Chad Gilbert, founding member and lead guitarist of punk rock group New Found Glory, has died at the age of 45.
His former bandmates confirmed the news in an Instagram statement on Sunday, saying Gilbert died earlier that morning.
“On the morning of September 20th, Chad Everett Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep,” they wrote. “He left this world surrounded by friends and family, taking his final breaths with his wife and mother at his side, just as he wished.”
“We are devastated and shocked by how quickly he left us, yet so grateful for how peacefully and smoothly he went,” the statement continued. “The number of visitors who filled the hospital lobby at a moment’s notice is a testament to how deeply loved and cherished Chad was — and always will be.”
“He was a legendary musician, but his favorite accomplishment was being a husband and father. His biggest dreams came true.”
The emotional announcement, credited to Gilbert’s widow Lisa Cimorelli and his New Found Glory bandmates Jordan Pundik, Ian Grushka, Cyrus Bolooki and touring guitarist Dan O’Connor, came just three months after Gilbert returned to the stage following surgery to remove three brain tumors.
Chad Gilbert, the founding guitarist and lead guitarist of New Found Glory, has died at 45; pictured performing with the band in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 2021
Gilbert’s wife, Lisa Cimorelli, and his New Found Glory bandmates announced on Instagram that he died Sunday after years of battling cancer
The statement said Gilbert is survived by his wife, Lisa; their daughter, Lily; his mother, Jackie; and his brother, Brian.
His wife and bandmates said Gilbert’s “guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive” helped define New Found Glory over nearly 30 years.
“Through more than a dozen albums, endless tours around the world, and more accolades than we ever could have imagined, Chad challenged all of us to grow as musicians, performers, and human beings,” they wrote.
“While we are devastated to lose him, we are so grateful for the incredible life he lived, the memories we shared, and the brotherhood we had,” they added. “His influence will always be part of New Found Glory, and his spirit will be felt on every stage we stand on, with every note we play.”
They ended the tribute with a final message: “Rest in peace, Chad. We love you forever ❤️.”
In June, Gilbert fought back tears as he returned to the stage in a wheelchair for his first performance in Nashville while battling a rare form of adrenal cancer.
The musician had previously revealed that he was “struggling to control” the movement of his left hand during a February 20 show in Nashville.
Three days later, medics rushed him to the hospital after he began stumbling and falling.
Gilbert’s wife and bandmates said his “guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive” shaped New Found Glory for nearly three decades; original members (L–R) Steve Klein, Gilbert, Cyrus Bolooki, Jordan Pundik and Ian Grushka
Gilbert made an emotional return to the stage with New Found Glory in June after undergoing surgery in March to remove three brain tumors; pictured in Leeds, England, in 2016
Four years ago, Gilbert revealed that he had been diagnosed with pheochromocytoma, a rare cancer of the adrenal gland.
During his June comeback performance, the rocker became emotional while thanking the medical professionals who had cared for him since his diagnosis.
‘I want to thank all of the nurses and doctors who have kept me alive for the past four years,’ he said.
