Country musician Brantley Gilbert paid tribute to the late 3 Doors Down frontman Brad Arnold by covering the band's hit "When I'm Gone" during a recent festival set. Arnold died on 7 February at the age of 47, having been diagnosed with a form of kidney cancer in May 2025, and his passing prompted widespread tributes from across the music world. Gilbert's performance highlighted Arnold's lasting influence on rock music and offered fans an emotional moment of remembrance.

Gilbert performed the song over the weekend at Country Fest in North Lawrence, Ohio, before thousands of fans, departing from his usual set to honour Arnold. "When I'm Gone", the lead single from 3 Doors Down's second album Away from the Sun, had reached No. 1 on the US Mainstream Rock and US Pop Airplay charts, as well as No. 1 in Canada. Gilbert, who is currently promoting his forthcoming album Sins of the Father, drew a warm crowd response, while 3 Doors Down — who last performed in December 2024 — face an uncertain future following Arnold's death.