3 Doors Down is an American post-grunge/alternative rock band formed in Escatawpa, Mississippi in 1994 by Brad Arnold (vocals and drums), Matt Roberts (guitar) and Todd Harrell (bass). The band signed to Universal Records after the success of their song "Kryptonite". The band has since sold well over 12 million albums since their debut album, The Better Life, was released in 2000. They also perform more than 300 concerts a year and have performed with other well-known artists such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Staind, Alter Bridge, Breaking Benjamin, and Shinedown on several occasions.The Better Life (2000-2001)
Brad Arnold is the vocalist for the band and played the drums on their debut album The Better Life. He started singing full time for the band after a concert where no one else would sing except for him and he ended up enjoying it.
The Better Life was released in 2000 and has since been certified 6x Platinum thanks to the international hit singles, "Kryptonite", "Loser", and "Duck and Run". The song "Be Like That" was rerecorded for the 2001 film American Pie 2, with alternate lyrics for the first 2 lines. This version is known as "The American Pie 2 Edit".
Away from the Sun (2002-2004)
The band's second studio album, Away from the Sun, was released in 2002 and since been certified 4x Platinum in the United States and Platinum in Australia. "Here without You" and "When I'm Gone" proved to be the most successful singles from that album. "The Road I'm On" and "Away from the Sun" also charted with less success.
Session drummer Josh Freese contributed drums for Away from the Sun. Also, Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson produced and played on 3 tracks for the record, "Dangerous Game", "Dead Love", and "Wasted Me" (only "Dangerous Game" appeared on the album). Daniel Adair was the drummer on Seventeen Days and during the Away from the Sun tour.
Another 700 Miles
Since 2003, the band has held a "3 Doors Down and Friends" benefit concert, through the band's own charity The Better Life Foundation. In 2006, the event was held Dec. 2, at the Mobile Convention Center, with proceeds to benefit Hurricane Katrina survivors.
The band released a live EP in 2003 which consists of part of a live performance by the band on their Away from the Sun tour in Chicago. Another 700 Miles has since been certified Gold in the US.
Seventeen Days (2005-2007)
The band's latest release, 2005's Seventeen Days, has since been certified Platinum. "Let Me Go" and "Behind Those Eyes" charted with the most success. "Live for Today", "Landing in London" (on which Bob Seger provided back-up vocals and guitar), and "Here by Me" were also released as singles. During the Seventeen Days tour, the band appeared alongside the southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Also in 2005, the band released a live DVD titled "Away from the Sun Live from Houston, Texas". The DVD was produced and directed by Academy Award nominated Alex Gibney and Doug Biro.
Greg Upchurch, formerly of Puddle of Mudd, is the drummer who replaced Daniel Adair in 2005. Adair left to be the drummer for Nickelback.
3 Doors Down (2008-Present)
According to the band's website, they have completed recording a new studio album that will be self titled. This was confirmed in an interview with the band conducted on December 28, 2007 by the the Las Vegas Sun.
The video for an upcoming track titled "Citizen/Soldier" is featured on the National Guard Recruiting Site.
Some songs that are rumored to appear on the new album are: "Put Me on a Train", "Citizen/Soldier", "Not My Time", "All You've Got", "Let Me Be Myself", and "When It's Over".
On 3 Doors Down's message boards, a release date of May 6 has been confirmed by frontman Brad Arnold with "Not My Time" as the first single being released in mid February. The band will resume touring in early March.
Listen to their songs.
