3 Doors Down frontman Brad Arnold shares cancer diagnosis, halts tour plans
Singer Brad Arnold of 3 Doors Down performs at 2023 FOX & Friends' Summer Concert Series on May 26, 2023 in New York City.
LOS ANGELES - Brad Arnold, the lead singer and founding member of 3 Doors Down, announced on Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and will be stepping away from touring to focus on his health.
In a video posted to Instagram, Arnold, 46, told fans he recently went to the hospital after feeling sick and was diagnosed with clear cell renal cell carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer that has metastasized into his lung.
Arnold says he’s ready for the fight
What they're saying:
"I’ve got some not-so-good news for you today," Arnold said in his video. "But I want you to know that I have no fear. I really sincerely am not scared of it at all."
He thanked fans for their support over the years and said he’s turning to faith as he prepares to undergo treatment. "We’d love for you to lift me up in prayer every chance you get," he added.
Referencing the band’s 2008 single "It’s Not My Time," Arnold said he now feels more connected than ever to the song’s message and planned to listen to it again with fresh perspective.
In the caption of his video, he wrote: "Thank you for all the memories so far. Now, I believe ‘ITS 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!"
The tour is off—for now
What's next:
Arnold confirmed that 3 Doors Down’s summer tour is canceled as he begins treatment. No rescheduled dates or future plans have been announced.
Fans quickly flooded the comments with prayers and support for Arnold, who has been the voice behind the band’s biggest hits for over two decades.
A closer look at Arnold’s diagnosis
By the numbers:
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It occurs more frequently in men and can sometimes spread to other parts of the body, as in Arnold’s case. Risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity.
Arnold did not share specific details about his treatment plan or prognosis, but the stage 4 designation indicates that the disease has already spread beyond its point of origin.
The Source: This article is based solely on Brad Arnold’s May 8, 2025, video announcement posted on his verified Instagram account. Additional medical context regarding clear cell renal cell carcinoma comes from publicly available information provided by the Cleveland Clinic.