Brad Arnold, lead singer of 3 Doors Down, dies at 47

The band announced Arnold's death, saying he had 'helped redefine mainstream rock music'.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

Brad Arnold, the 47-year-old cofounder and lead singer of the Mississippi rock band 3 Doors Down, died on Saturday, nine months after revealing a diagnosis of kidney cancer. The band announced his death on social media, praising his contributions to redefining mainstream rock music.

Why it matters

3 Doors Down was one of the most successful post-grunge rock bands of the early 2000s, with hits like "Kryptonite" and "Seventeen Days." Arnold's death at a relatively young age is a significant loss for the music industry and his fans.

The details

Arnold formed 3 Doors Down with friends Todd Harrell and Matt Roberts in the mid-1990s. He wrote the band's breakout hit "Kryptonite" as a 15-year-old in algebra class. The band's debut album "The Better Life" sold over 6 million copies, and they released six albums total before their final release in 2016. Arnold was public about his battle with alcoholism, crediting religion for his sobriety.

  • Arnold died on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
  • In May 2025, Arnold announced the band would cancel its summer tour due to his advanced-stage kidney cancer that had spread to his lungs.

The players

Brad Arnold

The 47-year-old cofounder and lead singer of the Mississippi rock band 3 Doors Down, who died of kidney cancer.

Todd Harrell

A co-founder of 3 Doors Down along with Brad Arnold and Matt Roberts.

Matt Roberts

A co-founder of 3 Doors Down along with Brad Arnold and Todd Harrell.

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What they’re saying

“That's not real good. But you know what? We serve a mighty God, and He can overcome anything. So I have no fear. I really sincerely am not scared of it at all.”

— Brad Arnold, Lead singer, 3 Doors Down (Christian podcaster)

“I'd love for you to lift me up in prayer every chance you get.”

— Brad Arnold, Lead singer, 3 Doors Down (Christian podcaster)

The takeaway

Brad Arnold's death at 47 is a significant loss for the music industry, as he was the lead singer and co-founder of the hugely successful post-grunge rock band 3 Doors Down. His openness about his battles with addiction and faith, as well as his contributions to redefining mainstream rock music, will be remembered by his fans and the industry.