New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert dies at 45 from cancer
New Found Glory lead guitarist and co-founder Chad Gilbert died on September 20 at a hospital following medical complications from rare cancer. Gilbert was 45 years old. The American rock group confirmed his passing through an official statement, noting that the musician had faced prolonged oncological treatments including neurosurgery earlier in the year.
Band statement and final hours
According to the band, Chad Everett Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep during the early morning hours of September 20. The guitarist spent his final moments surrounded by relatives and lifelong friends, with his wife Lisa and mother Jackie remaining directly at his side as he took his last breaths.
Dozens of loved ones filled the hospital waiting area throughout the musician’s final hours to offer support to the family. Gilbert is survived by his wife Lisa, his young daughter Lily, his mother Jackie, and his brother Brian. A public tribute signed by bandmates Jordan, Ian, Cyrus, Dan, and Lisa honored his brotherhood and decades of shared work on stage. The members affirmed that his guitar arrangements and songwriting presence will remain part of future band performances.
Tumor surgery and medical history
Gilbert underwent major surgery in March to address three distinct brain tumors stemming from metastatic pheochromocytoma in his adrenal gland. The underlying endocrinological malignancy had previously spread into his spine and lungs before clinical teams identified the additional tumors.
The guitarist developed sudden mobility issues during a live performance before imaging scans identified three separate brain tumors, prompting immediate neurosurgery in March that successfully restored motor function to his left hand and leg ahead of ongoing rehabilitation efforts. Gilbert subsequently shared hospital photos detailing his condition and reported encouraging conversations with his oncologist about clinical therapy options. In direct communications to supporters following the procedure, the musician expressed gratitude for the assistance provided to his family and reiterated his goal of returning to studio production.
Decades of pop punk recordings
Gilbert anchored the energetic musical direction and rhythm of New Found Glory across a career lasting nearly three decades. He served as the primary songwriter and driving force behind the band’s creative catalog. The Florida outfit performed across several continents to massive festival crowds. They released over a dozen studio projects following their emergence in the late 1990s pop punk movement.
- Formed in Coral Springs in 1997 with vocalist Jordan Pundik, bassist Ian Grushka, and drummer Cyrus Bolooki
- Recorded 14 full-length studio albums alongside multiple international concert tours
- Achieved widespread radio play and mainstream chart success with the 2002 single My Friends Over You
The rock band was formed in 1997 by Gilbert alongside singer Jordan Pundik, bassist Ian Grushka, and drummer Cyrus Bolooki. Their collective catalog features 14 studio records, highlighted commercially by the enduring popularity of the track My Friends Over You.
