Hayley Williams Reflects on Chad Gilbert's Enduring Impact on Hardcore Music

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Hayley Williams Remembers Chad Gilbert’s ‘Influence and Attitude’ on Hardcore Music: ‘Forever Grateful’

The musician and Gilbert were in a relationship from 2007 to 2017

By Maya Georgi

Maya Georgi

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September 23, 2026

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Hayley Williams has shared a statement about ex-husband Chad Gilbert , following the New Found Glory founding member and lead guitarist’s death on Sunday from brain cancer .

“Have not known what to say or if it’s appropriate. But I feel sure now that I want to [because] life is made of the paths we cross and the reasons we cross them are infinite,” Williams began in an Instagram story . “Chad is indeed a legend in the scene and my time connected to him taught me a lot. He introduced me to people that continue to shape my life in beautiful ways, and to music and culture that has made life a lot richer,” she added.

Williams continued: “There isn’t much that hasn’t already been said about what he contributed to the musical world a lot of us grew up in. His influence and attitude guided the genre forward. His passion for fostering the community was inspiring and sticks with me. I will forever be grateful that from him I gained a deeper understanding and a reverence for the community and the culture of hardcore. Sending love and my sympathies to his family, NFG fam, and all his friends.”

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_Originally reported by [Rolling Stone](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/hayley-williams-chad-gilbert-tribute-1235630533/)._