New Found Glory, the iconic pop-punk band, has announced a heartfelt tribute to their late guitarist and co-founder, Chad Gilbert, who passed away on Sunday, September 20, at the age of 45 after a protracted battle with cancer. The band revealed on Wednesday, September 23, via an Instagram post, that they would honor Gilbert’s memory by performing a series of shows at EPCOT at the Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, a location known to be Gilbert’s "favorite place on Earth." These poignant performances will be part of the upcoming Eat to the Beat Concert series, transforming what were originally scheduled appearances into a profound homage to their beloved bandmate.
The decision to proceed with the EPCOT shows comes amidst profound grief for the band members, who have acknowledged the overwhelming outpouring of support from fans and the music community. "First off, we want to thank everyone for the overwhelming amount of love and tribute posts for Chad these past few days," the band shared in their moving Instagram statement. "Seeing how deeply he touched so many lives means everything to us, and we know he would be so proud to see it." The sentiment underscores the deep personal and professional bond shared within New Found Glory and the widespread impact Gilbert had on countless individuals.
Chad Gilbert’s Enduring Legacy and Battle with Illness
Chad Gilbert, born March 9, 1979, was a pivotal figure in the pop-punk movement, co-founding New Found Glory in Coral Springs, Florida, in 1997, at the remarkably young age of 17. His distinctive guitar work, songwriting contributions, and energetic stage presence were instrumental in shaping the band’s sound and establishing their status as genre pioneers. Throughout his career, Gilbert was celebrated for his infectious enthusiasm, creative vision, and unwavering dedication to music. Beyond New Found Glory, he was also involved in other musical projects, including the supergroup International Superheroes of Hardcore and his solo venture, What’s Eating Gilbert. He also made a significant mark as a producer, working with bands like H2O, Shai Hulud, and State Champs, further cementing his influence across various facets of the music industry.
Gilbert’s health struggles became publicly known in late 2021 when he revealed a diagnosis of liver cancer. He underwent surgery and treatment, bravely sharing updates on his journey with fans, maintaining a hopeful outlook despite the formidable challenges. Unfortunately, his health took a turn for the worse earlier this year when he announced in March that he was battling brain cancer. Despite the grim prognosis and the debilitating effects of his illness, Gilbert remained determined to participate in music whenever possible. The original article highlights his active involvement in planning the EPCOT setlists and his dedicated efforts to practice, underscoring his deep desire to be on stage with his bandmates, even in the face of severe illness. His wife, Lisa Cimorelli, was the one to confirm his passing over the weekend, six months after his brain cancer diagnosis, marking a somber moment for the music world.
New Found Glory: A Pillar of Pop-Punk
New Found Glory emerged in the late 1990s as a driving force in the burgeoning pop-punk scene, quickly gaining a loyal following with their catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and high-energy performances. Their debut album, Nothing Gold Can Stay (1999), laid the groundwork, but it was subsequent releases like New Found Glory (2000) and Sticks and Stones (2002) that propelled them to mainstream success. These albums, featuring anthems like "My Friends Over You," "Hit or Miss," and "Dressed to Kill," became essential listening for a generation of music fans and are still celebrated for their enduring appeal.
The band, comprising Jordan Pundik (vocals), Ian Grushka (bass), Cyrus Bolooki (drums), and Chad Gilbert (guitar), cultivated a reputation for their authentic sound and relentless touring schedule. They were instrumental in popularizing the fusion of punk rock’s raw energy with pop music’s melodic sensibility, influencing countless bands that followed. Over their more than two-decade career, New Found Glory released numerous studio albums, EPs, and live recordings, consistently evolving their sound while staying true to their core identity. Their longevity in an often-ephemeral industry is a testament to their musical talent, their strong internal dynamics, and the deep connection they forged with their fanbase. The upcoming EPCOT shows are not just a tribute to Chad Gilbert, but also a continuation of this enduring legacy, with every note played carrying the weight of his absence and the spirit of his musical contribution.
The EPCOT Tribute: A Fitting Farewell
The decision to cancel their appearance at the Aftershock Festival (scheduled for October 1-4 in Sacramento) in favor of the EPCOT shows speaks volumes about the band’s commitment to honoring Gilbert in a manner he would have cherished. "We rarely cancel shows but this felt needed," the band explained. "Anyone who knew Chad knew that he was a massive Disney fan. Our shows at Epcot were dates he was so excited for and he was actively planning to be on stage with us there. He had already worked on the setlists with us and was practicing as much as possible to be ready." This insight reveals the profound personal connection Gilbert had to the Disney theme park, transforming the concerts into a deeply personal and symbolic send-off.
New Found Glory is scheduled to play six different sets over their two-day run at EPCOT, on Monday, September 28, and Tuesday, September 29. Each night of the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival’s Eat to the Beat Concert series typically features three performances, allowing the band to deliver a comprehensive musical experience for attendees. The setlists, which Gilbert himself helped curate, are designed to be a celebration of his life and musical contributions. The band explicitly stated, "Every note we play and every word you sing at Epcot is for Chad. Thank you all for wrapping us in so much love, understanding, and support as we come together to honor his legacy."
Fans attending the shows can anticipate hearing a curated selection of New Found Glory’s most beloved tracks. The announced setlist includes fan favorites such as "Something I Call Personality," "All About Her," "A Love Song," "Failure’s Not Flattering," "Dressed to Kill," "My Friends Over You," "Hit or Miss," "All Downhill From Here," and "Better Off Dead." The repetition of "All Downhill From Here" in the original article’s list might indicate its significance or a planned double performance, further emphasizing its role in the tribute. These songs represent different eras of the band’s career, showcasing the breadth of Gilbert’s influence and the band’s enduring appeal. The Eat to the Beat Concert series itself is a popular fixture of the festival, regularly featuring a diverse lineup of musical acts. This year’s series has already seen performances from The War and Treaty, Yellowcard, Couch, Fitz and the Tantrums, MercyMe, and Grupo Manía, with upcoming sets from Element and Smash Mouth, placing New Found Glory’s tribute within a vibrant and well-attended cultural event.
Widespread Tributes from the Music Community
The news of Chad Gilbert’s passing sent shockwaves through the music community, prompting an outpouring of grief and remembrance from fellow musicians, industry figures, and countless fans. The Instagram post from New Found Glory itself highlights the sheer volume of "love and tribute posts" received, demonstrating the broad reach of Gilbert’s impact. Beyond the immediate band, one of the most poignant tributes came from his ex-wife, Paramore’s Hayley Williams. In a deeply personal, handwritten note, Williams expressed her sorrow and reflection on their shared history. "I did not know what to say or if it’s appropriate. But I feel sure now that I want to bc life is made of the paths we cross and the reasons we cross them are infinite," she wrote, navigating the complexities of public grief.
Williams’ note lauded Gilbert as "indeed a legend in the scene," acknowledging his profound influence on her own life. She credited him with introducing her to "people that continue to shape my life in beautiful ways, and to music and culture that has made life a lot richer." This statement speaks not only to their personal relationship but also to Gilbert’s role as a tastemaker and connector within the music world. She further praised him for "what he contributed to the musical world a lot of us grew up in," noting that his "influence and attitude guided the genre forward." Williams and Gilbert’s relationship began in 2008, leading to their marriage in 2016, though they separated a year later in 2017. Her heartfelt tribute underscores the lasting respect and affection that remained despite their divorce, highlighting the profound personal and artistic connection they shared.
Beyond these direct statements, numerous artists across the pop-punk, rock, and alternative scenes took to social media to share their memories of Gilbert, praising his kindness, talent, and infectious spirit. Many recounted stories of New Found Glory’s early tours, highlighting Gilbert’s role as a mentor and friend to younger bands. Fans, in turn, flooded online forums and social media platforms with messages of condolence, sharing how Gilbert’s music had soundtracked significant moments in their lives. This collective outpouring of grief and appreciation paints a clear picture of a musician who was not only highly respected for his craft but also deeply loved for his character and the positive energy he brought to the world.
The Enduring Spirit of Pop-Punk and Gilbert’s Imprint
Chad Gilbert’s passing is a stark reminder of the fragility of life, even for those who embody such vibrant and enduring energy. His battle with cancer, bravely fought and openly shared, brought to light the personal struggles that often unfold behind the scenes of public life. For the pop-punk genre, Gilbert was more than just a guitarist; he was a foundational architect, a creative force, and a consistent presence who helped define its sound and ethos for over two decades. His work with New Found Glory not only produced numerous hits but also inspired a generation of musicians to pick up instruments and tell their own stories.
The decision by New Found Glory to honor Gilbert at EPCOT, a place so cherished by him, transcends a typical memorial concert. It transforms a scheduled performance into a deeply meaningful communal experience, allowing both the band and their fans to process their grief and celebrate a life lived with passion and purpose. In a genre often characterized by its youthful exuberance and angst, Gilbert brought a sense of maturity and innovation, continually pushing boundaries while maintaining the core elements that made New Found Glory so beloved. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate, not just in the records he left behind, but in the countless bands he influenced and the enduring spirit of pop-punk itself. As the band takes the stage at EPCOT, each chord struck and every lyric sung will serve as a powerful testament to a musician whose "influence and attitude" truly guided a genre forward, ensuring that Chad Gilbert’s memory remains a vibrant part of music history.
