Brad Arnold, the founding member of Mississippi-based band 3 Doors Down, has passed away after a battle with cancer.
3 Doors Down announced the rock star’s death on Saturday, saying he passed away “peacefully with his beloved wife Jennifer and his family by his side.” Arnold, a native of Escatawpa, died at 47 years old after receiving a clear cell renal cell carcinoma diagnosis last year.
Best known for hit songs “Kryptonite,” “Here Without You,” and “When I’m Gone,” 3 Doors Down was formed in the Magnolia State in 1996 with Arnold serving as the lead singer. The group has won multiple Billboard Awards over the course of its nearly 30 years on the music scene. But band members say Arnold’s legacy will live far beyond his performances on various stages and sessions in recording studios.
“As a founding member, vocalist, and original drummer of 3 Doors Down, Brad helped redefine mainstream rock music, blending a post-grunge accessibility with emotionally direct songwriting and lyrical themes that resonated with everyday listeners,” an official statement from the band reads. “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 long after the stages he performed on.”
In addition to his undeniable music talents, Arnold oftentimes openly discussed his Christian faith with audiences. He was also praised as a devoted husband and friend. The musician leaned on that faith and those loved ones during a trying fight with stage 4 kidney disease.
“I’m heartbroken today over the passing of my friend, Brad. It’s truly hard to believe. Thinking back to 1999, when Brad, Todd (Harrell), Chris (Henderson), and Matt (Roberts) first dropped off their demo at my office, it’s been incredible to be part of all of it,” Kenny Vest, who played a major role in founding the band, said. “So many great memories with Brad and the friendship we shared mean so much to me. “