Chad Gilbert, a foundational guitarist and songwriter for the influential pop-punk band New Found Glory, has died at the age of 45. His passing was announced on Sunday, September 20th, six months after the musician publicly disclosed his battle with cancer. The news sent ripples of grief through the music community, with tributes pouring in from fellow artists and fans alike.
Gilbert’s departure marks a significant loss for the genre he helped define. New Found Glory, formed in 1997 in Coral Springs, Florida, rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, becoming a cornerstone of the pop-punk movement that dominated alternative music charts. Gilbert’s distinctive guitar riffs and knack for crafting memorable melodies were integral to the band’s enduring success and distinctive sound.
A Legacy Forged in Pop-Punk
The official announcement of Gilbert’s death came via a poignant social media post from New Found Glory and his wife, Lisa Cimorelli. The statement detailed his peaceful passing, surrounded by loved ones, a wish he had expressed. The band expressed profound devastation at the swiftness of his departure but found solace in the peaceful nature of his final moments.
"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 band shared. They further elaborated on the overwhelming outpouring of support from those who gathered at the hospital, a testament to Gilbert’s widespread popularity and the deep affection he inspired.
A Life Beyond Music
While celebrated for his musical contributions, New Found Glory emphasized that Gilbert considered his roles as a husband and father his greatest accomplishments. "His biggest dreams came true," the band stated, highlighting a personal fulfillment that transcended his public persona as a rock star. The message was jointly signed by his bandmates, Jordan Pundik, Ian Grushka, Cyrus Bolooki, and touring guitarist Dan O’Connor, alongside his wife.
Navigating Health Challenges
Gilbert had been candid with his fanbase about his health struggles in the years leading up to his death. In late March, he shared updates from his hospital bed, detailing his recovery from brain cancer surgery. This emergency procedure was necessitated by a struggle to control his left hand during a performance in Nashville earlier that year, an event that signaled a serious underlying health issue.
The brain cancer diagnosis followed a previous health scare that profoundly impacted his life. In December 2021, his wife, Lisa Cimorelli, described finding him unresponsive in their bed. Initially, she believed he was merely ill or sleeping late. However, a subsequent hospital visit revealed a diagnosis of a rare tumor known as a pheochromocytoma. This type of tumor, located on the adrenal gland, is known for secreting hormones that cause dangerously high blood pressure and can disrupt blood sugar levels.
Further complications arose as the cancer was found to have spread to his spine and lungs. In August 2025, Gilbert informed fans that he was undergoing additional treatment after doctors detected a "small spot" on his back, indicating the aggressive nature of his illness and his ongoing fight.
New Found Glory’s Enduring Impact
Chad Gilbert’s passing comes as New Found Glory approaches its third decade as a band. The group released their eleventh studio album, "Listen Up!," in February, followed by an extensive tour. This release underscored their continued vitality and commitment to their music, even as Gilbert privately battled his illness.
Founded in 1997 in Coral Springs, Florida, New Found Glory’s initial lineup featured vocalist Jordan Pundik, Gilbert on guitar, bassist Ian Grushka, and drummer Cyrus Bolooki. This core group laid the groundwork for a career that would span numerous hit songs, albums, and countless tours, solidifying their status as pop-punk royalty.
The band reflected on Gilbert’s instrumental role in their journey, stating, "Chad’s guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades." They acknowledged his influence in pushing them to evolve as musicians, performers, and individuals.
"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," the band continued. "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."
Tributes from the Rock Community
Following the announcement of Chad Gilbert’s death, a wave of heartfelt tributes poured in from across the music industry. Musicians who had shared stages, collaborated, or simply admired his work took to social media to honor his memory.
Mark Hoppus of Blink-182, who has openly discussed his own experiences with cancer, remembered Gilbert as a profoundly positive and inspiring figure. On Instagram, Hoppus described Gilbert as "the best friend to every person he met" and "the most positive and creative force in any room he walked into."
Hoppus further reflected on Gilbert’s resilience in facing his illness. "These past years he fought his sickness with the soul of a joyous, courageous warrior. With dignity, love, and gratitude," Hoppus wrote. He added that Gilbert "never complained once, only kept saying how lucky he was. For everything." The sentiment of loss was palpable as Hoppus concluded, "Today we lost a good one, and the world won’t be the same. Rest easy now, my friend. And thank you for just. Being. You. You’ll be sorely missed by more people than you could ever imagine. See you on the other side."
The Offspring also shared a tribute on Instagram, acknowledging the significant void left by his passing. "Today, the world lost a legend. RIP Chad," the band posted, a succinct yet powerful statement of respect.
William Ryan Key of Yellowcard expressed deep personal gratitude for Gilbert’s friendship and support during a critical juncture in his career. "Chad was the kind of friend most people don’t get to have in a lifetime," Key shared on Instagram. He credited Gilbert with encouraging him to persevere in 2017, a pivotal year when Yellowcard disbanded.
Anthony Raneri of Bayside mourned the loss of a close confidant, emphasizing the energy and joy Gilbert brought into his life and the lives of those around him. "Today I say goodbye to one of my best friends. I don’t know what my life is going to look like without him. Without the energy and the fun that he brought to every room and every day," Raneri wrote on Instagram, capturing the profound impact of Gilbert’s personality.
Chad Gilbert’s legacy extends beyond his musical achievements; it encompasses the profound connections he forged with fellow artists and the inspiration he provided through his artistry and his courageous battle against illness. His contributions to pop-punk will continue to resonate, and his memory will be cherished by the countless fans whose lives were touched by his music and his spirit.
