New Found Glory Co-Founder Chad Gilbert Dies at 45 After Cancer Fight
Chad Gilbert, a founding guitarist of the pop-punk band New Found Glory, passed away on Sept. 20 at age 45. His death was announced by the band and his wife, Lisa Cimorelli, six months after he disclosed his cancer diagnosis. Gilbert had recently undergone brain surgery and previously battled a rare adrenal tumor in 2021.
Gilbert's health battles were extensive and public. In late March, he underwent emergency brain surgery after losing control of his left hand during a Nashville performance, with doctors removing three tumors. His earlier diagnosis in December 2021 came after his wife found him unresponsive at home; he was later treated for a pheochromocytoma, a rare adrenal gland tumor, which subsequently spread to his spine and lungs. He continued treatment as recently as August 2025.
The guitarist's death arrives during a significant period for New Found Glory, which formed in Coral Springs, Florida, in 1997. The band released its 11th studio album, "Listen Up!," in February and had been touring extensively. Gilbert's bandmates emphasized his role in shaping the group's sound and drive across nearly three decades, noting his influence will persist on every stage they play.
Gilbert's death could resonate deeply within the pop-punk community, a genre built on emotional authenticity and shared struggle. Fans who grew up with New Found Glory's music may feel a personal loss, while his candid documentation of cancer treatment could offer comfort to others facing similar battles. The band's continued existence may also prompt broader conversations about mortality, legacy, and how artists navigate health crises while maintaining creative output.