Pop-punk pioneer passes away

Chad Gilbert, co-founder of New Found Glory, died on September 20 at age 45 after a lengthy battle with multiple cancers. He passed peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by family.

“On the morning of September 20th, Chad Everett Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep.”

Nearly three decades shaping pop-punk

Gilbert co-founded New Found Glory in 1997 and released 11 albums with the Florida band. His guitar playing, songwriting, and relentless drive helped define the pop-punk sound for nearly 30 years.

“Chad's guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades.”

Cancer diagnosis and spine tumor

After an initial cancer scare in 2010, Gilbert was diagnosed with a tumor in his spine. He later faced a brain cancer diagnosis and underwent surgery in February.

Returned to stage in wheelchair

Over the summer, following his February brain cancer surgery, Gilbert returned to performing in a wheelchair. He refused to let his health condition derail his passion for music.

Production work beyond New Found Glory

Gilbert produced records for hardcore punk group H2O and worked on production for three A Day To Remember albums: Homesick, What Separates Me from You, and Common Courtesy.

Tributes from music community

Bandmates and fellow musicians paid tribute, with Mark Hoppus calling him a best friend to everyone he met and the most positive force in any room. Jordan Pundik shared personal memories of their friendship.

“He was a best friend to every person he met, the most positive and creative force in any room he walked into.”

His spirit lives on in the music

New Found Glory said his influence will always be part of the band and his spirit will be felt on every stage they perform on. His biggest accomplishment was being a husband and father.

“His spirit will be felt on every stage we stand on, with every note we play.”