Chad Gilbert, founding guitarist, songwriter, and longtime member of New Found Glory, has passed away at 45 years old. Gilbert died peacefully in his sleep on the morning of September 20, surrounded by friends and family, with his wife, Lisa, and mother, Jackie, by his side.
New Found Glory shared the heartbreaking news on social media, revealing that Gilbert’s final moments unfolded exactly as he had wished. The band also reflected on the immediate outpouring of love and support from those who came to be with him.
“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.”
Gilbert’s impact on New Found Glory stretched across nearly three decades, with his guitar work and songwriting helping establish the band’s signature sound. Alongside vocalist Jordan Pundik, bassist Ian Grushka, and drummer Joe Marino, who was later replaced by Cyrus Bolooki, Gilbert helped form the group in Florida in 1997.
Over the years, New Found Glory became one of the defining names of the pop-punk movement, releasing more than a dozen albums and building a devoted following through relentless touring. Gilbert’s contributions were central to that legacy, with songs including “My Friends Over You,” “Hit Or Miss,” and “All Downhill From Here” becoming staples of the band’s catalog.
His musical career extended well beyond New Found Glory. Gilbert previously fronted influential hardcore act Shai Hulud and later explored his hardcore roots through International Superheroes of Hardcore. He also worked behind the scenes as a producer, contributing to recordings from several prominent bands within the punk and alternative communities.
Gilbert had also spent the past several years publicly documenting his battle with cancer. In 2022, he revealed that he was once again cancer-free, but the disease returned in 2024. His treatment eventually included surgery to remove a tumor this past spring.
Despite the difficult road he was facing, Gilbert remained focused on returning to music. In April, following the surgery, he shared his hopes of returning to the stage during the summer, continuing to look ahead to performing with New Found Glory again.
For his New Found Glory bandmates, however, Gilbert’s legacy goes beyond his accomplishments as a musician. The group remembered the guitarist as a brother who pushed those around him to become better musicians and people.
“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.”
The band also emphasized the personal bond they shared with Gilbert and the memories that will remain with them moving forward.
“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.”
Gilbert is survived by his wife, Lisa, his daughter, Lily, his mother, Jackie, and his brother, Brian.
Rest in peace, Chad Gilbert.
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