Gene Adam

Gene Adam was the original singer of Iced Earth/Purgatory.[1] Adam joined Purgatory in 1985 and performed many shows with them, as well as recording several demo tapes. In 1988, the band changed their name to Iced Earth and added Randall Shawver as a second guitarist. Adam wrote the lyrics to "Written On The Walls", the only Iced Earth song he is noted as co-writing. The band began working on demos in 1988 and released their first official demo tape "Enter The Realm" in 1989, followed by the self-titled Iced Earth album in 1990. Gene continued to perform many shows with the band, notably touring Germany in early 1991 as support for Blind Guardian.

The more progressive sound of Iced Earth and the epic themes of the forthcoming "Night Of The Stormrider" album made Adams' thrash inspired vocals seem out of place, and he was removed from the band. Before leaving, Adam performed the songs "Stormrider", "Mystical End" and "Winter Nights" live with the band. Although Adam did not get to record studio versions of the songs, the first two were recorded in studio with his successor John Greely, and the latter with Matt Barlow.

Jon Schaffer was then introduced to John Greely through their mutual friend Tom Morris and after one short practice he was hired to replace Gene. Gene left because Jon Schaffer would not allow him to contribute lyrics (aside from "Written On The Walls".).

In 2002, Gene became the singer of Unearthed, a band formed of ex Iced Earth members including former Iced Earth bassist Dave Abell and former Purgatory guitarist Bill Owen. At this time, Adam had been retired from music for several years. He now has a family and lives in Florida.