Brad Arnold, lead singer, songwriter and one of the founders of the American band 3 Doors Down, died on Saturday, February 7 at the age of 47, after several months of fighting advanced stage kidney cancer.The news was confirmed by the group itself through a statement released on social networks, where they detailed that the musician died in his sleep, accompanied by his wife Jennifer and other members of his family.
Arnold’s diagnosis became publicly known in May of last year, when he himself announced that he suffered from clear cell carcinoma of the kidney, with metastasis to the lungs.At that time, he explained that the illness would force the band to cancel the tour scheduled for the summer.
“It’s status 4, and that’s not good. But we serve a powerful God and he can overcome anything. So I’m not afraid. Honestly, I’m not scared at all,” Arnold said in the video where he shared the news with his followers.”I wish you would pray for me when you get a chance. I think it’s time for me to go listen to ‘It’s Not My Time.'”
In announcing his departure, the band 3 Doors Down paid tribute to Arnold’s contribution to art.“He helped redefine mainstream rock, fusing the accessibility of post-grunge with direct lyrics and themes that connected with the general public,” they highlighted.
“Their music resonated beyond the stage, creating moments of connection, joy, faith and experiences that will remain beyond the stages in which they performed,” the band wrote in their farewell to the vocalist.
Brad Arnold was born in September 1978 in Escatawpa, Mississippi.He formed 3 DoorsDown in 1996 with Todd Harrell and Matt Roberts, while he was still a high school student.His initial role combined drums with lead vocals, until the arrival of a new drummer allowed him to focus on songwriting and singing.
The band achieved international notoriety in 2000 with the publication of “The Better Life,” their debut album, which reached seventh position on the Billboard 200 list and was certified six times platinum in the United States.The single “Kryptonite,” written by Arnold at age 15 during an algebra class, became his biggest hit and garnered a Grammy nomination.Other songs on the album, such as “Loser” and “Be Like That”, reinforced the group’s popularity.
Among the group’s achievements, the singles “When I’m Gone” and “Here Without You” also stand out, both included in their second album, “Away from the Sun” (2002), which reached eighth place on the US charts.Throughout their career, the group released six studio albums, the last of them titled “Us and the Night” (2016).
Over the years, Arnold reflected on the impact of fame and the complicated routine of touring on his creative process.“The biggest difference is day to day, being on the road instead of going to work and experiencing situations that inspire songs,” he said in an interview.Despite the changes, he maintained the intention of writing lyrics that the public could identify with.
On a social level, the band founded The Better Life Foundation in 2004, an organization aimed at improving the lives of children and young people who require food, shelter or medical assistance.Arnold expressed on several occasions the pride he felt in this project.
In his personal life, Brad Arnold married his high school sweetheart in 2001, a relationship that ended in 2007. In 2009 he married Jennifer Sanderford, who accompanied him until the end of his life and was his main support during cancer treatment.
In 2016, the singer publicly acknowledged his difficulties with alcohol and celebrated the decision to begin a phase of sobriety.“It’s the best decision I’ve ever made,” he said in an interview two years later.
This Saturday, the news of his death generated a wave of messages of condolence from fans and colleagues, including members of bands such as Creed and Alter Bridge.For its part, 3 Doors Down asked for respect for the family’s privacy and appreciated the expressions of affection received.
