Guitarist Chad Gilbert of Florida Band New Found Glory Passes Away at 45

Chad Gilbert Dies at 45 After Years-Long Cancer Battle

Chad Gilbert, the founding guitarist and backing vocalist of the pop-punk band New Found Glory, has died at the age of 45. Gilbert passed away on September 20th, 2026, following a years-long battle with cancer. His death was announced by New Found Glory and his wife, Lisa Cimorelli, in a joint statement.

According to the statement, Gilbert died peacefully in his sleep with friends and family around him. His wife and mother, Jackie, were at his side during his final moments. The band said it was devastated by how quickly he passed but was grateful that his death was peaceful. Gilbert is survived by his wife, daughter Lily, mother Jackie and brother Brian.

The Background of His Life and Diagnosis

Gilbert had been dealing with cancer since 2021, when he was diagnosed with adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare cancer involving the adrenal gland. His battle would eventually include additional serious complications. In early 2026, Gilbert revealed that doctors had discovered three tumors in his brain, leading to emergency surgery in February. Despite the severity of his condition, he remained determined to continue making music and returned to the stage several months later.

His return to performing became one of the final chapters of a career that had already spanned nearly three decades. Gilbert co-founded New Found Glory in Florida in 1997, helping build the group from a local pop-punk act into one of the most recognizable bands associated with the genre’s explosion in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The band broke into the mainstream with albums including Sticks and Stones, which produced the hit “My Friends Over You.” Gilbert ultimately appeared on more than a dozen New Found Glory releases, including the band’s 2026 album Listen Up!.

New Found Glory’s music became a major part of the pop-punk soundtrack of the era, with songs such as “Hit or Miss,” “My Friends Over You,” “Head on Collision” and “All Downhill From Here” helping establish the band’s place in the scene. Gilbert’s role extended beyond simply playing guitar. His songwriting, production work and musical direction helped shape the band’s sound throughout its career.

Gilbert’s musical career also extended beyond New Found Glory. Before the band became his primary project, he was involved with the hardcore punk group Shai Hulud, where he served as a vocalist. He later participated in projects including International Superheroes of Hardcore and worked as a producer for other artists and bands, including A Day to Remember, H2O, State Champs and Lisa Loeb.

Many in the Industry Had Great Things to Say

His influence was particularly noticeable among musicians who came through the pop-punk and alternative-rock scenes during the 2000s. Following news of his death, tributes began pouring in from artists including Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus, A Day to Remember, Dashboard Confessional, The Offspring, Bayside, Less Than Jake and others. Hoppus described Gilbert as a positive and creative presence who continued facing his illness with what he characterized as courage, dignity and gratitude.

Gilbert’s New Found Glory bandmates also remembered him as much more than a musician. Their statement described his guitar playing and songwriting as fundamental to the band’s nearly 30-year history, while emphasizing his humor, determination and relationships with the people around him. The band said Gilbert considered being a husband and father his greatest accomplishment.

Gilbert’s death marks the loss of one of the musicians who helped define the sound and culture of modern pop-punk. For nearly three decades, he remained connected to New Found Glory while also working behind the scenes as a producer and mentor to younger musicians. Even after cancer dramatically changed his life, he continued performing and creating music.