Published: September 21, 2026 · 1:20 AM EDT
The guitarist and songwriter died September 20, 2026, surrounded by family and friends, leaving behind nearly three decades of music with New Found Glory and a lasting contribution to American pop-punk
Chad Gilbert, founding guitarist, backing vocalist and songwriter of American pop-punk band New Found Glory, died on September 20, 2026, at the age of 45. His death was confirmed in a joint statement issued by his wife, Lisa Cimorelli, and his bandmates.
According to the statement, Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by friends and family, with his wife and mother at his side. His family expressed gratitude that he was able to spend his final moments with the people closest to him.
Gilbert had been receiving treatment for cancer since 2021 and underwent surgery earlier in 2026 after doctors discovered tumors in his brain. Although his medical history was publicly documented, the family's announcement did not specify an immediate cause of death.
Gilbert helped establish New Found Glory in Coral Springs, Florida, in 1997, developing a sound that combined melodic pop-punk songwriting with the heavier guitar rhythms associated with hardcore punk.
His guitar playing and songwriting became central to the band's early recordings, including Nothing Gold Can Stay (1999), New Found Glory (2000), Sticks and Stones (2002) and Catalyst (2004). Songs such as “Hit or Miss,” “My Friends Over You” and “All Downhill from Here” helped establish the group during the early-2000s expansion of American pop-punk.
Beyond his work with New Found Glory, Gilbert was also associated with hardcore band and worked as a producer with other artists, including . His musical activities extended across the pop-punk and hardcore scenes throughout his career.
New Found Glory continued recording during Gilbert's illness, releasing Listen Up! on February 20, 2026, through Pure Noise Records. The 10-track album became the band's final studio release during his lifetime.
In their September 20 statement, New Found Glory remembered Gilbert's contributions to the group and the personal relationships that developed over nearly three decades of recording and touring together.
The band credited his guitar playing, songwriting, humor and determination with helping shape its musical identity and pushing the members to develop as performers and individuals.
The statement also emphasized that, despite his accomplishments as a musician, Gilbert considered being a husband and father his most important personal achievement.
He is survived by his wife Lisa, daughter Lily, mother Jackie and brother Brian.
For New Found Glory, his death marks the loss of a founding member whose work was present throughout the band's recording history. His guitar parts and songwriting remain documented across the albums that helped establish the group as part of the American pop-punk movement.
Watch New Found Glory’s official “My Friends Over You” music video featuring Chad Gilbert below:
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
IMAGE CREDIT: Miikka Skaffari
