Chad Gilbert, New Found Glory founding member and lead guitarist, dead at 45

Chad Gilbert, renowned guitarist and founding member of the influential punk rock band New Found Glory, has died at the age of 45. The musician's passing was confirmed through a joint announcement by the band and Gilbert's wife, Lisa Cimorelli, who shared that he passed peacefully in his sleep on September 20th, surrounded by loved ones.

Gilbert's death followed a prolonged struggle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Initially diagnosed in 2021 with metastatic pheochromocytoma, a tumor affecting the adrenal gland, his condition subsequently evolved into adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). This illness spread to critical areas including his spine, lungs, and brain, necessitating multiple treatments including brain surgery and immunotherapy.

The guitarist’s battle was marked by significant health challenges. In early 2023, Gilbert underwent emergency brain surgery after doctors discovered multiple tumors impairing his motor functions. Despite these medical setbacks, he demonstrated remarkable resilience, returning to the stage in June 2023 during a New Found Glory concert in Nashville. His emotional performance, aided by a mobility scooter, was a poignant moment shared with fans and his family, underscoring his dedication to music and the support of his close-knit circle.

Born in Coral Springs, Florida, on March 9, 1981, Chad Gilbert played a pivotal role in shaping the pop-punk scene of the early 2000s. He co-founded New Found Glory in 1997, a band that would go on to become a defining act within the genre. Their breakthrough came with the 2002 album "Sticks and Stones," which included chart-topping singles such as "My Friends Over You" and "Head On Collision," propelling the band into mainstream success.

New Found Glory continued to build their legacy with subsequent albums like 2004's "Catalyst," which reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart. Over nearly three decades, the band released twelve studio albums and toured extensively worldwide, with Gilbert's guitar work and songwriting remaining integral to their sound and identity.

Beyond his contributions to New Found Glory, Gilbert was active in the hardcore punk scene. He lent his vocals to the band Shai Hulud and participated in the side project International Superheroes of Hardcore. Additionally, he was an established producer, collaborating with notable acts such as A Day to Remember, H2O, State Champs, and Fall Out Boy.

Throughout his career, Gilbert balanced his artistic endeavors with his personal life. He married Lisa Cimorelli in 2020, with whom he had a daughter, Lily. He is also survived by his mother, Jackie, and brother, Brian. His previous marriages included brief unions with singer Sherri DuPree and Paramore’s Hayley Williams.

The band and Gilbert’s family emphasized the profound impact he had not only as a musician but as a person. His humor, relentless work ethic, and deep bond with his bandmates were highlighted as defining aspects of his life. New Found Glory members expressed gratitude for the time shared and assured fans that Gilbert’s influence will endure through their ongoing performances.

Details surrounding the immediate circumstances of Gilbert’s passing remain limited beyond the official statement. However, his openness about his illness and determination to continue performing have left a lasting impression on the music community.

As New Found Glory and the wider punk rock world mourn the loss of Chad Gilbert, his legacy as a pioneering guitarist and dedicated artist endures. His contributions helped define a generation of music and inspired countless fans and musicians alike.