Chad Gilbert Dies at 45: New Found Glory Guitarist Remembered

Chad Gilbert dies at 45, marking the loss of one of the most recognizable figures from the modern pop-punk movement. The New Found Glory founding guitarist died peacefully in his sleep on September 20, surrounded by family and close friends, according to a statement shared by the band and those close to him.

Gilbert’s death comes after years of serious health struggles. His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from musicians and fans who remember him not only for his guitar work, but also for his songwriting, production and role in shaping New Found Glory’s sound.

Chad Gilbert Dies at 45 After Cancer Battle

Gilbert had spent much of the past several years dealing with cancer. His health battle began publicly in 2021, when he revealed that doctors had discovered a rare tumor known as a pheochromocytoma.

The condition required major surgery. Gilbert later faced additional tumors and further treatment, including surgery involving his spine. In 2026, his health challenges became even more serious after doctors discovered tumors affecting his brain.

Earlier this year, Gilbert spoke publicly about his diagnosis and treatment. Despite the difficult circumstances, he continued working on music and remained connected to New Found Glory.

According to the band’s statement, Gilbert’s final moments were peaceful. His wife, Lisa Cimorelli, and his mother were by his side. The band described themselves as devastated by how quickly his condition changed while expressing gratitude that he was surrounded by people who loved him.

Chad Gilbert Helped Build New Found Glory

Gilbert’s musical story began long before New Found Glory became an established name in pop-punk.

He co-founded the band in Florida in 1997 alongside Jordan Pundik, Ian Grushka and other early members. Still a teenager at the time, Gilbert quickly became a central part of the group’s musical identity.

New Found Glory developed a sound that combined energetic punk guitars, melodic hooks and emotionally direct songwriting. The band became an important part of the pop-punk boom that reached a much wider audience in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

The group’s breakthrough came with albums including Sticks and Stones, which helped establish New Found Glory as one of the genre’s enduring bands.

Gilbert served as lead guitarist, backing vocalist and songwriter. His contributions helped create the fast, melodic guitar style that became closely associated with the group.

Over the years, New Found Glory released more than a dozen albums and toured extensively around the world. The band’s members have repeatedly credited Gilbert’s guitar playing, songwriting, humor and determination as major parts of their journey.

His Influence Extended Beyond New Found Glory

Gilbert’s impact on alternative music was not limited to his work with New Found Glory.

He became involved in production and songwriting for other artists within the punk and hardcore communities. His credits included work with groups such as A Day to Remember, H2O and Terror.

He also explored different musical projects. Gilbert performed with International Superheroes of Hardcore and released music under the name What’s Eating Gilbert.

His connections across the scene demonstrated the breadth of his musical interests. While New Found Glory remained his most recognizable project, his work behind the scenes helped connect him with another generation of punk and alternative musicians.

Gilbert also contributed to projects involving major names from the pop-punk world. His career therefore extended well beyond performing onstage with one band.

Gilbert Continued Making Music Despite His Illness

One of the most notable parts of Gilbert’s final years was his determination to continue creating music.

Even while undergoing difficult medical treatment, he remained involved with New Found Glory. The band’s latest album, Listen Up!, was released in February 2026.

Gilbert later returned to the stage with the group in Nashville following brain surgery. His appearance became an emotional moment for fans who had followed his health struggles.

Rather than stepping completely away from music, Gilbert continued to participate whenever his condition allowed. That commitment became an important part of how fellow musicians remembered him after his death.

A Lasting Pop-Punk Legacy

For fans of pop-punk, Chad Gilbert’s influence stretches across decades.

New Found Glory emerged during a period when punk music was moving rapidly into the mainstream. Gilbert and his bandmates helped create songs that combined aggressive guitars with accessible melodies, giving the group a distinctive place within the genre.

His contributions also reached younger musicians who grew up listening to New Found Glory and later became performers themselves.

Following news of his death, musicians began sharing tributes across social media. Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus was among those who remembered Gilbert, describing him as a positive and creative presence and reflecting on the strength he showed during his illness.

The band’s own statement emphasized that Gilbert’s legacy was about more than music. His bandmates remembered his humor, determination and brotherhood, while his family life remained deeply important to him.

Gilbert is survived by his wife Lisa, daughter Lily, mother Jackie and brother Brian.

Chad Gilbert dies at 45 after a career that helped define an era of pop-punk. His work with New Found Glory, alongside his production, songwriting and other musical projects, leaves a lasting mark on the alternative music community.

For longtime listeners, his guitar lines and songs will remain closely connected to the sound of a generation. For the musicians who worked alongside him, his influence will continue through the music and memories he leaves behind.