Yeah, this one hurts….
Earlier today, we learned the heartbreaking news that Brad Arnold; founder, frontman, and songwriter for the early 2000’s Grammy-nominated rock band, 3 Doors Down, passed away at the age of 47 after battling kidney cancer.
The band shared a statement to social media just hours ago, announcing that Arnold passed away peacefully alongside loved ones, adding “he was a devoted husband to Jennifer, and his kindness, humor, and generosity touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.”
Brad first announced his Stage 4 kidney cancer diagnosis back in May of last year, having to cancel the band’s upcoming second stint on the Summer Of ’99 Tour alongside Creed. He quickly began treatment, including oral chemotherapy and infusions, but as he admitted, the diagnosis “didn’t look good.”
And while the cancer had spread to his lungs, Arnold remained hopeful, sharing to social media that he had “no fear”:
“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.”
To honor Brad, I wanted to highlight one of 3 Doors Down’s most memorable performances, especially for those who, like myself, grew up on both rock AND country. And that performance includes special guest, Sara Evans, when the two joined forces for “Here Without You” at the JCPenney Jam back in 2006.
Here Without You was released in July of 2003 as the third single from 3DD’s sophomore album, “Away From The Sun.” It was written by lead singer, Brad Arnold, as well as Todd Harrell, Chris Henderson and Matt Roberts, and is currently certified double platinum by the RIAA.
In the early 2000’s, 3 Doors Down was one of the biggest bands in the entire world. One of the first CD’s I personally ever owned was their 2000 debut record, “The Better Life,” featuring their most popular song to date, “Kryptonite.” (And I blasted the absolute sh*t out of it).
While the “Superman song” currently has over a massive one billion streams on Spotify alone, Here Without You isn’t far behind, sitting in second place with almost 900 million streams, as well over a billion views on Youtube.
Sara Evans has had quite the career herself. Selling more than 7 million albums since she first broke on to the scene in 1997, she’s also had five No. 1 songs at country radio. Those include “No Place That Far,” “Born To Fly,” “Suds In The Bucket,” “A Real Fine Place To Start” and “A Little Bit Stronger.”
No matter where you’re at this Super Bowl weekend, join me in throwing back a couple cold ones and cranking up 3 Doors Down in honor of the legendary, Brad Arnold. Read the full statement on Brad’s passing from the band’s official Instagram account, below.