Chad Everett Gilbert, the influential founding guitarist and co-songwriter for the iconic pop-punk band New Found Glory, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of September 20th. He was 45 years old and had been battling brain cancer, a diagnosis he had publicly revealed just six months prior. His death marks a profound loss for the music community, particularly within the pop-punk and alternative rock genres, where his work with New Found Glory defined a sound and inspired countless musicians.
The news of Gilbert’s passing was announced by New Found Glory in a heartfelt statement today, emphasizing the peaceful nature of his final moments. "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 band conveyed, painting a picture of a life concluded with love and serenity despite the tragic circumstances. The additional statement, attributed to Gilbert’s bandmates Jordan Pundik, Ian Grushka, and Cyrus Bolooki, alongside his wife Lisa Cimorelli and bandmate Dan O’Connor (who joined later), underscored the deep emotional impact of his loss.
A Life Remembered: The Official Statement
The collective statement from his closest kin and collaborators offered a poignant glimpse into the man behind the music. "We are devastated and shocked by how quickly he left us, yet so grateful for how peacefully and smoothly he went," the statement read, capturing the paradox of grief and gratitude in the face of such a sudden departure after a prolonged illness. It highlighted the immense outpouring of support witnessed in his final days, noting, "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." This detail speaks volumes about the personal connections Gilbert fostered throughout his life, extending far beyond his professional accolades.
While Gilbert was celebrated globally as a "legendary musician," the statement revealed that his most cherished accomplishments were deeply personal: "his favorite accomplishment was being a husband and father. His biggest dreams came true." He is survived by his wife, Lisa Cimorelli; their daughter, Lily; his mother, Jackie; and his brother, Brian. This emphasis on his role as a family man provides a touching counterpoint to his public persona as a rock star, illustrating a well-rounded individual whose values extended beyond the stage.
The bandmates further elaborated on Gilbert’s indelible mark on New Found Glory, a collaboration that spanned nearly three decades. "Chad’s guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades," they affirmed. They credited him with guiding the band through "more than a dozen albums, endless tours around the world, and more accolades than we ever could have imagined." More than just a musical contributor, Gilbert was described as a catalyst for growth: "Chad challenged all of us to grow as musicians, performers, and human beings." His influence, they assured, will remain an intrinsic part of the band’s identity: "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." The statement concluded with a simple yet powerful sentiment: "Rest in peace, Chad. We love you forever."
Architect of a Sound: New Found Glory’s Enduring Legacy
Born in Coral Springs, Florida, in 1981, Chad Gilbert’s journey into music began early and intensely. He immersed himself in the local punk scene as a teenager, initially joining the hardcore band Shai Hulud on vocals at the tender age of 14. This early exposure to the raw energy and DIY ethos of hardcore punk would significantly inform his later work. A year later, in 1997, he departed Shai Hulud to co-found New Found Glory, completing the original lineup alongside vocalist Jordan Pundik, bassist Ian Grushka, rhythm guitarist Stephen Klein, and drummer Joe Marino.
New Found Glory quickly became an immediate sensation within the burgeoning pop-punk landscape of the late 1990s. Their distinctive blend of catchy, melodic pop-punk anthems infused with the aggressive, hard-hitting breakdowns of hardcore carved out a unique niche that resonated deeply with a generation of music fans. This sound would prove to be massively influential, particularly within the "easycore" subgenre, which seamlessly merged the two styles. The band’s rapid ascent led to a signing with Drive-Thru Records, a pivotal independent label that served as a hub for many iconic pop-punk and emo bands of the era. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1999, featured the hit single "Hit Or Miss" and solidified their position as rising stars.
The early 2000s saw New Found Glory achieve widespread acclaim and commercial success. Their 2002 sophomore album, Sticks And Stones, became a Gold-certified classic of the pre-MySpace pop-punk scene, spawning the Billboard Hot 100 hit "My Friends Over You." This period was marked by relentless touring and a dominant presence on the Vans Warped Tour, the traveling music festival that was a cornerstone of alternative youth culture. In 2002, coinciding with the release of Sticks And Stones, New Found Glory co-headlined the Warped Tour and embarked on a significant tour supporting rock giants Green Day, further expanding their reach and influence.
The band’s popularity continued to surge with their 2004 album, Catalyst. This heavier, more mature offering became their highest-charting album to date, demonstrating their evolving sound and growing fan base. Its lead single, "All Downhill From Here," was an alternative rock hit, cementing their crossover appeal. New Found Glory once again joined Green Day on their monumental American Idiot tour, a testament to their stature within the mainstream rock landscape. Throughout their career, New Found Glory released over a dozen studio albums, consistently delivering their signature sound while subtly experimenting and growing. Their albums, including Coming Home (2006), Not Without a Fight (2009), and Radiosurgery (2011), continued to chart well, maintaining a dedicated following through shifts in musical trends. Their most recent studio album, Forever and Ever x Infinity, released in 2020, proved their continued relevance and creativity.
Beyond New Found Glory: Diverse Musical Endeavors
Chad Gilbert’s musical creativity was not confined solely to New Found Glory. He was a prolific artist who explored various facets of his musical interests through several side projects and collaborations. His return to the hardcore scene was notable; he lent his vocal talents to the International Superheroes Of Hardcore, a New Found Glory side project that allowed the band members to delve deeper into their heavier influences with a sense of playful anonymity.
Beyond this, Gilbert maintained a connection with his roots, rejoining Shai Hulud, the hardcore band he had left as a teenager, for a period between 2012 and 2013. This reunion resulted in the critically acclaimed album Reach Beyond The Sun, showcasing his enduring versatility and respect for the genre that first shaped him. He also explored his individual songwriting and performance under the moniker What’s Eating Gilbert, releasing solo material that often ventured into more introspective and acoustic territories, further demonstrating the breadth of his artistic vision. These diverse projects underscored his passion for music in all its forms, from the aggressive intensity of hardcore to the melodic sensibilities of pop-punk and the personal narratives of his solo work.
A Personal Journey: Marriages, Family, and Resilience
Gilbert’s personal life, much like his health, saw its share of challenges and transformations. He married Sherri DuPree of the band Eisley in 2007, though the couple divorced later that same year. Following this, he began a high-profile relationship with Paramore’s charismatic frontwoman, Hayley Williams, a relationship that garnered significant media attention and lasted for nearly a decade. After years of dating, Gilbert and Williams were married in 2016. However, their marriage was short-lived, ending in divorce in 2017, with Gilbert later acknowledging infidelity as a contributing factor.
Despite these public trials, Gilbert found lasting happiness and built a family. He married Lisa Cimorelli of the group Cimorelli in 2020, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Lily, in 2021. The birth of his daughter brought immense joy and a profound shift in perspective, as highlighted in the band’s statement that his favorite accomplishment was being a husband and father. This chapter of his life reflected a deep personal fulfillment that he often shared with his fans, underscoring his resilience and capacity for love and commitment amidst the rigors of his career and his intensifying health battles.
A Decade of Defiance: Gilbert’s Battle with Illness
Chad Gilbert’s final years were tragically overshadowed by a series of persistent and debilitating health issues, which he faced with remarkable courage and transparency. His health struggles began over a decade ago, long before his final brain cancer diagnosis. In 2010, he underwent surgery to remove half of his thyroid after "suspicious cells" were discovered, an early indicator of the challenges that lay ahead.
The severity of his condition escalated significantly in late 2021 when he was found unresponsive at home. This led to the discovery and subsequent removal of a rare cancerous tumor known as a pheochromocytoma. This type of tumor originates in the adrenal glands and can cause a range of severe symptoms. The fight, however, was far from over. In 2022, another pheochromocytoma was discovered, this time in his spine, signaling a more widespread and aggressive disease. This was quickly followed by the detection of additional tumors in his lungs and back.
The relentless progression of his cancer necessitated intensive treatment, and in 2023, Gilbert began chemotherapy, a grueling regimen designed to combat the spreading malignancy. In March of this year, just six months before his passing, he delivered the devastating news that he had undergone emergency brain surgery after three more tumors were discovered in his brain. This critical intervention, coupled with his prior treatments, showcased his unwavering fight against a formidable foe. Throughout these arduous years, Gilbert remained remarkably open with his fans, sharing updates on his health journey, often expressing gratitude for their support and maintaining a positive outlook despite the immense physical and emotional toll of his illness. His transparency became a source of inspiration for many, demonstrating strength and vulnerability in the face of extreme adversity.
Tributes and Lasting Impact
The passing of Chad Gilbert has sent shockwaves throughout the music industry, particularly within the close-knit communities of pop-punk, emo, and hardcore. Tributes have begun to pour in from fellow musicians, industry figures, and countless fans whose lives were touched by his music and his spirit. His influence on a generation of guitarists and songwriters is immeasurable, with New Found Glory’s distinctive sound serving as a blueprint for many bands that followed. The band’s unique ability to blend aggressive breakdowns with irresistible melodies helped shape the trajectory of pop-punk, moving it beyond simple three-chord structures into a more dynamic and emotionally resonant art form.
Gilbert’’s legacy will be felt not only through the extensive discography of New Found Glory but also through the enduring impact of his personality and work ethic. His relentless drive, as acknowledged by his bandmates, was a cornerstone of the band’s longevity and success. His humor and genuine connection with fans made him a beloved figure, known for his approachable demeanor and unwavering passion for his craft. The analytical implications of his death extend to the future of New Found Glory; while the band has consistently demonstrated resilience, the loss of a founding member and primary songwriter of Gilbert’s caliber will undoubtedly present new challenges. However, as his bandmates stated, his spirit and influence are deeply ingrained in the band’s DNA, suggesting that his musical legacy will continue to resonate in their future endeavors.
Chad Gilbert was more than just a guitarist; he was a pioneer, a mentor, a fighter, and a deeply cherished individual whose contributions to music and to the lives of those around him will never be forgotten. His life, though cut tragically short, was lived with purpose, passion, and an unwavering commitment to his art and his loved ones. His memory will continue to inspire musicians and fans alike, a testament to the profound impact he made in his 45 years.
