New Found Glory Co-Founder Chad Gilbert Dies at 45 After Brain Cancer Battle
Chad Gilbert, the founding guitarist of the Florida pop-punk band New Found Glory, has passed away at 45. He had revealed his battle with brain cancer in March.
Obituary
Chad Gilbert, New Found Glory’s Founding Guitarist, Dead at 45
Longtime member of Florida pop-punk group revealed in March that he was battling brain cancer
By
Daniel Kreps , Maya Georgi September 20, 2026
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Chad Gilbert , founding member and lead guitarist for New Found Glory , has died at the age of 45.
The Florida pop-punk announced Gilbert’s death Sunday on social media, six months after the guitarist revealed he was battling brain cancer; Gilbert previously fought cancer in 2021.
“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 bandmates continued, “We are devastated and shocked by how quickly he left us, yet so grateful for how peacefully and smoothly he went. The amount of visitors that crowded the hospital lobby at a moment’s notice is a testament to how beloved and cherished Chad was, and always will be. He was a legendary musician, but his favorite accomplishment was being a husband and father. His biggest dreams came true.”
“Chad’s guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades,” his bandmates wrote Sunday.
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_Originally reported by [Rolling Stone](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/chad-gilbert-new-found-glory-founding-guitarist-dead-obit-1235629366/)._
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