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3 Doors Down

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Band Timeline

1996

Formation of 3 Doors Down

3 Doors Down was formed in Escatawpa, Mississippi by Brad Arnold (vocals and drums), Matt Roberts (lead guitar), and Todd Harrell (bass). They named the band after noticing a sign missing letters reading 'Doors Down' and adding the number 3 to represent the trio. Brad Arnold wrote their breakthrough hit "Kryptonite" at age 15 while in high school. The band began recording demo material in 1997 which gained local radio attention.
1998

Band Lineup Expansion and Early Performances

In 1998, rhythm guitarist Chris Henderson joined 3 Doors Down, expanding the band beyond a trio. They gained initial exposure with a performance at New York's CBGB club, which helped secure industry interest. Their demo song "Kryptonite" became the number one requested song on local radio WCPR-FM for over 15 weeks, leading to management signing and further opportunities.
2000

Breakthrough with Debut Album 'The Better Life'

3 Doors Down released their debut studio album, The Better Life, on February 8, 2000. It featured the hit single "Kryptonite" which reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for a Grammy. The album also produced singles "Loser", "Duck and Run", and "Be Like That". It became the 11th best-selling album of 2000 and was eventually certified septuple platinum by the RIAA. The band toured with hired drummer Richard Liles so Brad Arnold could focus on frontman duties.
2002

Continued Success with 'Away from the Sun'

3 Doors Down released their second album, Away from the Sun, which debuted at number eight on the Billboard 200 and was certified multi-platinum. This album included successful singles such as "When I'm Gone" and the ballad "Here Without You", the latter reaching number one on the Adult Pop Songs chart and achieving six times platinum certification. The album cemented the band's success in the post-grunge rock scene.
2005

Release of 'Seventeen Days' and Chart-Topping Success

The band's third studio album, Seventeen Days, was released and reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart. It was certified platinum by the RIAA, continuing their pattern of commercial success. This period marked 3 Doors Down solidifying their place in mainstream rock music through consistent album sales and popular singles.
2008

Self-Titled Fourth Album and Further Acclaim

3 Doors Down's fourth studio album, titled '3 Doors Down,' was released and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. It was also certified platinum, showing strong sales. The single "It's Not My Time" became their fifth number one on the Mainstream Rock chart and also topped the Adult Pop Songs chart, showcasing their crossover appeal between rock and pop audiences.
2011

Fifth Album 'Time of My Life' and Continued Relevance

The band released their fifth studio album, Time of My Life, in 2011. It peaked at number three on the Billboard 200, demonstrating that the band retained significant popularity. The release reinforced 3 Doors Down's longevity and ability to adapt in the evolving rock music landscape.
2016

'Us and the Night' and Sustained Career

3 Doors Down released their sixth studio album, Us and the Night, which reached number 14 on the Billboard 200. This continued their steady presence in the rock genre. By this time, the band had sold over 13 million albums in the United States, marking them as one of the successful rock bands from the early 2000s with a lasting impact.

Albums

3-doors-down_1st_album
The Better Life
13 tracks
2000
3-doors-down_2nd_album
Away From the Sun
12 tracks
2002
3-doors-down_3rd_album
Seventeen Days
12 tracks
2005
3-doors-down_4th_album
3 Doors Down
12 tracks
2008
3-doors-down_5th_album
Time of My Life
16 tracks
2011
3-doors-down_6th_album
Us And The Night
11 tracks
2016
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Story of 3 Doors Down

3 Doors Down: From Mississippi Backroads to Global Stardom

Emerging from the heartland of Mississippi in 1996, 3 Doors Down burst onto the scene with a sound that resonated with rock fans worldwide. The core trio of Brad Arnold (lead vocals, drums), Matt Roberts (lead guitar, backing vocals), and Todd Harrell (bass guitar) quickly established a powerful dynamic, later bolstered by the addition of rhythm guitarist Chris Henderson.

Their breakthrough moment arrived in 2000 with "Kryptonite," a smash hit that rocketed to number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and catapulted them into the major league with a deal with Universal Records. The debut album, "The Better Life," cemented their success, selling millions of copies and solidifying their position as a major force in the rock scene. The addition of drummer Richard Liles for their first tour cemented their live performance prowess.

Fueled by the momentum of "The Better Life," 3 Doors Down continued their ascent with "Away from the Sun" in 2002. The album solidified their post-grunge/alternative rock sound, delivering anthems like "When I'm Gone" and "Here Without You" that became staples on radio and MTV. Their commitment to their fans was evident in the relentless touring schedule that saw them play close to 1,000 shows globally.

Maintaining their chart-topping momentum, 3 Doors Down released "Seventeen Days" (2005) and their self-titled album (2008), both of which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. Their music, a potent blend of angst, rebellion, longing, and heartbreak, resonated deeply with audiences, earning them platinum certifications and solidifying their place in the rock pantheon.

Their fifth album, "Time of My Life" (2011), and their most recent release, "Us and the Night" (2016), further showcased their musical evolution, with both albums reaching impressive positions on the Billboard 200. Throughout their career, 3 Doors Down have carved a unique path through the rock landscape, blending elements of post-grunge, alternative, hard rock, and even southern rock influences. They remain a testament to the enduring power of raw emotion and unforgettable melodies, proving that great rock music can come from anywhere, even the Mississippi backroads.

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