Horrible news.
3 Doors Down, the rock band behind songs like “Kryptonite” and “Here Without You,” announced that lead singer Brad Arnold passed away today, February 7, following a battle with cancer.
Arnold first revealed last May that he had been diagnosed with cancer last May:
“Got some not so good news for you today. I had been sick a couple of weeks ago and went to the hospital and got checked out, and actually got the diagnosis that I had clear cell renal carcinoma that had metastasized into my lungs. And that’s stage 4, and that’s not real good.
But despite the news, and having to step away from the road, Arnold said that he was remaining optimistic thanks to his faith:
“We serve a mighty God, and He can overcome anything, so I have no fear. I really, sincerely am not scared of it at all, but it is going to force us to cancel our tour this summer, and we’re sorry for that.”
The band was scheduled to go on tour last summer with Creed, Daughtry and others for the Summer of ’99 tour. But unfortunately, 3 Doors Down has had to pull out and cancel their upcoming tour dates.
Arnold’s passing was announced in a post on the band’s social media:
With heavy hearts, we share the news that Brad Arnold, founder, lead singer, and songwriter of 3 Doors Down, passed away on Saturday, February 7th, at the age of 47.
With his beloved wife Jennifer and his family by his side, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, in his sleep after his courageous battle with cancer.”
He was a founding member of the band, which got its start in Escatawpa, Mississippi in 1996 by Arnold along with Matt Roberts on lead guitar and Todd Harrell on bass. After passing out demo tapes to local radio stations, one in Mississippi began playing “Kryptonite” – which Arnold wrote during class while he was in high school at the age of 15 – and it quickly became the station’s most requested song.
The band would then go on to release their debut album in 2000, quickly becoming one of the most iconic rock bands of the new millennium with six #1 singles and multiple Grammy nominations.
In their statement mourning his passing, 3 Doors Down paid tribute to Arnold not just as a singer but as a songwriter and – most importantly – a husband to his wife Jennifer:
“As a founding member, vocalist, and original drummer of 3 Doors Down, Brad helped redefine mainstream rock music, blending post-grunge accessibility with emotionally direct songwriting and lyrical themes that resonated with everyday listeners. Brad’s songwriting became a cultural touchstone for a generation, producing some of the most enduring hits of the 2000s, including the band’s breakout hit, “Kryptonite,” which he wrote in his math class when he was just 15 years old. His music reverberated far beyond the stage, creating moments of connection, joy, faith, and shared experiences that will live on long after the stages he performed on.
Above all, he was a devoted husband to Jennifer, and his kindness, humor, and generosity touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. Those closest to him will remember not only his talent, but his warmth, humility, faith, and deep love for his family and friends.
The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time and kindly asks that their privacy be respected.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”
You hate to hear it. Rest in peace, Brad Arnold.
