Five Finger Death Punch Bassist Chris Kael: I Was Chasing Death Through Abusing Substances

2018-04-03

Story by Cat Badra, photo by Anne Erickson

Congratulations to Chris Kael of Five Finger Death Punch for fighting addiction

Chris Kael was celebrating more than Easter this past weekend. The Five Finger Death Punch bass player announced in an Instagram post on Easter Sunday (April 1) that he is 57 days sober.

“I do this for solely for myself,” Kael stated in the photo caption. “A great byproduct is to also show to any of you struggling that you too can do it.”

Kael discussed more about his recent battle with addiction in a lengthy Twitter thread posted Monday (April 2), and also announced that he has written a book about his experience working through addiction.

“I was defin(i)tely chasing death slowly through abusing substances,” he stated in a tweet. “Feeling much better now after stepping away from it. I’ll spill it all in hard cover eventually.” In a separate Instagram post a few hours later, he added, “I continue to write in hopes that someday all of this will someday be available for you to read. I appreciate your own personal stories; but, for me, it’s important to stay positive and at arm’s length as I work through this.”

Five Finger Death Punch fans came out of the woodwork to send words of encouragement to Kael, and a certain rock star also stepped up to help. Stone Sour and Slipknot vocalist Corey Taylor offered Kael a virtual pat on the back, tweeting, “Good for you man. I just passed 8+ years. If you ever want to talk, let me know.”

Kael’s Five Finger Death Punch band mate Ivan Moody has also dealt with substance abuse and re-entered rehab last summer. Moody missed select tour dates with Five Finger Death Punch, but returned to the fold after getting help.

In other news, Five Finger Death Punch will unleash a new album named “And Justice for None” on May 18. The band will also tour North America this spring and summer on co-headlining outings with Shinedown and Breaking Benjamin.

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Cat Badra

Meet the expert - Cat Badra is a music writer for Audio Ink Radio and a range of other music, sports and lifestyle publications. She's a graduate of Michigan State University with a master's degree in theater and speech. Contact her at cat@audioinkradio.com.