Chad Gilbert, guitarist and co-founding member of New Found Glory, has died at the age of 45.
Gilbert had battled cancer since 2021, when doctors removed a rare tumor from his adrenal gland that was initially diagnosed as a pheochromocytoma. The cancer later spread to his spine, lungs, back, and brain, requiring multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. In April 2026, Gilbert said his diagnosis had been revised to stage 4 adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of adrenal cancer.
Gilbert passing was announced Sunday by his wife, Lisa, and New Found Glory in a joint statement posted to social media: “On the morning of September 20th, Chad Everett Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep. He left this world surrounded by friends and family and took his final breaths with his wife and mother by his side, just as he wished. We are devastated and shocked by how quickly he left us, yet so grateful for how peacefully and smoothly he went. The amount of visitors that crowded the hospital lobby at a moment’s notice is a testament to how beloved and cherished Chad was, and always will be. He was a legendary musician, but his favorite accomplishment was being a husband and father. His biggest dreams came true. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, his daughter, Lily, his mother, Jackie, and his brother, Brian.”
The statement continued, “Chad’s guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades. Through more than a dozen albums, endless tours around the world, and more accolades than we ever could have imagined, Chad challenged all of us to grow as musicians, performers, and human beings. While we are devastated to lose him, we are so grateful for the incredible life he lived, the memories we shared, and the brotherhood we had. His influence will always be part of New Found Glory and his spirit will be felt on every stage we stand on, with every note we play.”
Gilbert co-founded New Found Glory in Florida in 1997, and they would go on to become one of the premier pop-punk bands of the 21st century. He played on all eleven of their studio albums, including their latest LP, Listen Up!, which was released in February of this year.
In addition to New Found Glory, Gilbert fronted the hardcore band Shai Hulud, and was a sought-after producer, helming albums by A Day To Remember, H2O, and Terror, among others.
Our condolences go out to Chad Gilbert’s family, friends, and bandmates during this difficult time.
