The lead singer and songwriter of 3 Doors Down, Brad Arnold, has passed away at the age of 47 after a courageous fight against cancer, as announced by the rock band on X. "He will be deeply missed and forever remembered," the band expressed in a statement released on Saturday. The band is renowned for their rock anthems from the 2000s, including Kryptonite, Here Without You, When I'm Gone, and Loser.
In May 2025, Arnold revealed that he was unwell and had been diagnosed with stage four clear cell renal carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer that had spread to his lung. "I have no fear, I really sincerely am not scared of it at all," the frontman stated, expressing his disappointment over the band's need to cancel an upcoming tour. "I'd love for you to lift me up in prayer every chance you get," he added.
In their statement, 3 Doors Down highlighted that as a founding member, vocalist, and original drummer, "BBrad helped redefine mainstream rock music, blending post-grunge accessibility with emotionally direct song writing and lyrical themes that resonated with everyday listeners." The original band was established in Mississippi during the mid-1990s. Another founding member of the original trio, Matt Roberts, tragically passed away in 2016 at the age of 38.
Arnold penned Kryptonite, the band's breakout hit in 2000, "in his math class when he was just 15 years old," the statement elaborated. Those who were closest to Arnold will "remember not only his talent, but his warmth, humility, faith, and deep love for his family and friends," it noted. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, the band was a staple on rock and pop radio. They have been honored with three Billboard Music Awards.
Their debut album, The Better Life, was the 11th best-selling album of the year in their home country. Arnold had been candid about his struggle with alcoholism and his journey to recovery, having maintained sobriety since 2016. "I used to think it was a way to calm myself prior to a show or to chase loneliness," he shared with Charleston.com in 2023.
The band played at the inauguration of US President George W. Bush and also at President Donald Trump's first inauguration, which drew some backlash from fans. Their manager, Angus Vail, stood by the choice to perform at the 2017 Trump celebration, stating to Vice: "They are good Mississippi and Alabama boys - they come from conservative families."
In 2004, 3 Doors Down founded a charity called the Better Life Foundation, aimed at creating "positive change in the lives of children in need of food, shelter and medical assistance." The band organizes an annual concert to generate funds for this cause. "All the money that goes into that [charity] comes from fans, and people, that they give to us," Arnold shared with Antihero magazine in 2021. "But being able to see what that's done over the years has definitely enriched my life."
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