Chad Gilbert, the founding member and lead guitarist of New Found Glory, has died at age 45. The band and Gilbert's wife, Lisa Cimorelli, confirmed the news in a joint Instagram post on Saturday. Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of September 20.
The announcement did not cite a specific cause of death, but Gilbert had been battling metastatic pheochromocytoma, a rare form of adrenal cancer, since 2021. His diagnosis was later updated to adrenocortical carcinoma, which originates in the outer layer of the adrenal gland. The cancer had spread to his spine, lungs, and brain. In February, Gilbert underwent emergency brain surgery after doctors discovered three tumors. He subsequently underwent radiation and immunotherapy to treat the remaining growths.
In a March social media post, Gilbert described his recovery as bumpy but noted he was feeling stronger. He returned to the stage in June for a New Found Glory show in Nashville, Tennessee, where he performed on a mobility scooter. He later wrote that playing in front of his daughter, Lily, was an emotional milestone he never expected to reach. Lily, now five, is the couple's child together; they married in 2020.
Gilbert formed New Found Glory in 1997 in Coral Springs, Florida. The band became a defining act of the early 2000s pop-punk scene, releasing 12 studio albums. Their 2002 record, "Sticks and Stones," reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200, while 2004's "Catalyst" peaked at No. 3. The group's most recent album, "Listen Up!", was released in February. New Found Glory members Jordan Pundik, Ian Grushka, and Cyrus Bolooki paid tribute to Gilbert, noting his guitar playing, songwriting, and humor shaped the band for nearly three decades. They stated his influence would remain part of the group's identity on every stage they perform.
Outside of New Found Glory, Gilbert worked in the hardcore scene as a vocalist for Shai Hulud and the side project International Superheroes of Hardcore. He also produced for artists including A Day to Remember, H2O, and State Champs, and collaborated with Fall Out Boy. Gilbert is survived by his wife, Lisa, daughter Lily, mother Jackie, and brother Brian. Fox News Digital contacted Le Grand Music, the band's management company, and Pure Noise Records for comment.