New Found Glory Guitarist Dies at 45
Billboard • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Chad Gilbert, founding guitarist of New Found Glory, has died at age 45 after a battle with cancer, passing peacefully in his sleep on September 20, surrounded by family and friends.
- Gilbert had been publicly fighting brain cancer since early 2023, undergoing emergency surgery and treatments as the disease spread to his spine and lungs; he also previously survived a rare adrenal tumor diagnosed in 2021.
- New Found Glory honored Gilbert’s nearly 30-year influence on the band’s music and spirit, highlighting his role as a husband, father, and key creative force behind their success.
- Prominent musicians including Mark Hoppus of Blink-182, The Offspring, and Yellowcard’s William Ryan Key paid tribute to Gilbert’s positivity, friendship, and impact on the rock community.
- New Found Glory recently released their 11th album, Listen Up!, and were actively touring, marking a significant loss for the band and their fans worldwide.
