Chad Gilbert, New Found Glory Guitarist, Dies at 45

Chad Gilbert, the founding member and lead guitarist for the punk rock band New Found Glory, died on September 20 at the age of 45. The band and Gilbert's wife, Lisa Cimorelli, announced his death in a joint Instagram post.

Gilbert had been battling adrenal cancer since 2021. In February, he underwent brain surgery after doctors discovered tumors. The band's statement noted that Gilbert passed away peacefully and that his "relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades."

"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 wrote. "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."

Gilbert was diagnosed with stage 4 adrenal cancer that had spread to his spine, lungs, and brain. He previously underwent radiation and immunotherapy for remaining tumors after his brain surgery. In a March Instagram post, Gilbert expressed optimism about his recovery, stating he was "feeling much better now and getting stronger by the day."

In June, Gilbert returned to the stage for a performance with New Found Glory in Nashville, Tennessee, playing a few songs on a mobility scooter. He shared on Instagram at the time that it was "very emotional getting up on stage with my band again to play."

Gilbert helped form New Found Glory in 1997 in Coral Springs, Florida. The band achieved mainstream success with their 2002 album "Sticks and Stones," which reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart and included hits like "My Friends Over You." Their 2004 follow-up, "Catalyst," peaked at No. 3.

Gilbert appeared on all 12 of New Found Glory’s studio albums, including their most recent release, "Listen Up!" in February. Beyond New Found Glory, Gilbert was also involved in hardcore music, performing with Shai Hulud and his band International Superheroes of Hardcore. He also worked as a producer for artists such as A Day to Remember and collaborated with Fall Out Boy.

Gilbert is survived by his wife, Lisa, their daughter Lily, his mother, Jackie, and his brother, Brian.