Brad Arnold, the founding frontman of 3 Doors Down, has died. The Escatawpa, MS post-grunge band’s single “Kryptonite” topped Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart for nine weeks in 2000. 3 Doors Down announced his passing today in a statement:
With heavy hearts, we share the news that Brad Arnold, founder, lead singer, and songwriter of 3 Doors Down, passed away on Saturday, February 7th, at the age of 47.
With his beloved wife Jennifer and his family by his side, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, in his sleep after his courageous battle with cancer.As a founding member, vocalist, and original drummer of 3 Doors Down, Brad helped redefine mainstream rock music, blending post-grunge accessibility with emotionally direct songwriting and lyrical themes that resonated with everyday listeners. Brad's songwriting became a cultural touchstone for a generation, producing some of the most enduring hits of the 2000s, including the band's breakout hit, "Kryptonite," which he wrote in his math class when he was just 15 years old. 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.
Above all, he was a devoted husband to Jennifer, and his kindness, humor, and generosity touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. Those closest to him will remember not only his talent, but his warmth, humility, faith, and deep love for his family and friends.
The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time and kindly asks that their privacy be respected.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Arnold was 47.
Bradley Kirk Arnold was born September 27, 1978 and grew up in Escatawpa, Mississippi. He was one of the founding members of 3 Doors Down in 1996. The post-grunge band's first album, The Better Life, went on to be seven times platinum, with "Kryptonite" as the breakout hit. He wrote the track in high school math class at age 15. It earned them a Grammy nomination, along with "When I'm Gone." Its followup, 2002's Away From The Sun, also made the charts. They released six studio albums — the others being 2005's Seventeen Days, 2008's 3 Doors Down, 2011's Time Of My Life, and 2016's Us And The Night — keeping up the momentum of their success.
In 2017, the group performed at Donald Trump's presidential inauguration concert, sparking some controversy. Arnold told TMZ he was "proud" to perform at it. Last year, Arnold announced that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 clear cell renal cell carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer that had metastasized to his lungs.
