3 Doors Down Vocalist Brad Arnold Dies at 47
Brad Arnold, founder and longtime vocalist of the American rock band 3 Doors Down, passed away on Saturday at the age of 47. The cause of death was an oncological disease (cancer).
Brad Arnold. Photo: Slaven Vlasic / Getty Images
In May 2025, Brad Arnold published a video message in which he revealed a severe diagnosis he had received — stage four kidney cancer with metastases to the lungs.
"I don't have the best news. The diagnosis is stage four cancer, and that's not very good. But you know what? We serve a mighty God, and He can overcome anything. So I have no fear. I honestly am not afraid of this at all. I guess it's time for me to listen to 'It's Not My Time' myself a little bit, right?" — he wrote.
Due to the illness, the band was forced to cancel their tour planned for summer 2025.
Brad Arnold was one of the founders of 3 Doors Down in 1996. Initially, he combined the roles of drummer and vocalist. The hit "Kryptonite," for which Arnold wrote the lyrics at the age of 15, brought the band worldwide fame.
Throughout their career, the collective released six studio albums and was repeatedly nominated for a Grammy Award.
A representative for the musician reported that Arnold passed away in his sleep in the presence of his wife and loved ones.