Terrible news in the world of Punk Rock as New Found Glory co-founding guitarist Chad Gilbert has died. He was just 45 years old. His wife and the band shared the news in a joint post, which you can read below. Gilbert had battled cancer off and on since 2021, and had a serious thyroid gland removal in 2011. After surgery in late 2021 for cancer, Gilbert had been cancer-free. In 2022, he shared that he was cancer-free again, only to have it return in 2024, forcing him to eventually undergo brain surgery to remove a tumor this past Spring. In April, he expressed hope in returning to the stage this summer following surgery. In addition to all 13 albums with New Found Glory (including 2026’s Listen Up – Pure Noise Records), Chad was the original vocalist of influential Hardcore legends Shai Hulud, a member of punk supergroups Hazen Street and International Superheroes of Hardcore, solo music under What’s Eating Gilbert, as well as countless producing credits for H2O, A Day to Remember, Terror, Trapped Under Ice, Lisa Loeb, State Champs, Candy Hearts, and more. Beyond that, we covered Chad and his bands all-around the world on countless tours, including Warped Tour and Riot Fest. RIP.
On the morning of September 20th, Chad Everett Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep. 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. We are devastated and shocked by how quickly he left us, yet so grateful for how peacefully and smoothly he went. The amount of visitors that crowded the hospital lobby at a moment’s notice is a testament to how beloved and cherished Chad was, and always will be. He was a legendary musician, but his favorite accomplishment was being a husband and father. His biggest dreams came true. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, his daughter, Lily, his mother, Jackie, and his brother, Brian.
“Chad’s guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades. 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. 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.”
Rest in peace, Chad. We love you forever ❤️
Lisa, Jordan, Ian, Cyrus, and Dan