Chad Gilbert, the founding member and lead guitarist of the punk rock band New Found Glory, has passed away at the age of 45. The band shared the news through a joint Instagram post from Gilbert’s wife, Lisa Cimorelli, on Saturday. The cause of death was not detailed, but Gilbert had been dealing with adrenal cancer since 2021 and underwent brain surgery in February to remove tumors.
On the morning of September 20th, Chad Everett Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep,” they 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.
They expressed devastation at his passing yet gratitude for his peaceful departure. The large number of visitors at the hospital highlighted how loved he was. Gilbert is survived by his wife Lisa, daughter Lily, mother Jackie, and brother Brian.
New Found Glory, featuring members Jordan Pundik, Ian Grushka, and Cyrus Bolooki, paid tribute to Gilbert’s influence on the band and their personal connections. They acknowledged Gilbert’s contributions through guitar playing, songwriting, and persistent drive, which shaped the band over three decades and countless albums and tours.
Gilbert’s battle with adrenal cancer began with a diagnosis of metastatic pheochromocytoma, a rare adrenal gland cancer. His condition later evolved into adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). Despite health challenges, Gilbert rejoined New Found Glory on stage in June at a Nashville performance.
Reflecting on his journey, Gilbert wrote in March about fluctuating recovery but noted he was getting stronger. His presence on stage performing for his daughter and family was an emotional milestone. Gilbert shared daughter Lily, 5, with Cimorelli, whom he married in 2020. He was previously married to Eisley’s Sherri DuPree and Paramore’s Hayley Williams.
New Found Glory’s breakthrough album “Sticks and Stones,” released in 2002, marked a major success on the Billboard 200 chart. The band has released 12 studio albums, with Gilbert prominently involved. Beyond New Found Glory, Gilbert contributed to hardcore music and worked as a producer with several bands.
Ashley Hume, a journalist for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, reports on entertainment and celebrity news, major industry events, and the business of entertainment.
Leave a Reply