THEIR STORY
A life remembered
Chad Gilbert, founding guitarist, songwriter, and producer of the pop-punk band New Found Glory, passed away on September 20, 2026, at the age of 45, following a long battle with a rare form of cancer. Born on March 9, 1981, in Coral Springs, Florida, Gilbert became an important figure in the pop-punk and hardcore music scenes.
- Joined New Found Glory in 1997 when he was just 17 years old.
- Served as the band’s lead guitarist and one of its main songwriters.
- Helped create some of the band’s best-known songs, including “My Friends Over You” and “Head on Collision.”
- Previously performed as a vocalist for hardcore punk band Shai Hulud.
- Was also involved with International Superheroes of Hardcore and released solo music as What’s Eating Gilbert.
- Built a successful career as a music producer, working with bands including A Day to Remember and H₂O.
- Produced notable A Day to Remember albums including Homesick and What Separates Me from You.
- Was diagnosed in 2021 with pheochromocytoma, a rare cancer affecting the adrenal glands.
- The cancer later spread to several parts of his body, including his liver, spine, lungs, and brain.
- Despite undergoing multiple surgeries and treatments, Gilbert continued making and performing music whenever his health allowed.
- He returned to perform with New Found Glory only months before his death.
- Married musician Lisa Cimorelli in 2020, and the couple welcomed their daughter Lily in 2021.
- He was previously married to Hayley Williams of Paramore.
- His family and New Found Glory bandmates remembered him as a dedicated musician, husband, father, and friend.