New Found Glory ProfileChad Gilbert, guitarist and founding member of the American pop-punk band New Found Glory, has passed away. He was 45.
Gilbert’s wife, Lisa Cimorelli, and his bandmates confirmed the tragic news in a social media post. He passed away in his sleep on Sunday (20 September) after years of facing cancer.
“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.”
The statement continued, “We are devastated and shocked by how quickly he left us, yet so grateful for how peacefully and smoothly he went. 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.”
Described as a “legendary musician,” the statement made clear that Gilbert’s favourite accomplishment was “being a husband and father.” He’s survived by his wife, Lisa; his daughter, Lily; his mother, Jackie; and his brother, Brian.
“Chad’s guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades,” the band said. “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. 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 ❤️ Lisa, Jordan, Ian, Cyrus, and Dan.”
In 2023, Gilbert was receiving intense chemotherapy for a rare cancer called pheochromocytoma. Earlier this year, the guitarist revealed that he recently had three tumours removed from his brain.
As a founding member of New Found Glory, Gilbert performed on all of the band’s albums – from 1999’s Nothing Gold Can Stay to this year’s Listen Up. In addition to his work with the band, he served as the vocalist for hardcore band Shai Hulud from 1995 to 1998 and again from 2012 to 2013.
He also produced records including A Day To Remember’s Homesick, What Separates Me From You and Common Courtesy, H2O’s Nothing To Prove, and Fireworks’ All I Have to Offer Is My Own Confusion.
New Found Glory released their twelfth album, Listen Up, in February. Discussing the record, Gilbert said the band wanted to make music that “focused on how lucky we are.”
He explained, “We wanted to make something that really focused on how lucky we are. We’ve all gone through serious stuff in our lives, and I think the lyrics on this record are more meaningful and purposeful than ever. It’s a positive outlet that hopefully keeps people going.”
Artists including Sum 41’s Deryck Whibley, Hatebreed, Dashboard Confessional, The Offspring, A Day To Remember’s Jeremy McKinnon, and many others have paid tribute to Gilbert.
