovered.
"I did not leave the dream. I did not make the decision to leave my life's work. The truth is that, I am I unwilling to paint by numbers.
"I wish my brothers all the best in their continued ventures. I can assure you that you will hear from me again. I was given a gift and hope to continue to share it.
"Many have asked about a motorbike accident I had in Thailand in 2017. It's true that it was not pretty, but I've been well since August of 2018. Thank you for your concerns.
"I support my friends and the dream I allowed them to share in. I loved and am still humbled by every second of the smiles and horns we elicited.
"There is an ambiguous concept in our world of 'selling out.' I cannot define that outside of my personal understanding, but know that being trapped in a 'creative' formula and/or playing the same song 10,000 times did not bolster my love of playing. I'm never been one to 'phone it in.' I'd rather mow the grass.
"I acknowledge and am truly grateful of achieving my childhood dream.
"I have 2 Grammys that sit on my mother's mantle piece. I think she deserves 3 so this party isn't over.
"I was not given a choice in this and my dream is alive.
"Feel free to say hello if you see me mowing the grass. It never gets old.
"I appreciate each and every one of you!
"Thank you!
" Chris
"P.S.: I may or may not be in touch with Kyle Thomas and Myrone about an Oakland Raiders concept album. This is neither confirmed or denied."
When Adler 's absence from LAMB OF GOD 's summer 2018 tour was first announced, he released a statement saying that he had been undergoing physical and occupational therapy for injuries he sustained in the aforementioned motorcycle accident.
In addition to LAMB OF GOD , Adler has played drums with a number of metal artists, including MEGADETH , NITRO , BLOTTED SCIENCE and PROTEST THE HERO .
Adler is currently playing with the rotating supergroup HAIL! , whose lineup also includes EXODUS vocalist Steve "Zetro" Souza , VIO-LENCE /ex- MACHINE HEAD guitarist Phil Demmel and former MEGADETH / BLACK LABEL SOCIETY bassist James LoMenzo .
Last year, Adler partnered with music industry executive Jason Lekberg to launch Kintsugi Management .
In November, Chris will return to India to conduct a series of drum and music-business clinics and live shows titled "The Chris Adler Experience" , presented by Gravity Talent . The live shows will see Adler supported by a number of the country's top musicians belting out the best-known LAMB OF GOD and MEGADETH material.
