Founder of 3 Doors Down, a flagship band of early 2000s alternative rock, Brad Arnold has passed away on February 7, 2026, at the age of 47. His bandmates shared the news in a message posted on social media. “Surrounded by his beloved wife Jennifer and family, he peacefully left us in his sleep after a brave battle with cancer,” they wrote. Brad Arnold had announced just last May that he was battling kidney cancer.
“As a founding member, original vocalist, and drummer of 3 Doors Down, Brad helped redefine mainstream rock by blending the accessibility of post-grunge with heartfelt lyrics and themes that truly connected with fans,” the band members wrote in a tribute, also highlighting his “kindness, humor, and generosity.” “His loved ones will remember not only his talent but also his warmth, humility, faith, and deep love for his family and friends,” they added.
3 Doors Down was formed in 1996 in Mississippi, USA. The band was initially made up of vocalist and drummer Brad Arnold, guitarist Matt Roberts, and bassist Todd Harrell. They soon brought in guitarist Chris Henderson and later percussionist Richard Liles. With this lineup, Brad Arnold was able to focus more on singing and songwriting.
In 2000, the band released their debut studio album, "The Better Life." The record quickly gained popularity, driven by hits like "Loser" and "Duck and Run," but it was especially thanks to "Kryptonite" that the album soared. The song became one of the most played tracks on radio that year and broke into the Top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100.
Just two years later, 3 Doors Down released "Away from the Sun", which shot to fame thanks to hits like “Here Without You” and “When I’m Gone”. The band swiftly became a leading name in the alternative rock scene of the early 2000s. They went on to put out four more studio albums, including "Seventeen Days" in 2005 and "Us and the Night" in 2016, their latest release. Tragically, in the same year, guitarist Matt Roberts passed away at the age of 38 from a prescription drug overdose.
“Brad’s compositions have become a cultural touchstone for an entire generation, spawning some of the most timeless hits of the 2000s,”
the members of 3 Doors Down stated in a recent release, adding that “his music extended far beyond the stage, creating moments of connection, joy, faith, and powerful emotions that will remain etched in our memories long after the concerts he performed.”
