New Found Glory announced plans to perform a series of concerts at EPCOT in Walt Disney World, a location deeply cherished by their late guitarist Chad Gilbert, as a poignant tribute following his passing. The pop-punk band confirmed the performances would take place as part of the Eat to the Beat Concert series at the Orlando theme park, a move that signifies a profound dedication to honoring Gilbert’s memory. The decision to proceed with these specific shows, rather than canceling all engagements, underscores Gilbert’s personal connection to EPCOT and his enthusiastic anticipation for these performances.
Chad Gilbert, a founding member of New Found Glory and a significant figure in the pop-punk scene, died on Sunday, September 20, at the age of 45. His death followed a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, which had been diagnosed in recent years. Gilbert’s wife, Lisa Cimorelli, shared the news of his passing, detailing his fight against both liver cancer, diagnosed in 2021, and a subsequent battle with brain cancer. His contributions to music, spanning over two decades, left an indelible mark on a generation of fans and fellow musicians.
The band conveyed their gratitude for the outpouring of support and tributes from fans in an Instagram post. "First off, we want to thank everyone for the overwhelming amount of love and tribute posts for Chad these past few days," they stated. "Seeing how deeply he touched so many lives means everything to us, and we know he would be so proud to see it." This sentiment highlights the deep connection Gilbert fostered not only within the band but also with their extensive fanbase.
In the wake of Gilbert’s death, New Found Glory made the difficult decision to cancel their appearance at the Aftershock Festival, scheduled for October 1-4 in Sacramento. This cancellation was made to facilitate the band’s tribute at EPCOT, a place Gilbert considered his "happiest place on Earth." The band emphasized the importance of this venue in their decision-making process, noting Gilbert’s personal excitement for these specific dates.
"We rarely cancel shows but this felt needed," the band explained in their announcement. "Anyone who knew Chad knew that he was a massive Disney fan. Our shows at Epcot were dates he was so excited for and he was actively planning to be on stage with us there." Gilbert had reportedly been deeply involved in the planning of these performances, even working with the band on setlists and practicing his guitar parts in anticipation of taking the stage.
The choice to perform at EPCOT is intrinsically linked to Gilbert’s lifelong passion for Disney parks. He had a profound affinity for the magic and joy associated with the Disney experience, making these upcoming shows a deeply personal and meaningful way to commemorate him. The band felt that by performing at a location so dear to his heart, they could best honor his spirit and fulfill what they believed would have been his wishes.
"He had already worked on the setlists with us and was practicing as much as possible to be ready," the band shared. "Because of how much he wanted to play these shows, taking the stage at Epcot feels like the right way to honor him, and what he would want us to do." This collaborative effort in planning the setlists before his passing further solidifies the significance of these performances.
Prior to Gilbert’s death, the band had intended to announce the setlists for the Epcot shows in advance. This plan was carried out in their Instagram announcement, serving as a posthumous release of Gilbert’s curated song selections. "Every note we play and every word you sing at Epcot is for Chad," the band declared, reinforcing the dedication of these performances to his memory.
The band extended their appreciation for the support they have received during this challenging time. "Thank you all for wrapping us in so much love, understanding, and support as we come together to honor his legacy," they conveyed, acknowledging the collective grief and the shared desire to celebrate Gilbert’s life and impact.
New Found Glory is scheduled to perform six sets over two days at EPCOT on Monday, September 28, and Tuesday, September 29. The performances are part of the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, which features a lineup of musical acts. The band plans to play a selection of fan favorites, including tracks such as "Something I Call Personality," "All About Her," "A Love Song," "Failure’s Not Flattering," "Dressed to Kill," "My Friends Over You," "Hit or Miss," and "All Downhill From Here," among others.
Typically, artists perform three sets per night during the EPCOT festival. Other notable artists scheduled to appear during the festival include Element and Smash Mouth, following earlier performances by The War and Treaty, Yellowcard, Couch, Fitz and the Tantrums, MercyMe, and Grupo Manía. These festival appearances provide a platform for diverse musical acts to connect with audiences in a unique setting.
Chad Gilbert’s passing has sent ripples through the music community, with many artists and fans sharing their memories and condolences. His wife, Lisa Cimorelli, was instrumental in sharing the news and her personal grief with the public. Gilbert’s journey with cancer was a difficult one, marked by resilience and a continued passion for his music and his life.
Among those paying tribute was Gilbert’s ex-wife, Hayley Williams, lead singer of the Grammy-winning band Paramore. In a heartfelt, handwritten note shared on Thursday, Williams expressed her profound sadness and admiration for Gilbert. "I did not know what to say or if it’s appropriate. But I feel sure now that I want to bc life is made of the paths we cross and the reasons we cross them are infinite," she wrote.
Williams lauded Gilbert as a "legend in the scene" and acknowledged the significant impact he had on her life and career. She credited him with introducing her to crucial figures in the music industry and exposing her to cultural influences that enriched her life. "Chad is indeed a legend in the scene and my time connected to him taught me a lot," she stated.
She further emphasized Gilbert’s substantial contributions to the musical landscape that shaped a generation. "He introduced me to people that continue to shape my life in beautiful ways, and to music and culture that has made life a lot richer," Williams continued. She praised his "influence and attitude" for propelling the pop-punk genre forward, cementing his legacy as an innovator. Williams and Gilbert were married in 2016, having dated since 2008, and separated a year later.
Gilbert co-founded New Found Glory in 1997 at the young age of 17, quickly establishing the band as a prominent force in the punk rock revival of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Their energetic live performances and relatable lyrics resonated with a global audience, leading to numerous successful albums and tours. His distinctive guitar playing and songwriting were integral to the band’s signature sound, characterized by catchy melodies and heartfelt anthems.
The band’s decision to proceed with the EPCOT shows, albeit with a different emotional weight, speaks to the power of music as a form of remembrance and healing. By performing at a place so connected to Gilbert’s personal joy, New Found Glory aims to celebrate his life and the enduring spirit he embodied. These concerts will serve as a collective moment for fans and the band to process their grief and honor the memory of a beloved musician and friend. The performances are expected to be an emotional experience, filled with both cherished memories and the poignant reality of his absence.
