New Found Glory guitarist and founding member Chad Gilbert has died.
The band announced that Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of September 20, surrounded by friends and family. His wife and mother were by his side during his final moments.
“We are devastated and shocked by how quickly he left us, yet so grateful for how peacefully and smoothly he went,” the band shared. “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.”
Gilbert was a founding member of New Found Glory and spent nearly three decades helping shape the Florida pop-punk band through his guitar playing, songwriting and extensive touring.
In their tribute, his bandmates reflected on his impact on New Found Glory and their lives together:
“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.”
They continued, “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.”
The band noted that despite his accomplishments as a musician, Gilbert considered being a husband and father his greatest achievement.
Gilbert is survived by his wife, Lisa, his daughter, Lily, his mother, Jackie, and his brother, Brian.
“Rest in peace, Chad. We love you forever,” the statement concludes, signed by Lisa and New Found Glory members Jordan Pundik, Ian Grushka, Cyrus Bolooki and Dan O’Connor.
Gilbert had been battling cancer for nearly five years. He was initially diagnosed in 2021 with metastatic pheochromocytoma, a rare cancer involving the adrenal glands, and underwent multiple surgeries and treatments as the disease later spread to other areas of his body.
Earlier this year, Gilbert underwent emergency brain surgery after doctors discovered three tumors in his brain. He later revealed that his diagnosis had been revised to stage 4 adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of adrenal cancer. Despite his ongoing treatment, Gilbert returned to the stage with New Found Glory in Nashville in June.
We send our condolences to Chad Gilbert’s family, friends, bandmates and fans.
