Brad Arnold death: 3 Doors Down singer dies aged 47

Brad Arnold, founding member and lead singer of 3 Doors Down, has died after a battle with cancer.He was 47 years old.

The musician died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday (Dec. 7), surrounded by his wife Jennifer and loved ones, the Mississippi rock band wrote on its official Instagram page.

“As a founding member, vocalist and original drummer of 3 Doors Down, Brad helped redefine mainstream rock by combining the accessibility of post-grunge with emotionally direct songwriting and lyrical themes that resonated with mainstream listeners,” the band said in a statement.

3 Doors Down announced in May 2025 that Arnold had been diagnosed with stage IV kidney cancer and that the band would cancel their summer tour.In a video posted on social media at the time, Arnold shared the news himself, saying that he was suffering from clear cell renal cell carcinoma that had spread to his lungs.

"I have no fear. I'm really, honestly, not afraid of it at all," the singer said, noting that he leaned on his faith during his medical battle.He also asked his fans for their prayers."I'd like you to stand up in prayer when you get a chance. And I think it's time to go listen to some 'Not My Time.'

Born in Mississippi, Arnold formed 3 Doors Down in 1996 with his high school friends—guitarist Matt Roberts and bassist Todd Harrell—in his hometown of Escatawpa.At that time, Arnold worked as a singer and drummer of the band.The following year, the trio recorded a demo tape featuring "Kryptonite," a song Arnold wrote while in high school.the recording curtain.

During the early 2000s, 3 Doors Down had 10 Hot 100 hits, including three top 10s: 2000's "Kryptonite" (#3), 2000's "When I'm Gone" (#4) and 2003's "Here Without You" (#5).The band also had two No. 1 albums on the charts.All Genre 200: Seventeen Days (2005) and 3 Doors Down (2008).

Arnold received three Grammy nominations for his work with 3 Doors Down: best rock song for "Kryptonite" and "When I'm Gone," and best rock performance by a duo or group with vocals for "When I'm Gone."

3 Doors Down then released Time of My Life in 2011, which marked the last album to feature Arnold alongside original members Roberts and Harrell.Guitarist Roberts left the band due to health issues in 2012, and bassist Harrell was fired following a vehicular manslaughter conviction in 2013.The band's last studio album, Us and the Night, was released in 2016, although 3 Doors Down continued to play regularly.

3 Doors Down wrote on Instagram that Arnold "was a man devoted to Jennifer and his kindness, humor and generosity touched all those who were lucky enough to know him. Those who were close to him will remember not only his talent, but his warmth, humility, faith and deep love for his family and friends."

Arnold is now the second member of Pass to 3 Doors Down.Roberts, who wrote "Kryptonite," died of a drug overdose in 2016.

The rock community flooded 3 Doors Down's comments section with their condolences.Alter Bridge wrote: "Thank you Brad, your friendship is what we will hold forever. Until we meet again," Sevendust added, "Rest now bro. Thank you for everything you have given us."And Creed commented: "Sending love to the Arnold family and the 3DD family."

Republic Records co-founders Monte and Avery Lipman, who signed 3 Doors Down to a partnership in 1999, also shared a statement following Arnold's death.

"The influence of Brad Arnold and 3 Doors Down on us is immeasurable," said the Lipmans."Brad and the team took a chance on the two brothers in 1999, deeply grateful for their trust and commitment, and decided to move into small business."

He added, "Brad's connection with people and his rare ability to lift their spirits through words and music is the stuff of legend; love, inspiration and healing to so many. Our hearts are broken and we will miss him dearly, but Brad Arnold will always be with us. We love you brother."

Watch 3 Doors Down's full announcement of Arnold's death on Instagram here.

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