In a candid reflection, former Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler opened up about the circumstances surrounding his dismissal from the band in 2019. He attributed his departure to a challenging mix of health issues and perceived jealousy among his former bandmates, leading to a bittersweet chapter in his musical journey.

During a recent episode of Loaded Radio, which is available for listening below, Adler shared insights about his struggle with musician’s focal dystonia, a complex neurological disorder that disrupts muscle control in specific areas during repetitive actions or movements. This condition significantly impacted his drumming abilities, particularly while also juggling his commitments with Megadeth, which he felt contributed to his eventual firing.

Understanding the Impact of Musician’s Focal Dystonia on Chris Adler’s Career

“I haven’t really opened up about this before, but back around 2016 or 2017, towards the end of ’16, I was diagnosed with a condition known as musician’s dystonia,” Adler disclosed. “At that time, I hesitated to speak out about it, fearing that it might adversely affect my career trajectory. However, I have dedicated an incredible amount of effort into overcoming this challenge and reclaiming my drumming skills.”

“It’s a condition I’ve heard Alex Webster mention in the past, and being friends with him has brought some comfort,” Adler said. “I recently watched a documentary about Nickelback, and although I’m not their biggest fan, it’s an enlightening documentary. Their drummer, Daniel Adair, faced similar issues, possibly with his arm or hand, but he was also diagnosed with dystonia. For a drummer, or anyone who plays an instrument, it’s akin to receiving a death sentence.”

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Adler explained that his dystonia primarily affected his right foot. “Dystonia can be described as a neurological disorder where the nerve responsible for controlling a specific body part deteriorates to such an extent that executing that motion becomes impossible,” he elaborated. “This condition is prevalent among individuals who perform repetitive movements for decades—think golfers, quarterbacks, and first-chair violinists. It’s a serious issue for anyone deeply committed to their craft, and unfortunately, it’s what I experienced with my right foot.”

This debilitating condition understandably complicated Adler’s ability to execute his signature rapid double-bass drumming style in Lamb of God tracks. “During performances, I would find myself struggling; my foot would unexpectedly veer off to the side or jerk backward instead of pressing the pedal as intended,” he recounted. “It reached a point where I would leave the stage feeling utterly defeated by my performance. I sensed the band’s frustration with my playing as well. I tried to provide them with the medical documentation to explain the situation: ‘Here’s what’s happening, here’s how we can address it. There are just a few songs that aggravate this issue; the rest I can manage if you’re willing to make some adjustments.'”

How Chris Adler’s Involvement with Megadeth Affected His Role in Lamb of God

Adler also pointed out that his contributions to Protest the Hero‘s 2013 album Volition and Megadeth‘s Grammy-winning 2016 album Dystopia may have strained his relationships with his Lamb of God bandmates.

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“At that point in time, I had also joined Megadeth, which added to the already high tensions within Lamb of God,” he noted. “We were never the most harmonious group on tour; if you’re familiar with the dynamics of the band, you know that we often resorted to picking on whoever wasn’t present. I believe this combination of factors reached a boiling point where they grew tired of the situation, and I, too, was unhappy with my playing. That ultimately led to the abrupt end of my tenure, receiving one of those emails stating, ‘Your services are no longer required.’ It was devastating because I poured my heart and soul into that project; it was my identity.”

Chris Adler’s Positive Outlook on His Relationship with Former Bandmates

Following his departure from Lamb of God, Adler dedicated several years to rigorous physical rehabilitation to restore his drumming proficiency. He collaborated with Megadeth bassist James LoMenzo to establish the thrash metal band Firstborne, releasing their self-titled debut EP in 2020 and their full-length album, Gods of Fire, in 2023.

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“I realized it would be foolish to compare myself to my previous accomplishments because Lamb of God truly surpassed all expectations—ours and those of others,” Adler shared. “After twenty-two years of global touring, I don’t focus on awards or accolades; in truth, there wasn’t much left to attain besides proving our continued existence. Therefore, my exit from the band didn’t feel like a total end; I believe I stepped off the train at an opportune moment.”

Adler also expressed that he harbors no resentment towards his former bandmates. “I did take it hard; I took it personally,” he admitted. “It sent me into a downward spiral for a period. However, I have worked through those feelings of resentment, and I genuinely hold nothing but love for them now.”

Listen to Chris Adler Share His Experience of Being Fired from Lamb of God