Brad Arnold, the lead singer and drummer of the rock band 3 Doors Down, has revealed a heartbreaking diagnosis of Stage 4 kidney cancer. In a candid video shared on social media on May 7, 2025, Arnold disclosed that he is battling clear cell renal cell carcinoma, which has metastasized to his lungs. This unfortunate news has led to the cancellation of the band's upcoming summer tour with Creed.
Arnold, 46, delivered the news from a park bench, addressing his fans with warmth and sincerity. "Hey everybody, it’s Brad from 3 Doors Down. I hope you’re having a great day today. Got some not so good news for you today," he began. He explained that he had been feeling unwell for a couple of weeks, prompting him to seek medical attention. "I actually got the diagnosis that I have a clear cell renal cell carcinoma that has metastasized into my lung. And it’s stage four, and that’s not real good," he said, his voice steady despite the gravity of his situation.
In the video, Arnold emphasized his faith, stating, "But you know what? 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. But it is gonna force us to cancel our tour this summer. And we’re sorry for that." He encouraged his fans to keep him in their prayers, saying, "I’d love for you to lift me up in prayer every chance you get. And I think it is time for me to go listen to ‘It’s Not My Time’ a little bit, right?"
3 Doors Down was set to perform at the Welcome to Rockville Festival in Daytona Beach, Florida, next week, followed by a nationwide tour co-headlining with Creed, which was scheduled to kick off on May 15 and run through the summer. Unfortunately, all forthcoming dates have now been canceled. The band's website has been updated to reflect this change, with Arnold's video taking center stage.
The song Arnold referenced, "It’s Not My Time," was released in 2008 and became one of the band's most recognized hits, reaching No. 1 on the adult contemporary and mainstream rock airplay charts as well as peaking at No. 1 on the Hot 100. As he shared this personal battle, Arnold noted, "Thank you for all the memories so far. Now I believe ‘It’s Not My Time’ is really my song. This’ll be a battle so we need our prayer warriors! Thank y’all for being the best fans in the world. We love y’all!"
Messages of support flooded in from fellow musicians and fans alike. Scott Stapp, lead singer of Creed, expressed his solidarity in the video’s comments, stating, "If anyone has the FAITH and STRENGTH to face this fight, it’s YOU, brother. You and your family are in my prayers daily. We can do ALL things through CHRIST. I think I can speak for all of us, we are lifting you up in prayer right now believing without doubt for your total healing! I love you bro."
Other artists also reached out, including Chris Daughtry, who simply wrote, "Sending you love my brother," and country singer Sara Evans, who said, "Will be praying for you every day! We do serve a mighty God! Believing you will be fully healed in Jesus’ Name."
According to the National Cancer Institute, clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer. The prognosis for Stage 4 cancer, where the disease has spread beyond the original site, can be grim. The five-year survival rate for patients with advanced ccRCC is significantly lower than for earlier stages, often falling to around 10% when tumors are widespread.
3 Doors Down, formed in 1996 in Escatawpa, Mississippi, gained fame with their debut album, "The Better Life," which featured the iconic single "Kryptonite." This song, written by Arnold while he was still in high school, solidified the band's place in rock history and has garnered over a billion streams on Spotify. The band has released five albums since, maintaining a loyal fanbase while navigating the ups and downs of the music industry.
Arnold's journey has not been without personal struggles. He has been open about his battle with alcoholism, achieving sobriety in 2016. His resilience has been a source of inspiration for many fans, and he continues to share his faith and strength during this challenging time.
As Arnold faces this new battle, he reflects on the impact of his music and the support of his fans. "Thank you guys so much. God loves you. We love you. See you," he concluded his video message, leaving fans with a sense of hope and community.
The cancellation of the summer tour is a significant blow not just for the band but also for fans who were looking forward to seeing them perform live. 3 Doors Down has had a storied career, and while this chapter may be closing for now, Arnold's message of faith and courage resonates deeply, reminding everyone of the power of hope in the face of adversity.
