Brad Arnold, 3 Doors Down founder and lead singer, dies at 47

Brad Arnold, the founder and lead singer of the 3 Doors Down, has died following “his courageous battle with cancer,” the rock band announced Saturday on social media. He was 47. 

“With his beloved wife Jennifer and his family by his side, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones,” the band’s statement read. “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.”

Arnold announced in May 2025 in a video that he was diagnosed with Stage 4 clear cell renal cell carcinoma, a common type of kidney cancer, which forced 3 Doors Down to cancel its summer tour. Despite the grim diagnosis, the singer-songwriter said he had “no fear.”

Born in Escatawpa, Mississippi, Arnold formed 3 Doors Down in 1996 with guitarist Matt Roberts and bassist Todd Harrell. Roberts died in 2016 of a suspected drug overdose. Harrell is no longer with the band following several DUI charges and a vehicular homicide charge.

Arnold himself struggled with alcoholism, but he said he had been sober for a decade. In January 2025, he told heavy metal news website Blabbermouth.net that the years without alcohol were “the best years” of his life.

The band’s biggest hit was the 2000 song “Kryptonite,” which was nominated for a Grammy Award. It was written by Arnold when he was just 15 years old in math class, the group’s statement said. Its first studio album, “The Better Life,” went platinum six times over.

“He was a devoted husband to Jennifer, and his kindness, humor, and generosity touched everyone fortunate enough to know him,” the band’s statement read. “Those closest to him will remember not only his talent, but his warmth, humility, faith, and deep love for his family and friends.”