Brad Arnold, lead singer of 3 Doors Down, reveals stage 4 kidney cancer diagnosis as the band cancels 2025 tour. Learn more about his health, career, and message to fans.
May 8, 2025
Digital Worldwide News, Los Angeles
Linn Schwarts
3 Doors Down singer Brad Arnold has been diagnosed with clear cell renal carcinoma, which is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults.
Yes. Brad Arnold, the lead singer of 3 Doors Down, has announced his stage 4 kidney cancer diagnosis. In a heartfelt Instagram video, the 46-year-old singer shared that he has clear cell renal carcinoma that has spread to his lungs, making it a stage 4 metastatic cancer diagnosis.
Arnold stated that the diagnosis came after he had been feeling sick for a few weeks and decided to get checked at the hospital. His message struck a hopeful tone as he reaffirmed his Christian faith and said he was “not scared at all.”
Brad Arnold has clear cell renal carcinoma, a high-risk and aggressive type of kidney cancer. This form of cancer accounts for approximately 70-80% of all kidney cancer cases. It often shows few symptoms until it reaches later stages.
In Arnold’s case, the cancer is at stage 4, which means it has spread (metastasized) to other organs — in this case, his lungs. This significantly lowers the survival rate and limits treatment options.
While Arnold didn’t disclose specific risk factors, several potential links for the diagnosis typically include:
Family history of kidney disease or cancer
Long-term smoking or alcohol use
Obesity and high blood pressure
History of alcoholism, which Arnold openly battled until achieving sobriety in 2016
Brad Arnold’s past struggles with alcoholism could have contributed to elevated kidney cancer risk, as chronic alcohol consumption is linked to kidney strain and damage over time.
As of this announcement, Brad Arnold has not shared whether he has a family history of cancer. However, individuals with a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) diagnosed with kidney cancer are at a significantly higher risk, according to the American Cancer Society.
3 Doors Down canceled all upcoming shows following Brad Arnold’s stage 4 kidney cancer diagnosis. They were scheduled to perform at Welcome to Rockville Festival in Florida next week, followed by a full U.S. tour.
Arnold stated, “It’s gonna force us to cancel our tour this summer, and we’re sorry for that.” He also asked fans to pray for his recovery.
In the video posted on Instagram, Brad Arnold emphasized his Christian faith in facing this life-threatening illness. “We serve a mighty God, and he can overcome anything. So I have no fear,” he said.
He concluded the message by saying he would listen to the band’s hit song “It’s Not My Time”, which is ironically about survival and resisting death.
3 Doors Down rose to fame with “Kryptonite,” written by Brad Arnold in high school, and released as the lead single from their debut album The Better Life in 2000. The album went platinum seven times.
Other hit songs by the band include:
“When I’m Gone”
“Here Without You”
“It’s Not My Time”
“Let Me Go”
Arnold remains the only original and longest-serving member of 3 Doors Down.
Yes. Brad Arnold has been sober since 2016, when he gave up alcohol to regain control of his life and health. He openly discussed the transformation during the release of Us and the Night, the band’s last studio album.
His sobriety journey and spiritual beliefs continue to guide him through this new challenge.
Yes. 3 Doors Down performed at Donald Trump’s 2017 presidential inauguration, where they played fan favorites like “Kryptonite,” “The Broken,” and “Here Without You.” The performance was both praised and criticized and brought renewed attention to the band during that period.