Brad Arnold, the founding member and lead singer of the rock band 3 Doors Down, died Saturday following a monthslong battle with kidney cancer. He was 47.
Mr. Arnold passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his wife, Jennifer, and family, the band announced on social media Saturday afternoon.
“With heavy hearts, we share the news that Brad Arnold, founder, lead singer, and songwriter of 3 Doors Down, passed away on Saturday, February 7, at the age of 47,” the band said in a statement. “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.”
The Mississippi-born musician revealed in May 2025 that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 clear cell renal cell carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer that had metastasized to his lungs. The diagnosis forced the band to cancel its summer 2025 tour.
“That’s not real good,” Mr. Arnold said in a video message to fans at the time. “But you know what? 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.”
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Symptoms can include pain, weight loss, fever or a lump in the side, though some patients experience no noticeable symptoms.
Mr. Arnold formed 3 Doors Down in 1996 in Escatawpa, Mississippi, with high school friends Matt Roberts and Todd Harrell. He initially served as both the band’s lead vocalist and drummer. Guitarist Chris Henderson joined the group shortly after its formation.
The band achieved mainstream success in 2000 with its debut album, “The Better Life,” which was certified seven-times platinum. The album featured the hit single “Kryptonite,” which Mr. Arnold wrote as a teenager. The song peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the most recognizable rock tracks of the era.
“As a founding member, vocalist, and original drummer of 3 Doors Down, Brad helped redefine mainstream rock music,” the band said. “His music created moments of connection, joy, faith and shared experiences that will live on long after the stages he performed on.”
The band’s second album, Away from the Sun (2002), produced hits including “When I’m Gone,” “Here Without You” and the title track, earning two Grammy nominations. Follow-up albums Seventeen Days (2005) and 3 Doors Down (2008) both debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Mr. Arnold was open about his struggles with alcoholism and later spoke publicly about his sobriety and Christian faith, which became a central part of his life and music in recent years.
He is the second founding member of 3 Doors Down to die. Roberts, who co-wrote “Kryptonite,” died in 2016 at age 38. Following Mr. Arnold’s death, no original founding members remain in the band.
During Mr. Arnold’s tenure, 3 Doors Down released six studio albums, most recently Us and the Night in 2016. The band sold millions of records worldwide and maintained a loyal fan base through decades of touring.
Mr. Arnold was born Sept. 27, 1978, in Escatawpa, Mississippi.
The family expressed gratitude for the public’s support during his illness and requested privacy.
“Above all, he was a devoted husband,” the band said. “His kindness, humility, faith and love for others will be remembered as much as his music.”
• The Washington Times AI News Desk can be reached at aispotlight@washingtontimes.com.
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