Brad Arnold, the frontman of 3 Doors Down, has sadly passed away at the age of 47. The band shared the news on Facebook, revealing that he died on Saturday after announcing in May that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
As a founding member and original drummer, Brad played a key role in shaping mainstream rock music. His songwriting combined post-grunge sounds with relatable lyrics that resonated with fans. He wrote the band’s breakout hit, “Kryptonite,” when he was just 15 years old, and it became a cultural milestone for many.
“Kryptonite,” released in 2000, reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is certified eight-times Platinum. It was featured on their debut album, *The Better Life*, which is also certified seven-times Platinum and includes hits like “Loser” and “Be Like That.” Their follow-up album, *Away from the Sun*, released in 2002, went quadruple Platinum and featured popular singles like “When I’m Gone” and “Here Without You.” Both of their next albums, *Seventeen Days* and their self-titled release, debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200.
The band remembered Brad as a devoted husband to his wife, Jennifer, and highlighted his kindness, humor, and generosity. They expressed gratitude for the love and support from fans during this tough time and asked for privacy for his family.
Brad Arnold will be deeply missed, but his music and legacy will live on. 3 Doors Down last released an album, *Us and the Night*, in 2016 and continued to tour, including a performance before Donald Trump’s inauguration in 2017.
