Chad Gilbert, Founding Member and Lead Guitarist of New Found Glory, Dies at 45 Following Courageous Battle with Cancer

Chad Everett Gilbert, the visionary lead guitarist, primary songwriter, and a founding member of the influential Florida pop-punk ensemble New Found Glory, has passed away at the age of 45. His passing comes after a prolonged, deeply courageous multi-year battle with cancer that profoundly impacted the alternative music community. Gilbert died peacefully in his sleep on the morning of September 20, surrounded by close friends and family, with his wife, Lisa Cimorelli, and his mother by his side.

The devastating announcement was shared jointly by his bandmates and his family across social media platforms, eliciting an immediate wave of grief, shock, and affectionate tributes from fans, peers, and music industry icons alike. Gilbert’s death marks the heartbreaking conclusion of an extraordinary life dedicated to music, family, and resilience, arriving just six months after he publicly disclosed his diagnosis of brain cancer—an aggressive progression following an initial battle with liver cancer diagnosed four years prior.

A Pillar of the Pop-Punk Movement

Born and raised in Florida, Gilbert helped shape the sonic landscape of modern pop-punk when he co-founded New Found Glory in 1997 alongside vocalist Jordan Pundik, bassist Ian Grushka, and rhythm guitarist Stephen Klein. At just 17 years old, Gilbert stepped into a leadership role within the group not only as a formidable instrumentalist but as its chief lyricist and creative engine. Over nearly three decades, his distinctive guitar melodies, sharp songwriting instincts, and relentless work ethic propelled the band from underground local venues to international stardom.

New Found Glory became a cornerstone of the early-2000s pop-punk boom, defining an era with infectious, emotionally resonant anthems. Gilbert penned the vast majority of the band’s catalog, including timeless genre staples such as "My Friends Over You" and "Head on Collision." His influence, however, extended far beyond his own band. He was a vital collaborator and mentor within the broader alternative rock ecosystem, contributing guest vocals to Fall Out Boy’s landmark 2005 album From Under the Cork Tree and laying down intricate guitar work for tracks like the band’s 2007 single "The Take Over, The Breaks Over."

Throughout his career, Gilbert also maintained a prominent presence in the public eye through his personal life, including a high-profile marriage to Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams from 2016 to 2017. Yet, despite industry accolades, major label releases, and global arena tours, those closest to him frequently emphasized that his proudest and most cherished role was that of a devoted husband and father.

Chronology of a Courageous Medical Battle

Gilbert’s health journey was characterized by immense resilience, public transparency, and unwavering optimism. In 2021, he faced his first major health crisis when he was diagnosed with liver cancer. True to his reputation as a resilient force, Gilbert underwent successful treatment and continued to engage with his art and his supporters, maintaining an active presence in the music community.

However, the medical challenges escalated significantly in early 2024. Following neurological symptoms that included losing sensation on the left side of his body, medical evaluations revealed that three tumors had formed and were pressing against his brain. In March of that year, Gilbert publicly revealed his brain cancer diagnosis, initiating a grueling new chapter of medical interventions, including advanced immunotherapies designed to curb the aggressive spread of the disease.

Despite the physical toll of his treatments—which ultimately prevented him from performing live with his bandmates—Gilbert maintained a remarkably positive outlook. Earlier this year, during a performance at the 2026 Vans Warped Tour stop in Washington, D.C., New Found Glory paused their set to honor their absent bandmate, prompting an overwhelming wave of crowd support. In an in-depth interview with Rolling Stone in April, Gilbert spoke candidly about his arduous recovery process and his determination to find strength in adversity. "It felt good to know that there’s still a battle to be going on and that I can recover from this and grow stronger from this," he reflected at the time.

Tributes and Industry Outpouring

The suddenness of Gilbert’s passing sent immediate shockwaves through the music industry. In their official statement, his bandmates expressed profound grief over how rapidly his condition deteriorated in his final days, while highlighting the extraordinary outpouring of love from the community. "The amount of visitors that crowded the hospital lobby at a moment’s notice is a testament to how beloved and cherished Chad was, and always will be," the band wrote. "He was a legendary musician, but his favorite accomplishment was being a husband and father. His biggest dreams came true."

Reflecting on nearly thirty years of shared history, the members of New Found Glory praised Gilbert’s enduring imprint on their lives and art: "Chad’s guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades. 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."

Tributes poured in from across the alternative music landscape. Blink-182 vocalist and bassist Mark Hoppus, who famously navigated his own public battle with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma following a 2021 diagnosis, shared a deeply emotional tribute on social media. "Chad was the best friend to every person he met. The most positive and creative force in any room he walked into," Hoppus wrote. Detailings Gilbert’s tenacity, Hoppus added, "These past years he fought his sickness with the soul of a joyous, courageous warrior. You’ll be sorely missed by more people than you could ever imagine. See you on the other side."

Broader Impact and Cultural Legacy

The loss of Chad Gilbert represents a profound moment of reflection for the global pop-punk and alternative rock community. As one of the foundational architects of a musical subgenre that defined a generation of youth culture in the late 1990s and 2000s, Gilbert’s creative DNA is embedded in the fabric of modern punk rock.

Beyond the Billboard-charting albums and gold-certified records, Gilbert’s legacy is defined by a commitment to community. Throughout his health struggles, he consistently emphasized that his ultimate goal was not merely personal survival, but the cultivation of joy, connection, and inclusivity among his listeners. "I have my crying moments where, like everyone, I have to let it out," Gilbert shared during his final months. "But I like that we can turn it around into something positive… It’s always been just to inspire and grow a community of people that want to go to our shows and smile and have a good time."

As memorial tributes continue to flood in from fans and fellow musicians worldwide, the impact of Chad Gilbert’s life and work remains indelible. His bandmates have vowed to keep his spirit alive on every stage they grace, ensuring that the notes they play will forever carry the unmistakable resonance of a musician who gave everything to his art and those he loved.