Chad Gilbert, founding member and lead guitarist of the pop-punk band New Found Glory, died Saturday morning at 45. His death was announced in a joint Instagram post from the band and his wife, Lisa Cimorelli.
“On the morning of September 20th, Chad Everett Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep,” the statement read. “He left this world surrounded by friends and family and took his final breaths with his wife and mother by his side, just as he wished.”
No cause of death was given, but Gilbert had been battling adrenal cancer since 2021 and underwent brain surgery in February after doctors discovered tumors.
“We are devastated and shocked by how quickly he left us, yet so grateful for how peacefully and smoothly he went,” the statement continued. “The amount of visitors that crowded the hospital lobby at a moment’s notice is a testament to how beloved and cherished Chad was, and always will be. He was a legendary musician, but his favorite accomplishment was being a husband and father. His biggest dreams came true.”
He is survived by his wife, Lisa; his daughter, Lily; his mother, Jackie; and his brother, Brian.
New Found Glory, whose lineup includes singer Jordan Pundik, bassist Ian Grushka and drummer Cyrus Bolooki, credited Gilbert with shaping the band’s sound and character over nearly three decades.
“Chad’s guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades. Through more than a dozen albums, endless tours around the world, and more accolades than we ever could have imagined, Chad challenged all of us to grow as musicians, performers, and human beings.”
“While we are devastated to lose him, we are so grateful for the incredible life he lived, the memories we shared, and the brotherhood we had,” the band added. “His influence will always be part of New Found Glory and his spirit will be felt on every stage we stand on, with every note we play. Rest in peace, Chad. We love you forever.”
A Long Fight With Cancer
Gilbert was diagnosed in 2021 with metastatic pheochromocytoma, a rare cancer of the adrenal gland, which later spread to his spine, lungs and brain. In a February interview with People magazine, he described experiencing weakness on his left side and trouble walking while the band was promoting its latest album, “Listen Up!”
After collapsing at home, scans revealed three brain tumors, one requiring emergency surgery. He later underwent radiation and immunotherapy for the remaining two. Following the operation, his diagnosis was updated to adrenocortical carcinoma, a cancer originating in the outer layer of the adrenal gland.
In March, Gilbert wrote on Instagram that his “recovery has been bumpy at times” but that he was “feeling much better now and getting stronger by the day.” In June, he returned to the stage during New Found Glory’s tour stop in Nashville, performing several songs while using a mobility scooter.
“I got to play a show in front of my daughter, something I truly never thought I’d get to do again,” he wrote afterward. “And my beautiful wife and all the nurses and doctors, my amazing team that have kept me alive through my battle. It was very emotional getting up on stage with my band again to play. So many feelings all at once.”
A Career Spanning Nearly Three Decades
Gilbert was born March 9, 1981, in Coral Springs, Florida, and helped form New Found Glory in 1997. The band broke through with its 2002 album “Sticks and Stones,” which reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and produced the hits “My Friends Over You” and “Head On Collision.” Its follow-up, 2004’s “Catalyst,” peaked at No. 3 and included the singles “All Downhill from Here” and “Failure’s Not Flattering.”
New Found Glory went on to release 12 studio albums, with Gilbert appearing on every one, including “Listen Up!,” released this past February. Beyond the band, he was known for his work in hardcore music, including as a vocalist for Shai Hulud and through New Found Glory’s side project International Superheroes of Hardcore. He also produced records for artists such as A Day to Remember, H2O and State Champs, and collaborated with Fall Out Boy.
Gilbert married Cimorelli in 2020 and shared a daughter, Lily, now 5, with her. He was previously married to Eisley singer Sherri DuPree, whom he wed and split from in 2007, and to Paramore lead singer Hayley Williams from 2016 to 2017.
