Chad Gilbert of New Found Glory Passes Away at 45
Chad Gilbert, a founding member and lead guitarist of the punk rock band New Found Glory, passed away at 45. His death was announced by the band and his wife, Lisa Cimorelli, on Instagram. Although the cause was not specified, Gilbert had been battling adrenal cancer since 2021 and underwent brain surgery in February after tumors were discovered.
“On the morning of September 20th, Chad Everett Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep,” the Instagram post stated. “He left this world surrounded by friends and family, with his wife and mother by his side, just as he wished.”
The announcement also highlighted the support and love shown by those who gathered at the hospital, affirming Chad’s beloved status. Gilbert was celebrated not only as a musician but also for his roles as a husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, his daughter, Lily, his mother, Jackie, and his brother, Brian.
New Found Glory members, including lead singer Jordan Pundik, bassist Ian Grushka, and drummer Cyrus Bolooki, paid tribute to Gilbert’s profound influence on the band. “Chad’s guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades,” they said.
His contributions spanned more than a dozen albums and numerous international tours, challenging his bandmates to grow as musicians and people.
Chad Gilbert was diagnosed in 2021 with metastatic pheochromocytoma, a rare adrenal gland cancer. This later spread to his spine, lungs, and brain. In an interview earlier this year, Gilbert described experiencing weakness and difficulty walking, which led to the discovery of three brain tumors. He underwent emergency surgery and subsequent treatments, including radiation and immunotherapy.
Gilbert’s diagnosis shifted to adrenocortical carcinoma, affecting the outer layer of the adrenal gland. Despite the challenges, he continued to perform, joining New Found Glory in Nashville in June, marking an emotional return to the stage.
Born on March 9, 1981, in Coral Springs, Florida, Gilbert co-founded New Found Glory in 1997. The band’s 2002 album “Sticks and Stones” propelled them to early success, featuring hit singles and reaching No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart. Their follow-up album, “Catalyst,” peaked at No. 3, with memorable singles.
New Found Glory became emblematic of the early-2000s pop-punk scene, releasing 12 studio albums and touring worldwide. Gilbert appeared on all these albums, including their latest, “Listen Up!”
Apart from New Found Glory, Gilbert worked in hardcore music, serving as a vocalist for Shai Hulud and collaborating on side projects. He also produced for other artists and collaborated with notable bands such as Fall Out Boy.
Chad Gilbert leaves behind a legacy of talent and dedication, both as a musician and a family man. He is survived by his family, including his wife and daughter. His influence remains imprinted in the music world.