New Found Glory have announced the passing of their guitarist, backing vocalist Chad Gilbert. Gilbert, who also had performed with Shai Hulud, Morning Again, Hazen Street and numerous others throughout his prolific career, had battled cancer for off and on for some 16 years, first having thyroid-related cancer in 2010.
In December of 2021, he underwent surgery to have a tumor removed, with numerous surgeries to follow for subsequent tumors discovered in the years to come. In March of this year he announced the removal of several brain tumors, and sadly a month later stated that his cancer had progressed to stage 4 adrenocortical carcinoma this past April.
His passing was announced by his significant other Lisa Cimorelli and his New Found Glory bandmates today, September 20th, in a statement that read as follows:
“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. 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. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, his daughter, Lily, his mother, Jackie, and his brother, Brian.
“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. 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.”
Rest in peace, Chad. We love you forever
Lisa, Jordan, Ian, Cyrus, and Dan“
