Chad Gilbert, New Found Glory founding guitarist, dies aged 45
The pop-punk guitarist died peacefully in his sleep on the morning of September 20 after a years-long battle with cancer, his family and bandmates have announced.
Chad Gilbert, the founding guitarist of pop-punk band New Found Glory, has died aged 45 after living with cancer for several years.
The news was confirmed in a joint Instagram post by the band and his wife Lisa Cimorelli, who wrote that he passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of September 20.
“On the morning of September 20th, Chad Everett Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep,” the statement reads. “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.”
He is survived by his wife, Lisa, his daughter, Lily, his mother, Jackie, and his brother, Brian.
Diagnosed with cancer in 2022, Gilbert underwent intense chemotherapy the following year. Earlier this year he underwent emergency brain surgery, and in April he confirmed the diagnosis had changed to Stage 4 carcinoma.
The guitarist helped found the Florida band in the mid-90s and worked with them across 11 studio albums, playing a key role in their three-decade run. His bandmates paid tribute to the “guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive” that helped shape New Found Glory.
“Rest in peace, Chad. We love you forever,” the statement concludes, signed by Lisa, Jordan, Ian, Cyrus and Dan.
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