3 DOORS DOWN’s lead singer, Brad Arnold, has shared some tough news: he’s currently facing a battle with clear cell renal cell carcinoma, or ccRCC, which is a type of kidney cancer.
Earlier today (Wednesday, May 7), Arnold posted a heartfelt video message where he said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “Hey, everyone, it’s Brad from 3 DOORS DOWN. I hope you’re all having a fantastic day. I’ve got some not-so-great news to share. A couple of weeks ago, I wasn’t feeling well, so I went to the hospital for a check-up, and I found out that I have clear cell renal [cell] carcinoma that has spread to my lung. It’s stage four, which isn’t ideal. But you know what? We serve a powerful God, and He can conquer anything. So, I’m not afraid. Honestly, I’m not scared at all. However, this means we have to cancel our tour this summer, and I’m really sorry about that. I’d appreciate it if you could keep me in your prayers whenever you can. I think it might be time for me to listen to [3 DOORS DOWN’s 2008 song] ‘It’s Not My Time’ a bit.
“Thank you all so much. God loves you, and we love you. See you soon.”
According to the National Cancer Institute, clear cell renal cell carcinoma gets its name from the appearance of the tumor under a microscope, where the cells look clear, almost like bubbles.
In adults, ccRCC is the most prevalent type of kidney cancer, accounting for about 80% of all renal cell carcinoma cases. It’s more common in adults than in children, with renal cell carcinoma making up 2-6% of kidney cancer cases in kids and young adults.
Patients with smaller croc tumors generally have a better chance of survival compared to those with larger tumors. The five-year survival rate for ccRCC patients ranges from 50-69%. However, if the cancer is already large or has spread to other areas, treatment becomes more challenging, and the five-year survival rate drops to around 10%.
Due to Arnold’s recent diagnosis, 3 DOORS DOWN has had to cancel all their upcoming tour dates. This includes headlining shows, festival appearances, and their support slots with CREED, along with a performance at Morgan Wallen’s Sand In My Boots festival.
In January, Brad marked the ninth anniversary of his sobriety.
The 46-year-old singer has often credited his Christian faith as a key factor in his journey to sobriety.
“I feel like a completely different person than I did back in 2016… and it feels amazing,” Arnold shared on social media. “Without a doubt, God lifted that weight off my shoulders. I was exhausted from carrying it. I couldn’t handle it anymore, so I handed it over to God, and I’m not taking it back! If you’re facing a struggle, give it to Him. He’ll gladly take that burden, and you’ll never have to bear it again.”
In a 2021 chat with The Young Folks, Brad opened up about quitting smoking cigarettes in early 2018 after being a smoker for over 25 years. He mentioned that giving up smoking and alcohol were “the two best decisions I’ve ever made for my voice. They were the best things I’ve done for my life overall, but they really made a difference in my voice.”
Arnold co-founded 3 DOORS DOWN when he was just 16 and quickly wrote the band’s iconic hit “Kryptonite.”
Since their formation in 1995, 3 DOORS DOWN has achieved numerous accolades, including selling 16 million albums worldwide, earning three Grammy nominations, and winning two American Music Awards, along with five BMI Pop Awards for songwriting—one of which was “Songwriter of the Year.” Their debut album, “The Better Life,” was certified six times RIAA platinum in 2000, largely thanks to the success of the massive hit “Kryptonite.” This was followed by their second album, “Away From The Sun,” in 2002, which went triple platinum and featured hits like “When I’m Gone” and “Here Without You.” Their 2005 album “Seventeen Days” and the self-titled “3 Doors Down” from 2008 both debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200, while “Time Of My Life” reached No. 3 in 2011. In 2003, the band also established a charity.