It’s been 16 years since 3 Doors Down burst onto the music scene and the band’s debut single “Kryptonite” topped the charts. However, the rock group has persevered, continuing to release successful new music and touring for fans near and far. In fact, the multiplatinum band’s sixth full-length album, “Us and the Night,” just came out March 11 via Republic Records.
The band, led by singer Brad Arnold, started out in the late ’90s in Mississippi. Throughout its career, the Grammy-nominated act released more than 20 singles - many of which can be found on the 2012 collection “The Greatest Hits,” including “When I’m Gone,” “Here Without You” and “Be Like That.” Besides creating music, 3 Doors Down also like to give back and, in 2003, launched The Better Life Foundation (TBLF) to positively help children “in need of food, shelter and medical assistance, and to enhance the lives of children and young adults with special needs.” The money raised gets distributed to various charitable organizations and hospitals that help fulfill TBLF’s mission.
The group has gone through several lineup changes over the years though. Original guitarist Matt Roberts had to quit the band in 2012 because of health reasons, drummer Daniel Adair left in 2005 to join Nickelback and bass player Todd Harrell was sent packing after he was charged with vehicular homicide, while on drugs, in 2013 (he is currently serving time in prison).
Now comprised of Arnold, guitarists Chris Henderson and Chet Roberts, drummer Greg Upchurch and bassist Justin Biltonen, 3 Doors Down is excited about the release of “Us and the Night.” The record’s 11 tracks fit nicely together in this well-produced package, which is radio-friendly for both rock and Top 40 formats. Lead single “In the Dark,” which has been moving up the charts since January, is a much sexier offering than what people expect from the band. Its sexy music video, which the band is not featured in, stars “Breaking Bad” actor RJ Mitte. Other key tracks include catchy album-opener “The Broken,” the guitar-heavy “Living in Your Hell” and the beautiful piano ballad “Fell From the Moon.”
The new album was recorded at Nashville’s Rivergate Studios, which is co-owned by .38 Special keyboardist Bobby Capps and 3 Doors Down’s own Henderson, who recently called HNGN to talk about “Us and the Night” and the band’s legacy. Check out the interview below!
Right now, you are playing sporadic dates and festivals. What are your tour plans for the rest of the year?
We are planning a headlining tour that’ll probably start in June or July.
Do you prefer touring with already-established bands or do you like taking out newcomers?
As long as the show is good, people feel like they’re getting their money’s worth and we can feel good about the whole thing is all I care about. But I do like touring with up-and-coming bands because it’s fun to take them under your wing.
The first 3 Doors Down album, “The Better Life,” came out 16 years ago. Did you imagine back then that you would still be doing this all these years later?
No way. No one does. Being in a band is tough. You get on the road with the same guys year after year after year and, eventually, people that aren’t good at being on the road, their negativity starts showing up, and people are tired of it and tired of working, working, working. You have to be resilient and have to know that there’s a long game. If you want to be in a band and be around for 25, 30 years, there’s a long game involved and it’s incredibly difficult - you have to know that when you start this journey. If you think that it’s going to be all rainbows and private jets, you’re sadly mistaken. You have to roll with the punches. You have to play the game the way the game is played. It’s not for everyone, and a lot of people can’t handle it. It’s really sad, but it separates the professionals from the people who are not meant to be there.
3 DOORS DOWN TOUR DATES
March 20: Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla.
April 8: Route 66 Casino in Albuquerque, N.M.
April 9: Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino in Mescalero, N.M.
April 15: IP Casino in Biloxi, Miss.
April 16: IP Casino in Biloxi, Miss.
April 30: Welcome to Rockville in Jacksonville, Fla.
May 1: Fort Rock Festival in Fort Myers, Fla.
May 5: Myrtle Beach Speedway in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
May 6: Carolina Rebellion in Concord, N.C.
May 7: Montgomery Performing Arts Centre in Montgomery, Ala.
May 12: Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls, Ont.
May 13: Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls, Ont.
May 19: Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Penn.
May 21: BB&T Pavillion in Camden, N.J.
May 22: Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, Conn.
May 27: Herrinfesta Italiana in Herrin, Ill.
May 28: Rocklahoma in Pryor, Okla.
May 29: Gexa Energy Pavilion in Dallas, Texas
June 10: Talking Stick Resort Showroom in Scottsdale, Ariz.
June 16: San Diego County Fair @ Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, Calif.
June 18: Bands in the Backyeard in Pueblo, Colo.
June 22: Luther Burbank Center in Santa Rosa, Calif.
July 29: Grand Casino Hinckley in Hinckley, Minn.
Aug. 4: Mississippi Valley Fair in Davenport, Iowa
For more on 3 Doors Down, visit the band’s official website, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
