Chad Gilbert, the founding guitarist of pop-punk band New Found Glory, has died at the age of 45. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 20, 2026, surrounded by family and friends.
Gilbert had been battling cancer for several years. In December 2021, he underwent emergency surgery for a rare tumour, and later had further surgeries for a spinal tumour and emergency brain surgery in 2026 after three tumours were discovered.
Despite his illness, Gilbert continued to work with New Found Glory, contributing to their latest album 'Listen Up!', released in February. He also made an emotional return to the stage with the band in Nashville four months later, performing from a mobility scooter.
His bandmates paid tribute, stating that his "guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades." Gilbert was also a prominent producer in the pop-punk and hardcore scenes and released solo music.