3 Doors Down have announced that founding guitarist Matt Roberts is stepping away from the band. Read below:
After nearly two decades and a run of success that has included more than 20 million albums sold worldwide and a slew of accolades from Grammys to American Music Awards, one of the three founding members of 3 Doors Down, Matt Roberts, has decided to leave the band.
Roberts, a seasoned guitarist and back-up vocalist for the group, grew up with lead singer Brad Arnold and bassist Todd Harrell in Escatawpa, Mississippi, where they formed 3 Doors Down in 1996.
The group, which now consists of Arnold, Harrell, Chris Henderson on guitar and Greg Upchurch on drums considers themselves as family and this split is an amicable one. Over the past few years, Roberts has unfortunately, dealt with health and circulation problems and those issues have only been exacerbated by performing nearly 300 dates each year with the band.
“3 Doors Down will always have a special place in my heart and it saddens me to take this time off,” said Roberts in his official statement. “But my health has to be my first priority.”
“Matt is our brother and he will always be a part of this band and he will always be welcomed back with open arms,” added lead singer and founding member Brad Arnold.
Thankfully, and with a blessing from Roberts, Universal Republic recording artists 3 Doors Down’s current tour and schedule will remain in tact. They are currently performing dates across the United States on the ‘Gang of Outlaws Tour’ with legendary rockers ZZ Top and country artist Gretchen Wilson.
