ROCK STAR CHAD GILBERT DIES AT 45 AFTER YEARS-LONG CANCER BATTLE

The rock music world is mourning the loss of Chad Gilbert, founding guitarist of New Found Glory, who has died at the age of 45.

Gilbert passed away peacefully on September 20, 2026, surrounded by friends and family, with his wife, Lisa Cimorelli, and his mother by his side. His death was confirmed in a joint statement from his wife and New Found Glory.

For nearly three decades, Gilbert helped shape New Found Glory, the Florida pop-punk band he co-founded in 1997. The group became one of the recognizable names of the pop-punk era with songs including “My Friends Over You,” “Hit or Miss,” and “All Downhill From Here.”

Gilbert had been battling cancer since 2021. His health struggles became increasingly serious, including brain tumors that led to emergency brain surgery in February 2026. Despite everything he was facing, he returned to the stage in June for a New Found Glory performance in Nashville, performing from a motorized scooter.

His family and bandmates remembered him not only for his music, guitar playing, and songwriting, but also for the life he built with his family. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, their daughter Lily, his mother Jackie, and his brother Brian.

Chad Gilbert spent almost 30 years creating music, touring the world, and helping shape a generation of pop-punk.

His music will continue to be heard by the fans who grew up with it.

Rest in peace, Chad Gilbert. ❤️