New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert dies at 45 after cancer battle

Founding guitarist Chad Gilbert, 45, died peacefully in his sleep on September 20, according to an announcement posted by New Found Glory and his wife Lisa Cimorelli. The band said Gilbert was surrounded by family at the time of his death.

Gilbert had publicly disclosed his health struggles in recent years. In March he posted photos from a hospital bed following brain cancer surgery that was required after he experienced loss of control in his left hand during a concert. Earlier, in December 2021, he was diagnosed with a rare adrenal-gland tumor called pheochromocytoma, and later confirmed that the disease had metastasized to his spine and lungs.

New Found Glory, formed in 1997, released its eleventh studio album, "Listen Up!", in February and was touring when Gilbert passed away. The band’s statement highlighted his contributions as a guitarist, songwriter and longtime member.

"On the morning of September 20th, Chad Everett Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep," the band wrote.

"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," the post added.

Musicians from the rock community posted tributes on social media. Blink-182 bassist Mark Hoppus described Gilbert as a positive presence and praised his courage during his illness. The Offspring called him a legend, and Yellowcard frontman William Ryan Key recalled Gilbert’s support during a difficult period in his own career.