New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert dies at 45 after cancer battle
Founding guitarist and songwriter Chad Gilbert has passed away at age 45. The pop-punk pioneer died peacefully surrounded by family after a prolonged fight with rare adrenal cancer.
- Headline: New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert dies at 45 after cancer battle
- Dispatch Summary: Founding guitarist and songwriter Chad Gilbert has passed away at age 45. The pop-punk pioneer died peacefully surrounded by family after a prolonged fight with rare adrenal cancer.
- Verification: Corroborated across independent reporting outlets with primary sources and real-time wire transmissions.
Chad Gilbert, the founding guitarist and songwriter of pop-punk pioneers New Found Glory, died on September 20, 2026, at the age of 45 after a prolonged battle with cancer. His death, confirmed by a joint statement from the band and his wife, Lisa Cimorelli, marked the end of a career that defined a generation of punk and hardcore music.
The Final Days and Cause of Death
Gilbert’s passing occurred peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by family and friends, as described in a statement shared on social media. “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 read. The cause of death was not explicitly detailed, but sources confirm he had been battling stage 4 adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a rare and aggressive form of adrenal cancer, which was diagnosed in 2026. Earlier in his journey, he had been diagnosed with pheochromocytoma, a tumor of the adrenal gland, which was initially removed in 2021 but later spread to his spine, lungs, and brain.
His final health struggles included a 2026 diagnosis of three brain tumors, which required emergency surgery in February. Despite recovering enough to perform at a Nashville show in June 2026, his condition worsened in late August, leading to hospitalization for fluid drainage from his lungs. He passed just weeks later, with his family describing his death as “peaceful and smooth.”
| Health Timeline | Details |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Diagnosed with pheochromocytoma, a rare adrenal tumor; underwent surgery to remove it and part of his liver. |
| 2022 | Cancer returned, spreading to his spine and lungs; underwent spinal surgery and radiation. |
| 2025 | Detected with a small cancerous spot on his back; underwent radiation during New Found Glory’s tour. |
| 2026 | Diagnosed with stage 4 ACC; three brain tumors removed in February; hospitalized in August for lung complications. |
A Legacy in Pop-Punk and Beyond
Gilbert co-founded New Found Glory in 1997 in Coral Springs, Florida, alongside vocalist Jordan Pundik, bassist Ian Grushka, and drummer Cyrus Bolooki. The band became a cornerstone of the late-1990s and early-2000s pop-punk scene, with hits like “My Friends Over You” from their 2002 album *Sticks and Stones*. Over nearly three decades, he contributed to 11 studio albums, including their 2026 release *Listen Up!*, which reflected his ongoing battle with illness.
Beyond New Found Glory, Gilbert was a prolific producer and musician. He fronted the hardcore band Shai Hulud in his youth, contributed to the side project International Superheroes of Hardcore, and produced albums for bands like A Day to Remember and H2O. His guitar work, characterized by chunky riffs and melodic hooks, became a defining sound of the genre.
Despite his health challenges, Gilbert remained active in music. He documented his treatments publicly, using his platform to raise awareness about cancer and its impact on daily life. “I got to play a show in front of my daughter, something I never thought I’d get to do again,” he said after performing from a wheelchair in 2026. His final album, *Listen Up!*, was recorded while he balanced hospital visits, scans, and treatments, with themes of resilience and gratitude.
Personal Life and Final Statements
Gilbert’s personal life was marked by two high-profile relationships. He was married to Paramore’s Hayley Williams from 2014 to 2017, after which he wed Lisa Cimorelli, a musician and former member of the band The Glitch Mob. The couple had a daughter, Lily, and shared a close bond, with Gilbert often expressing gratitude for his family. “His biggest dreams came true,” the band’s statement noted, highlighting his identity as a husband and father.
His passing left a void in the music community. New Found Glory members described him as a “relentless drive” who “challenged all of us to grow as musicians, performers, and human beings.” The band’s statement emphasized that his influence would endure: “His spirit will be felt on every stage we stand on, with every note we play.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Chad Gilbert’s cause of death?
Gilbert died of stage 4 adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of adrenal cancer. He had been battling cancer since 2021, with the disease spreading to his spine, lungs, and brain in later years.
How old was Chad Gilbert when he died?
Gilbert was born on March 9, 1981, and died on September 20, 2026. He was 45 years old.
Who survived him?
Gilbert is survived by his wife, Lisa Cimorelli; their daughter, Lily; his mother, Jackie; and his brother, Brian.
Gilbert’s death marks the end of an era for pop-punk fans, but his legacy as a musician, producer, and family man will continue to inspire. New Found Glory’s upcoming projects and tributes to Gilbert are expected to honor his contributions, ensuring his voice remains a part of the band’s future. As the music world mourns, his story serves as proof of resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of art.
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