Chad Gilbert, founding member and lead guitarist of punk rock group New Found Glory, has died aged 45.
His former bandmates confirmed his death in an Instagram statement on Sunday, saying he had passed away earlier that morning.
“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.”
The statement 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.”
The heartbreaking announcement was shared by Gilbert’s widow, Lisa Cimorelli, alongside bandmates Jordan Pundik, Ian Grushka, Cyrus Bolooki and current touring guitarist Dan O’Connor. It came just three months after Gilbert made an emotional return to the stage following surgery to remove three brain tumors.
Chad Gilbert, the lead guitarist and founding member of punk rock band New Found Glory, has died aged 45; pictured with New Found Glory in 2021 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Gilbert’s wife Lisa Cimorelli and his New Found Glory bandmates announced on Instagram that he died earlier on Sunday after battling cancer for years
Gilbert is survived by his wife, Lisa; their daughter, Lily; his mother, Jackie; and his brother, Brian, according to the statement.
His wife and bandmates said Gilbert’s “guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive” helped shape New Found Glory over almost 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,” they wrote.
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“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,” they added. “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.”
They ended the tribute with the words: “Rest in peace, Chad. We love you forever ❤️.”
In June of this year, Gilbert fought back tears as he returned to the stage in a wheelchair for his first show in Nashville while battling a rare form of adrenal cancer.
The musician had previously said he was “struggling to control” the movement of his left hand during a February 20 show in Nashville.
Three days later, medics took him to hospital after he began stumbling and falling.
Gilbert’s bandmates and wife said his “guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive” shaped New Found Glory for nearly three decades; original members (L–R) Steve Klein, Gilbert, Cyrus Bolooki, Jordan Pundik and Ian Grushka
Gilbert returned to the stage with New Found Glory in June after undergoing surgery in March to remove three brain tumors; pictured in 2016 in Leeds, England
Four years ago, Gilbert revealed that he had been diagnosed with pheochromocytoma, a rare cancer of the adrenal gland.
During his June comeback show, Gilbert became emotional while thanking the medical professionals who had cared for him since his diagnosis.
‘I want to thank all of the nurses and doctors who have kept me alive for the past four years,’ he said.