Rock Community Mourns 3 Doors Down Singer Brad Arnold After Cancer Battle

Tributes from across the rock music community poured in following the death of Brad Arnold, lead singer of 3 Doors Down, who died Saturday, Feb. 7, at age 47 after a battle with stage 4 kidney cancer.

Arnold's death was confirmed earlier in the day by 3 Doors Down in a post on social media. The announcement prompted messages of remembrance from fellow musicians who toured with Arnold during the band's rise in the early 2000s, when post-grunge and hard rock saw mainstream success.

Brent Smith, frontman of Shinedown, was among the first to pay tribute publicly, sharing a video recalling how 3 Doors Down took his band on their first major tour in 2003.

"You guys were the first band that ever took us out on the road," Smith said. "Brad was always kind, always encouraging, and always real."

Smith wrote in a separate 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."

Other tributes came from musicians including Alter Bridge, who wrote, "Thank you Brad, your friendship was one we will hold close forever. Until we meet again." Sevendust posted, "Rest now brother. Thank you for all you have given us."

Creed issued a brief message: "Sending love to the Arnold and 3DD family." Black Stone Cherry remembered Arnold as an early supporter, writing, "Brad was always such a top notch, class act to us... Even before we were anything at all - he supported us."

Mark Tremonti, guitarist for Creed and Alter Bridge, called Arnold "one of the kindest people I've ever had the privilege of calling my friend," and added, "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."

David Draiman of Disturbed wrote, "Brad was always a gentleman, a stellar musician, and a good man. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him."

Producer Howard Benson, who worked with Arnold, said, "I will always cherish the time we spent together making music and talking about life. RIP Brad."

Additional tributes were shared by artists including Seether, Adam Gontier of Three Days Grace, Staind and others.

Arnold co-founded 3 Doors Down in Escatawpa, Mississippi, and gained national attention as the voice behind the band's 2000 breakout single "Kryptonite," which reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and helped propel the band's debut album, "The Better Life," to multi-platinum status. The group later notched multiple top 10 albums on the Billboard 200 and released a string of rock radio hits throughout the decade.

In recent years, Arnold spoke openly about his cancer diagnosis, providing updates to fans and expressing gratitude for the support he received from the music community.