New Found Glory Guitarist Chad Gilbert Dies at 45 After Years-Long Cancer Battle

The music world is mourning the loss of Chad Gilbert, the founding guitarist and longtime member of pop-punk band New Found Glory, who has died at the age of 45.

According to a statement shared by his wife Lisa Cimorelli and his bandmates, Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 20, 2026, surrounded by the people who loved him most.

His family said his final moments were filled with comfort, with his wife and mother Jackie by his side as he peacefully said goodbye.

“We are devastated and shocked by how quickly he left us, yet so grateful for how peacefully and smoothly he went,” his loved ones shared in a statement.

For fans who followed his journey, Gilbert’s passing marked the end of a remarkable life filled with music, creativity, resilience, and determination.

He leaves behind not only a legacy as a musician but also memories as a devoted husband, father, son, and friend.

Gilbert had spent the final years of his life fighting a difficult battle with cancer.

His health struggles began in 2021 when he was diagnosed with pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor that develops in the adrenal glands.

The diagnosis began a long medical journey involving surgeries, treatments, and countless moments of uncertainty.

Over time, the disease progressed and affected other parts of his body, including his spine and lungs.

Gilbert faced repeated medical procedures while continuing to focus on his family and his passion for music.

Despite the challenges, he remained determined to continue creating and performing whenever he was able.

Earlier in 2026, Gilbert experienced another major health setback when he began having problems with his left hand and leg.

Doctors discovered three tumors in his brain, leading to emergency surgery in February to remove them.

Following the procedure, he underwent radiation treatment as doctors continued fighting the aggressive disease.

His diagnosis was later revised to stage 4 adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of adrenal cancer.

Although the illness placed enormous physical demands on him, Gilbert continued showing strength and courage throughout his battle.

Those close to him said his determination and positive spirit remained a defining part of who he was.

Even while facing serious health struggles, Gilbert never completely stepped away from music.

New Found Glory released its latest album “Listen Up!” in February, continuing the band’s decades-long connection with fans around the world.

For Gilbert, creating music remained a source of purpose and happiness during some of his most difficult moments.

One of the most emotional moments of his final year came when he returned to the stage with New Found Glory in June.

The performance was especially meaningful because he was able to share that moment while his young daughter Lily watched him perform.

For Gilbert, being able to play music again was not only about the fans but also about creating memories with his family.

Chad Gilbert helped form New Found Glory in 1997 alongside his bandmates.

The group quickly became one of the defining names of the pop-punk movement that dominated the early 2000s.

Through his guitar playing, songwriting, and backing vocals, Gilbert helped create the energetic sound that connected with millions of listeners.

New Found Glory gained widespread recognition through albums such as “Sticks and Stones,” which featured some of the band’s most popular songs.

Tracks including “My Friends Over You” and “Head on Collision” became anthems for a generation of fans.

The band’s emotional lyrics, powerful melodies, and energetic performances helped establish their place in pop-punk history.

Gilbert’s influence extended beyond New Found Glory.

Throughout his career, he was involved in several other musical projects, including Shai Hulud, International Superheroes of Hardcore, and his solo project What’s Eating Gilbert.

He also contributed his talents as a producer, helping other artists develop their own music.

For nearly three decades, Gilbert remained one of the central figures behind New Found Glory’s identity.

His guitar work became one of the recognizable elements of the band’s sound.

His bandmates remembered him not only for his musical ability but also for his humor, passion, and dedication.

In their tribute, New Found Glory described Gilbert as someone who helped shape the band from its earliest days.

They remembered the countless hours of writing, recording, touring, and performing that built the group’s legacy.

His impact on the band and the pop-punk community will continue through the songs he helped create.

Beyond the stage and the spotlight, Gilbert’s family said his greatest achievement was not his musical success.

They said his most important roles were being a husband to Lisa and a father to his daughter Lily.

The love he had for his family remained one of the strongest parts of his life.

Fans around the world have shared memories of how Gilbert’s music influenced them through different stages of life.

For many listeners, New Found Glory’s songs were connected to friendships, relationships, heartbreaks, and important personal moments.

His music became part of the soundtrack of countless lives.

The pop-punk community has lost many influential artists over the years, but Gilbert’s contribution remains especially significant.

He was part of a generation of musicians who brought emotional honesty and youthful energy into mainstream music.

His work helped inspire countless younger artists who followed.

While his final years were marked by medical challenges, Gilbert continued showing the same determination that defined his career.

He faced illness with the same passion and resilience he brought to music.

His story became one of perseverance, love, and refusing to give up.

Gilbert is survived by his wife Lisa, their daughter Lily, his mother Jackie, and his brother Brian.

His family now faces the difficult process of grieving while celebrating a life that touched so many people.

They have asked fans to remember him through the music, memories, and love he left behind.

Chad Gilbert’s journey began with a guitar, a dream, and a group of friends who wanted to create something meaningful.

Nearly 30 years later, he left behind a legacy that reached far beyond the stage.

His voice may no longer be heard live, but the songs, memories, and emotions he created will continue to live on.