Brad Arnold, lead singer of 3 Doors Down, dies at 47

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Brad Arnold, the 47-year-old frontman and cofounder of the rock band 3 Doors Down, passed away on Saturday. He had been diagnosed with kidney cancer nine months prior.

I was really bummed to hear about Arnold’s passing. The band shared the news online, and they put it beautifully – he basically helped shape the sound of rock we all grew up with. He took that post-grunge vibe and made it super relatable with really honest, emotional lyrics. He’ll be missed!

In May 2025, Arnold shared the difficult news that the band’s summer tour was canceled. He revealed he was diagnosed with advanced kidney cancer that had spread to his lungs.

He admitted his diagnosis wasn’t ideal, but expressed strong faith. “I trust in God’s power to get me through anything, so I’m not afraid,” he said. He then asked for prayers, saying he’d appreciate any and all support.

Music

3 Doors Down frontman Brad Arnold shared some difficult news: the band has canceled its summer tour because he’s been diagnosed with advanced kidney cancer that has spread to his lungs.

He openly discussed his struggles with alcohol. He explained that he began drinking as a teenager, and the pressure of touring at age 20 made the problem worse.

He explained to a podcast host that managing all of this at age 20 was challenging. He expressed gratitude for how religion helped him get sober and began openly sharing his faith during performances.

Arnold was born in Escatawpa, Mississippi, in September 1978. He started a band with friends Todd Harrell and Matt Roberts in the mid-1990s.

While in algebra class at age 15, he composed the song “Kryptonite,” tapping out the rhythm on his desk.

He explained to Candlebox’s lead singer that he originally played drums for the band. He only started singing because they needed one. He described writing their hit song as a spontaneous process, almost as if it just came to him while sitting at a desk. He felt it came together quickly, writing it down as the ideas flowed – it really seemed to write itself.

It became the band’s breakout hit in 2000 and earned a Grammy nomination.

The band’s debut album, “The Better Life,” was a major success, selling over 6 million copies. Later, in 2005, their album “Seventeen Days” reached the top of the national charts. During a Los Angeles concert that same year, one reviewer described the singer, Arnold, as having a folksy voice and a casual style – more reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen than a typical punk artist.

The band’s last album, “Us And The Night,” came out in 2016. In 2017, they performed at the inauguration of President Donald Trump. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer.

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2026-02-08 04:01