Paramore's Hayley Williams Pays Tribute to Late Ex-Husband Chad Gilbert
Hayley Williams shared a statement on Instagram about the death of her ex-husband, New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert, who passed away at 45 after a brain cancer battle. She praised his contributions to the music community and his passion for fostering the hardcore scene. She also sent love to his family and friends.
Williams and Gilbert were married in 2016 after dating for eight years, separating the following year while maintaining they remained close. Gilbert later married Lisa Cimorelli, with whom he had a daughter, Lily. His death was announced jointly by Cimorelli and his New Found Glory bandmates, noting he passed peacefully surrounded by family. Williams’ tribute highlighted how Gilbert introduced her to people and cultural influences that enriched her life, crediting his role in shaping the hardcore scene’s community spirit.
Gilbert’s legacy extends beyond his own band, as his influence guided the genre’s evolution, according to Williams. The couple’s amicable split and continued mutual respect is reflected in her heartfelt message, which also acknowledged his family and bandmates. His passing at 45 follows a public battle with brain cancer, including surgery to remove tumors earlier in his life.
This tribute may resonate deeply within the punk and hardcore communities, where Gilbert was a formative figure. Fans and fellow musicians could find solace in Williams’ words, reinforcing a sense of shared history and collective mourning. The public nature of the statement may also encourage broader conversations about grief, legacy, and the enduring bonds formed through music scenes, potentially strengthening community ties during a period of loss.