New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert dies at 45

Founding member and lead guitarist Chad Gilbert of the pop-punk band New Found Glory died on September 20 at age 45. The band announced his death on social media, noting that he passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his wife, Lisa Cimorelli, and his mother.

Gilbert, who co-founded the group in 1997 at age 17, was a primary songwriter, contributing hits such as “My Friends Over You” and “Head on Collision.” He had been diagnosed with liver cancer in 2021 and later revealed a brain cancer diagnosis six months ago.

Bandmates expressed gratitude for his musical influence and personal legacy, saying his guitar work, songwriting and humor shaped New Found Glory for nearly three decades. They recalled his participation in more than a dozen albums, extensive touring and collaborations, including guest vocals on Fall Out Boy’s From Under the Cork Tree and guitar work on the 2007 track “The Take Over, The Breaks Over.”

Friends in the music community also paid tribute. Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 called Gilbert “the best friend to every person he met” and praised his courage during his illness. Earlier in the year, New Found Glory highlighted Gilbert’s fight during a performance at the 2026 Vans Warped Tour in Washington, D.C., after he lost sensation on the left side of his body due to brain tumors.

In an April interview, Gilbert described his cancer journey as a battle he hoped to overcome, noting moments of vulnerability but emphasizing a desire to inspire fans and maintain a positive outlook.