LOS ANGELES (AP) – Brad Arnold, the lead singer of the Grammy-nominated rock band 3 Doors Down, passed away on Saturday at the age of 47. His death occurred just months after he publicly announced his diagnosis of Stage 4 kidney cancer. According to a statement issued by the band, Arnold "passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, in his sleep after his courageous battle with cancer."
3 Doors Down was formed in 1995 in Mississippi, and they quickly rose to fame with their breakout hit "Kryptonite," which earned them a Grammy nomination in 1999. Remarkably, Arnold wrote "Kryptonite" when he was just 15 years old while he was in math class. The band's debut album, "The Better Life," was highly successful, selling over 6 million copies and paving the way for their future in the music industry.
The band received another Grammy nomination in 2003 for the song "When I’m Gone." Throughout their career, they have released a total of six albums, with their most recent being "Us And The Night" in 2016. Some of their most notable singles include "Loser," "Duck and Run," and "Be Like That," the latter of which was featured on the soundtrack for the popular 2001 film "American Pie 2."
Arnold expressed gratitude for his long-standing career in the music business while promoting their fifth album, "Time of My Life," in 2011. He stated, "If you do something as long as we’ve done it, you can’t help but get better at it, you know?" His reflections on his career highlighted not only his love for music but also his belief in continuous growth as an artist.
In 2017, 3 Doors Down performed at the inauguration concert of President Donald Trump, further solidifying their presence in the contemporary music scene. However, Arnold's health issues took center stage in May 2023 when he announced his cancer diagnosis. He revealed that clear cell renal carcinoma had metastasized to his lungs, which led to the cancellation of the band's planned summer tour.
In their statement following Arnold's passing, 3 Doors Down acknowledged his profound impact on music, saying, "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." The band emphasized Arnold's ability to connect deeply with fans through his emotionally direct songwriting and lyrical themes that resonated with everyday listeners.
Brad Arnold's legacy as a rock icon will undoubtedly remain in the hearts of his fans and the music community. His dedication to his craft and his ability to create timeless music marked a significant chapter in the history of rock music.
