It was sadly announced on Saturday that Brad Arnold, founder and lead singer of 3 Doors Down, passed away after a battle with cancer. Several of Arnold’s peers shared heartbreaking tributes to their friend.
Creed and Alterbridge guitarist Mark Tremonti posted: “One of the kindest people I’ve ever had the privilege of calling my friend passed away today. It is absolutely heartbreaking to realize that you’ll never get to perform or just have a laugh with a friend that you grew up with in the music industry. We toured together for decades and must have shared hundreds of stages. @brad3doorsdown I’m going to miss you and all the great moments we shared, and none of us will ever forget the amazing person that you always were.”
Black Stone Cherry said, “We are so very sorry. Brad was always such a top notch, class act to us. Even before we were anything at all- he supported us. Such a huge loss and our prayers go out to his family and band.”
Poison frontman Bret Michaels dedicated his Saturday show to Arnold. “The show tonight @mohegansun is dedicated to my friend Brad Arnold. You will forever be loved and missed. May you rest in peace.”
SiriusXM’s Eddie Trunk also wrote: “This is just awful. I didn’t know Brad well. But I did host a karaoke with him on the last Creed cruise . Seemed like a great guy the little I worked with him. Condolences to the band, his family and friends.”
Shinedown’s Brent Smith posted a video saying: “You guys were the first band that ever took us out on the road,” Smith said, referencing Shinedown’s opening slot for 3 Doors Down in 2003. “Brad was always kind, always encouraging, and always real.” He captioned the post: “Thank you for the music. Thank you for the songs. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your friendship, and thank you for inspiring us all. May your light shine through all of time, and space forever.”
Arnold was the lead singer, primary songwriter, and original drummer of 3 Doors Down, having founded the Mississippi-based post-grunge rock band in 1996. At age 15, he wrote their breakout hit “Kryptonite” in high school, which propelled their 2000 debut album, “The Better Life,” to 7× platinum status and multiple Grammy nominations. Additionally, Arnold wrote enduring anthems like “Here Without You” and “When I’m Gone,” which helped redefine mainstream rock in the 2000s.
