- Guy Fieri hosted his annual Flavortown Tailgate Super Bowl event for 10,000 fans, but the celebration was overshadowed by heartbreaking news of his friend Brad Arnold’s death.
- The Food Network star posted an emotional Instagram tribute to the 3 Doors Down lead singer who lost his battle with stage four kidney cancer, calling him “next level.”
- Fans offered condolences while remembering the special friendship between Fieri and Arnold, who once shared a memorable moment when the chef surprised the singer on stage during a 2023 concert.
Guy Fieri’s Super Bowl plans centered around hosting his annual Flavortown Tailgate, a star-studded event offering music, games, and food for over 10,000 fans. But tragic news cast a cloud over the otherwise exciting day.
In an Instagram post on Saturday, Fieri posted a heartbreaking tribute to his friend Brad Arnold, who died the same day. The lead singer of 3 Doors Down lost his battle with stage four kidney cancer, and his untimely passing especially hit home for the Food Network star.
“Heartbreaking to lose a great friend and someone that shared so much incredible talent,” Fieri wrote. “My friend Brad was the next level and had so much appreciation for music, fans and family.” He signed off with “RIP BA” and “Namaste.”
Fans flooded the comments to offer condolences and pay their respects. One user wrote, “I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and the rest of his friends and family.” Others noted that “his music helped [them] through some tough times.” Another user captured how all 3 Doors Down fans are feeling: “Brad was an amazing musician and overall good human. He will be missed.”
The pair had been friends for years. Back in 2023, Fieri pranked Arnold at a 3 Doors Down concert in Boca Raton, Florida. The TV personality secretly switched places with the band’s guitarist, Chet Roberts, and surprised Arnold on stage while playing their 2002 song “I Feel You.”
Arnold got a kick out of Fieri’s surprise cameo, writing on Instagram after the concert, “That was great!! It was awesome havin’ you fellas!!”
While Arnold’s life was cut too short, 3 Doors Down will continue to honor his legacy. “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,” the band said in a statement. “He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”