Brad Arnold, the lead singer and one of the founding members of the American rock band 3 Doors Down, died today after a battle with cancer. He was 47. A family representative said Arnold passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his wife and family.
Brad Arnold was one of the key figures in American rock music in the 2000s. He co-founded the band 3 Doors Down in 1996 in Mississippi, initially as a drummer and vocalist, before becoming the band's lead singer. From a very young age, he was noted for his ability as a lyricist and melody writer.
The big breakthrough came in 2000 with the song "Kryptonite", written by Arnold when he was just 15 years old, which became a worldwide hit and propelled the band to international fame. The song became a symbol of an era and paved the way for the band's highly successful debut album.
Over more than two decades, Brad Arnold and 3 Doors Down released several successful albums and hit singles such as “Here Without You,” “When I'm Gone,” “It's Not My Time,” and “Let Me Go,” selling millions of copies and touring internationally. Arnold was recognized for his distinctive voice, emotional style, and ability to write songs that resonated deeply with his audience.
He remains a legendary figure of modern American rock, who profoundly influenced an entire generation of listeners and left behind a lasting musical legacy.
In May 2025, Arnold publicly announced that he had been diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer, which had also spread to his lungs. In a video message, he expressed his strong faith in religion, saying that he was not afraid, but that the disease would force the band to cancel their summer tour, for which he asked for forgiveness and prayers from fans.
Brad Arnold is survived by his wife, Jennifer.
