Brad Arnold: 3 Doors Down frontman dies aged 47 after cancer battle

Brad Arnold, the founding member and frontman of American rock band 3 Doors Down, has died aged 47 following a battle with cancer.

The band confirmed Arnold passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, surrounded by his wife Jennifer and family.

Arnold helped define the band’s sound as its original singer and drummer, driving hits including Here Without You, It’s Not My Time, and breakout single Kryptonite, which he famously wrote at just 15 years old.

In a tribute shared online, the band reflected on Arnold’s impact beyond music.

“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 said in a tribute.

He was remembered as a “devoted husband,” and beloved for his “kindness, humour, and generosity.”

“Those closest to him will remember not only his talent, but his warmth, humility, faith, and deep love for his family and friends,” the tribute said. “He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”

Tributes pour in

Messages of sympathy quickly spread across social media as fellow musicians honoured Arnold’s legacy.

Singer Chris Daughtry wrote: “Sending my love to the Arnold family. Rest easy brother. You will be missed.” The band Creed added, “Sending love to the Arnold and 3DD family.”

“We are so very sorry. Brad was always such a top-notch, class act to us. Even before we were anything at all- he supported us,” the band Black Stone Cherry wrote. “Such a huge loss and our prayers go out to his family and band.”

Cancer diagnosis and final message

Arnold revealed in May he had been diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer. He told fans doctors had identified clear cell renal carcinoma that had spread to his lung, forcing the cancellation of the band’s tour, NBC revealed.

In a video message shared at the time, he asked supporters to keep him in their thoughts.

“I’d love for you to lift me up in prayer every chance to get and take. It’s time for me to go listen to ‘Not My Time’ a little bit, right?” he said.

Rise of 3 Doors Down

Formed in 1996 in Escatawpa, Mississippi, 3 Doors Down rose to prominence in the early 2000s after Kryptonite climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Arnold remained the creative heartbeat of the group as they built a global following.

His passing marks the loss of a defining voice in modern rock, remembered both for his music and the personal warmth friends and collaborators say he carried offstage.