Chad Gilbert, New Found Glory founding member and lead guitarist, dead at 45
Punk‑rock pioneer Chad Gilbert, 45, dies after a long cancer fight
Maine News Now —
On September 20, 2024, the music world lost a defining voice of early‑2000s pop‑punk. Chad Everett Gilbert, the founding guitarist of New Found Glory and a longtime fixture of the band’s soaring riffs and soaring spirit, passed away peacefully in his sleep while surrounded by family and friends.
The news came through a joint Instagram post from New Found Glory and Gilbert’s wife, Lisa Cimorelli, posted Saturday. The couple described his death as “peaceful” and noted that he was with his mother, Jackie, and his wife in the moments before he slipped away. The announcement did not disclose a specific cause, but it was clear that Gilbert had been battling stage‑four adrenal cancer since 2021, a diagnosis that had spread to his spine, lungs and brain.
“On the morning of September 20th, Chad Everett Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep,” the post read. “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.”
A life cut short, but not forgotten
Gilbert’s death shocked the band and its devoted fanbase. New Found Glory’s statement reflected the deep bond they shared:
“Chad’s guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades,” the band wrote. “Through more than a dozen albums, endless tours around the world, and more accolades than we ever could have imagined, Chad challenged all of us to grow as musicians, performers, and human beings.”
The band, whose members include lead singer Jordan Pundik, bassist Ian Grushka and drummer Cyrus Bolooki, also paid tribute to the personal connection and brotherhood that defined Gilbert’s presence in the group. “While we are devastated to lose him, we are so grateful for the incredible life he lived, the memories we shared, and the brotherhood we had,” the statement added. “His influence will always be part of New Found Glory and his spirit will be felt on every stage we stand on, with every note we play.”
A battle with cancer
Gilbert’s struggle with cancer began in 2021 when he was diagnosed with metastatic pheochromocytoma, a rare adrenal gland cancer. Over time the disease progressed to adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a form of cancer that begins in the outer layer of the adrenal gland. In February 2024, a scan revealed three brain tumors; one required emergency surgery. After the operation he continued treatment with radiation and immunotherapy for the remaining tumors.
During this time he kept fans in the loop via social media. In March, he posted about the “bumpy” road to recovery, and in June he returned to the stage in Nashville, Tennessee, playing a few songs on a mobility scooter. “I got to play a show in front of my daughter, something I truly never thought I’d get to do again,” he wrote. “And my beautiful wife and all the nurses and doctors, my amazing team that have kept me alive through my battle. It was very emotional getting up on stage with my band again to play. So many feelings all at once.”
Gilbert’s wife, Lisa Cimorelli, who he married in 2020, has a five‑year‑old daughter, Lily, from their marriage. He also survived his mother, Jackie, and his brother, Brian.
Career highlights
Born March 9, 1981, in Coral Springs, Florida, Gilbert co‑founded New Found Glory in 1997. The band’s debut, Sticks and Stones (2002), broke into the mainstream with the singles “My Friends Over You” and “Head On Collision.” Their follow‑up, Catalyst (2004), reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200, and the band continued to release ten more studio albums, touring extensively worldwide.
Beyond New Found Glory, Gilbert’s musical reach extended into hardcore punk. He performed as a vocalist for Shai Hulud and contributed to the side project International Superheroes of Hardcore. He also worked as a producer for bands such as A Day to Remember, H2O, State Champs, and collaborated with Fall Out Boy on various projects.
A personal history
Gilbert’s personal life was as varied as his musical one. He had been married twice before: to Sherri DuPree of Eisley in 2007 (the marriage ended later that year) and to Paramore front‑woman Hayley Williams from 2016 to 2017. In 2020 he married Lisa Cimorelli, with whom he shared the joys and hardships of a young family.
Legacy remembered
As the punk‑rock community mourns, many fans and fellow musicians have taken to social media to share memories and tribute posts. A recurring theme has been Gilbert’s willingness to stay on stage even in the face of debilitating illness, a testament to his dedication to his craft and to his fans.
His final performance in Nashville—where he played on a mobility scooter and sang to a cheering crowd—remains a testament to his indomitable spirit. The image of a guitarist who refused to let cancer silence his voice will live on in the memories of those who heard him play.
About the band
New Found Glory remains active with the core members Jordan Pundik, Ian Grushka and Cyrus Bolooki, continuing to honor Gilbert’s legacy. The band has indicated plans to release a new album in the coming years, with a special tribute track dedicated to their late friend.
For those wishing to pay respects, the band and Cimorelli’s Instagram pages have taken to posting photos of Gilbert’s instruments, handwritten notes, and family memories, offering fans a glimpse into the life behind the music.
In a final, heartfelt message, New Found Glory closed its tribute with, “Rest in peace, Chad. We love you forever.”