Photo: Getty Images
Chase Matthew paid tribute to 3 Doors Down lead singer and co-founder Brad Arnold, who died on February 7 after a battle with cancer. He was 47.
Matthew, 28, released a rendition of “Here Without You” in Arnold’s honor on Thursday (February 12). 3 Doors Down released the iconic single in 2003. The band — founded in the 1990s by Arnold with Matt Roberts and Todd Harrell — was also known for “Here Without You,” “Kryptonite,” “When I’m Gone” and other hits throughout their career. Matthew explained in a clip he shared on Instagram that 3 Doors Down’s music has resonated with him and his loved ones for years.
“As you guys know, a couple days ago, we lost a legend, Brad Arnold, to his battle with cancer,” Matthew shared. “3 Doors Down has played a very influential role in my life. My brother also, he’s a veteran, and I know that their music got him through a lot. That’s one of his favorite bands, still to this day. My aunt, she passed away from cancer as well. ‘Here Without You’ is one of her favorite songs, and I got to perform ‘Here Without You’ with Keith Urban on the last show of the ‘High and Alive World Tour’ at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, my hometown. …Thank you, 3 Doors Down, for all you’ve done.”
Arnold was diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney cancer in May 2025. The band confirmed in a statement that its lead vocalist “passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones [including his wife, Jennifer], in his sleep after his courageous battle with cancer.
“As a founding member, vocalist, and original drummer of 3 Doors Down, Brad helped redefine mainstream rock music, blending post-grunge accessibility with emotionally direct songwriting and lyrical themes that resonated with everyday listeners,” the band’s statement continued. “Brad's songwriting became a cultural touchstone for a generation, producing some of the most enduring hits of the 2000s, including the band's breakout hit, ‘Kryptonite,’ which he wrote in his math class when he was just 15 years old. His music reverberated far beyond the stage, creating moments of connection, joy, faith, and shared experiences that will live on long after the stages he performed on.
“Above all, he was a devoted husband to Jennifer, and his kindness, humor, and generosity touched everyone fortunate enough to know him,” the band said. “Those closest to him will remember not only his talent, but his warmth, humility, faith, and deep love for his family and friends. the family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time and kindly asks that their privacy be respected. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”
Matthew is among the country artists nominated at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards, returning this spring to Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California. See the list of country artists nominated here.
Like in years past, iHeartRadio is letting the fans choose the winners in several new and established categories. Fan voting will determine this year’s Favorite Broadway Debut, Favorite TikTok Dance, Favorite Debut Album, Best Lyrics, Best Music Video, Favorite On Screen, Favorite Tour Photographer, Favorite Soundtrack, Favorite Tour Style, Favorite Tour Tradition and Favorite K-pop Collab. Social voting begins on January 8th, and will close on March 19th at 11:59pm PT for all categories. Fans can vote by visiting iHeartRadio.com/awards.
Tune in to see which artists will take home an iHeartRadio Music Award on Thursday, March 26th at 8pm ET live (PT tape-delayed) on FOX. The show will also be broadcast on iHeartRadio stations across the country and on the iHeartRadio app.
Matthew is also part of the star-studded lineup of the 2026 iHeartCountry Festival, along with Luke Bryan, Kane Brown, Parker McCollum, Riley Green, Shaboozey, Dylan Scott, Russell Dickerson, Gretchen Wilson and Lauren Alaina. iHeartRadio's Bobby Bones is returning as the event’s host. The show will take place on May 2 at Moody Center in Austin, Texas. Tickets to the show are available as of January 23. Fans across the country will be able to catch all the action as the 2026 iHeartCountry Festival will be broadcast live across iHeartCountry stations nationwide and the free iHeartRadio app on Saturday, May 2nd at 8pm ET/5pm PT (7pm CT).