Brad Arnold, the singer and drummer for the rock band 3 Doors Down, revealed in a social media video Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney cancer. The group’s upcoming tour with Creed is being canceled as a result, he said.
The singer of the 2000 smash “Kryptonite” shared the sobering news about his advanced cancer diagnosis in a minute-long Instagram video.
“Hey everybody, it’s Brad from Three Doors Down. I hope you’re having a great day today,” he began, addressing fans from a park bench. “Got some not so good news for you today. So, I’d been sick a couple of weeks ago and then went to the hospital and got checked out, and actually got the diagnosis that I had a clear cell renal cell carcinoma that had metastasized into my lung. And it’s stage four, and that’s not real good.
“But you know what?” the Mississippi native continued. “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. And I’d love for you to lift me up in prayer every chance you get. And Ithink it is time for me to go listen to ‘It’s Not My Time’ a little bit, right?”
The song referenced by Arnold, “It’s Not My Time,” was one of 3 Doors Down’s biggest hits, a triple-platinum single that reached No. 1 on the adult contemporary and mainstream rock airplay charts in 2008 as well as peaking at No. 1 on the Hot 100.
“Thank you guys so much,” Arnold concluded. “God loves you. We love you. See you.”
The singer shared a similar message in the text caption for his video, writing, “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!”
Several fellow celebrity singers popped up almost immediately in his replies with shows of support. Wrote Creed’s Scott Stapp: “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.”
Chris Daughtry wrote simply, “Sending you love my brother,” with pairs of praying hands and purple hearts.
“Love Light Prayer Power Brad,” wrote Rob Halford.
Further outside the band’s genre, but within the faith community, country singer Sara Evans replied, “Will be praying for you every day! We do serve a mighty God! Believing you will be fully healed in Jesus’ Name.” Country singer Randy Houser joined her in saying, “You are in my prayers brother.” And actor Ricky Schroder replied: “Praying.”
The National Cancer Institute describes clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRC) as the most common type of kidney cancer. Treatments, depending on how advanced the disease has become, can involve immunotherapy and partial or full removal of the kidney.
3 Doors Down performed on a “Summer of ’99 and Beyond Cruise” last month, billed between the like-minded bands Creed and Collective Soul. This summer, Arnold’s group was set to support Creed on a Live Nation-promoted “Return of the Summer of ’99” tour, with Mammoth WVH opening, playing dates from July 7 through Aug. 14.
From Variety US