Founding guitarist Chad Gilbert of the popular pop-punk band New Found Glory passed away on Sunday, September 20, at the age of 45. Gilbert’s death followed a prolonged battle with a rare form of cancer. His wife, Lisa Cimorelli, and bandmates confirmed the news, stating he died peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by loved ones.
The announcement, made via a joint Instagram statement, described the family and band’s devastation at the speed of his passing but expressed gratitude for its peaceful nature. They noted Gilbert was surrounded by friends and family at the hospital, including his wife and mother, Jackie, as he took his final breaths. The statement highlighted his legacy as a musician while emphasizing his preferred role as a husband and father, accomplishments which they said were his greatest dreams come true. Gilbert is survived by his wife, Lisa, his daughter, Lily, his mother, Jackie, and his brother, Brian.
Gilbert co-founded New Found Glory in 1997, serving as the band’s lead guitarist for nearly three decades. His bandmates credited his guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive as instrumental in shaping the group’s sound and identity. They expressed their sorrow at his loss but also their appreciation for the life he lived and the brotherhood they shared, asserting his influence and spirit would remain a vital part of New Found Glory’s future performances. The Florida-born rocker’s career saw the band cultivate a significant underground fanbase before achieving mainstream success with tracks such as ‘My Friends Over You’ and ‘All Downhill From Here,’ among others, as USA Today reported.
Gilbert’s Years-Long Health Battle
Gilbert’s health struggles became public after a diagnosis in 2021 of pheochromocytoma, a rare form of adrenal gland cancer. USA Today reported that his wife found him unresponsive on December 5, 2021, performing CPR before paramedics transported him to a hospital. Doctors later determined the malignant tumor caused severe blood sugar and blood pressure fluctuations. An MRI at the time showed the tumor had metastasized to his liver but not elsewhere. Following surgery on December 13, 2021, to remove the visible tumor, he spent time recovering in the ICU.
After a brief period of being cancer-free in 2022, the disease resurfaced, spreading to his spine, lungs, and eventually his brain. He underwent intensive radiation in 2023 and received further treatment in August 2025. In February 2026, Gilbert experienced a loss of control in his left hand during a Nashville performance, leading to a CT scan that revealed three brain tumors, one reportedly walnut-sized. By April 2026, his diagnosis evolved to stage 4 adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare and aggressive adrenal cancer where a cure becomes less likely once it spreads beyond the adrenal glands, according to the Mayo Clinic. Despite his ongoing battle, Gilbert made a return to the stage in June 2026, performing with New Found Glory in Nashville with the aid of a mobility scooter.
Legacy and Wider Impact
Beyond his pivotal role in New Found Glory, Chad Gilbert was also known for his previous marriage to Paramore singer Hayley Williams. The couple dated for nearly a decade before their engagement in December 2014, marrying in 2016 and separating in 2017. Despite their divorce, they reportedly maintained a friendship. Gilbert’s public documentation of his cancer journey since 2021 provided a glimpse into the challenges of living with a serious illness, potentially offering solace or awareness to others facing similar struggles. His decision to continue performing, even with a mobility scooter, underscored his dedication to his music and fans.
The passing of a prominent musician like Gilbert, especially after a public health battle, resonates widely across the international music community and among fans of the pop-punk genre globally. His influence on the genre, both through New Found Glory’s nearly three-decade career and his personal resilience, serves as a significant cultural touchstone. For an international readership, his story highlights not only the personal toll of severe illness but also the enduring connection between artists and their global audiences. The impact of such a loss extends beyond immediate fan circles, reflecting on the broader creative landscape and the collective memory of a musical era.
As the music world mourns the loss of Chad Gilbert, fans and fellow musicians will likely continue to celebrate his extensive contributions to pop-punk and his unwavering spirit. The outpouring of support following the announcement of his death underscores the deep connection he forged through his music and his transparency regarding his health journey. Moving forward, the legacy of New Found Glory will undoubtedly carry the imprint of Gilbert’s profound artistic and personal influence.
Image: Just Jared
Sources consulted
- People.com: Chad Gilbert Dead After Brain Cancer Journey: New Found Glory Guitarist Was 45
- Just Jared: New Found Glory Guitarist Chad Gilbert Passes Away at 45
- USA Today: Chad Gilbert, New Found Glory’s founding guitarist, dies at 45
Adrian Velk is a global affairs journalist focused on breaking news, geopolitics, and societal trends. With a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy, he delivers timely reporting that helps readers understand the fast-moving world around them. His work blends factual depth with clear storytelling, making complex events accessible to a broad audience.
