Chad Gilbert, the lead guitarist and founding member of pop-punk band New Found Glory, has died at 45.
The band announced Gilbert’s death Sunday, saying he passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of September 20.
In a statement shared on Instagram, New Found Glory said members were “devastated and shocked” by his death and revealed that Gilbert was surrounded by friends and family in his final moments.
The band said Gilbert’s wife and mother were by his side when he died, adding that he passed in the way he had wished.
“On the morning of September 20th, Chad Everett Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep,” the band wrote. “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.”
Gilbert’s death follows years of serious health challenges.
In March, he underwent brain surgery to remove three tumors. He had also previously received treatment for metastatic pheochromocytoma, a rare cancer originating in the adrenal glands that had spread to his spine and lungs.
Despite those health struggles, Gilbert remained closely associated with the band he helped build from the ground up.
New Found Glory formed in 1997, becoming one of the prominent acts of the pop-punk era. The band went on to release 14 studio albums, with songs including “My Friends Over You” becoming enduring fan favorites.
In its tribute, the band credited Gilbert’s “guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive” with helping shape New Found Glory throughout its nearly three-decade history.
His death marks the loss of one of the musicians who helped define New Found Glory’s sound and contributed to the band’s longevity across multiple generations of pop-punk fans.
Chad Gilbert was 45.
