Longtime member of Florida pop-punk group revealed in March that he was battling brain cancer
Chad Gilbert, founding member and lead guitarist for New Found Glory, has died at the age of 45.
The Florida pop-punk announced Gilbert’s death Sunday on social media, six months after the guitarist revealed he was battling brain cancer; Gilbert previously fought cancer in 2021.
“On the morning of September 20th, Chad Everett Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep,” the band 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.”
Gilbert’s bandmates continued, “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.”
“Chad’s guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades,” his bandmates wrote Sunday.
“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.”
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