New Found Glory Pays Emotional Tribute to Deceased Founding Guitarist
Pop-punk band New Found Glory performed a heartfelt tribute to their late founding guitarist Chad Gilbert during scheduled shows at Disney's EPCOT venue, just a week after his death from cancer at age 45. Frontman Jordan Pundik addressed the crowd emotionally, celebrating Gilbert's passion for the band, his family, and the band's fanbase while his customized Mickey Mouse-designed guitar sat on stage as a memorial. The band decided to honor Gilbert by performing the shows he had eagerly prepared for rather than canceling them.
New Found Glory made the difficult decision to proceed with their scheduled performances at Disney World's International Food & Wine Festival rather than postpone them out of respect for Gilbert's wishes. The band revealed that Gilbert had been actively involved in preparing for these specific dates, working with the group on setlists and rehearsing extensively to ensure he could perform alongside them. His deep affection for Disney made the venue particularly meaningful to him personally.
The entertainment community responded to Gilbert's passing with widespread tributes acknowledging his influence on the pop-punk genre and broader music scene. Williams' statement highlighted how Gilbert's connections and mentorship extended beyond his own band, shaping careers and cultural perspectives for musicians across the industry during his lifetime.
This tribute may resonate with audiences who follow pop-punk music and appreciate how bands navigate grief while honoring departed members. The decision to perform rather than cancel could influence how other artists approach similar situations, potentially normalizing celebration-of-life approaches over mourning delays. For fans of New Found Glory and Gilbert's legacy, the public acknowledgment may provide a sense of closure while keeping his contributions to the genre in active conversation.