Chad Gilbert, the founding guitarist and lyricist for pop-punk band New Found Glory, has died at age 45. His death was announced on Sunday by the band and his wife Lisa Cimorelli, about six months after he revealed that three tumors had been found in his brain during his ongoing cancer battle. The band shared that Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 20th. Bandmates expressed their deep sorrow and gratitude for how smoothly he went. They noted the large number of people who came to visit him in the hospital, showing how much he was loved. Gilbert’s bandmates emphasized that his guitar playing, songwriting, and humor were key to shaping the band over nearly three decades. He was also remembered for his strong personal values, especially being a devoted husband and father.
New Found Glory formed in 1997 in Coral Springs, Florida, with Gilbert as a founding member, according to Billboard. The original group also included Jordan Pundik, Ian Grushka, Steve Klein and drummer Joe Marino. Cyrus Bolooki replaced Marino soon afterward. Gilbert helped lead the band through more than a dozen albums and many tours around the world, according to a report from Rolling Stone. He also had a long-standing relationship with Paramore singer Hayley Williams, whom he married briefly in 2016.
Gilbert was open with fans about his health struggles over recent years. In March, he posted photos from his hospital bed to update followers on his recovery after brain surgery. The emergency brain surgery followed an incident in Nashville where he lost control of his left hand and leg. In late 2021, Gilbert was diagnosed with metastatic pheochromocytoma, a rare cancer involving the adrenal gland. The cancer involved his liver, leading to major surgery that removed part of his liver, his gallbladder, and one adrenal gland. In 2022, doctors found another tumor in his spine, requiring further surgery. In 2026, he underwent emergency brain surgery after three tumors were found when he began losing control of the left side of his body. He later said doctors had changed his diagnosis to stage four adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer.
Gilbert underwent surgery on February 27 after doctors discovered the three brain tumors. He later received radiation treatment for tumors that could not be removed during surgery.
Despite his serious health issues, Gilbert continued to stay positive during his treatment. He told Rolling Stone that he felt hopeful about continuing his fight and said he felt lucky to still be able to talk about his recovery. He also mentioned moments when he cried, but said he was able to keep going with courage. Gilbert’s music career extended beyond New Found Glory, as he worked as a producer and contributed to many projects. His work included albums by A Day To Remember, H2O, and Terror. He also led a solo project called What’s Eating Gilbert and was part of the hardcore side-project International Superheroes Of Hardcore.
Gilbert returned to the stage in Nashville on June 8 for his first performance following the emergency brain surgery. He performed from a motorized scooter and played “Hit or Miss” and “My Friends Over You.” It was also the first time his young daughter Lily had watched him perform with New Found Glory.
Mark Hoppus, from Blink-182, shared his thoughts on Gilbert’s strength and spirit during the illness. Hoppus described him as a positive and courageous person who faced his illness with remarkable strength. Other musicians also paid tribute, including members of The Offspring and Yellowcard. Bayside’s Anthony Raneri said he would miss Gilbert’s energy and friendship deeply.
Gilbert was born in Florida in 1981 and first gained attention as the vocalist of hardcore band Shai Hulud. He later co-founded New Found Glory, which became a major force in the early 2000s pop-punk scene. His contributions helped define the sound and culture of that era in music.
New Found Glory released its 12th studio album, Listen Up!, in February 2026. Gilbert continued working on music during his cancer treatment and remained involved with the band.
Gilbert is survived by his wife Lisa, their daughter Lily, his mother Jackie, and his brother Brian. His passing marks the end of a long and impactful career in music.