Florida Pop-Punk Lyricist Battles Brain Cancer
- Chad Gilbert, the founding guitarist and primary songwriter for the influential Florida pop-punk band New Found Glory, died at the age of 45, according to confirmed reports in...
- As a core member of New Found Glory, Gilbert played an instrumental role in defining the sonic landscape of modern pop-punk.
- Beyond his primary work with New Found Glory, Gilbert maintained an active presence across the punk and hardcore scenes.
Chad Gilbert, the founding guitarist and primary songwriter for the influential Florida pop-punk band New Found Glory, died at the age of 45, according to confirmed reports in September 2026. Gilbert had been publicly open about his health struggles, revealing earlier in March that he was battling brain cancer. His death marks a profound loss for the alternative rock and pop-punk community, where he helped shape the genre’s melodic sound throughout the late 1990s and 2000s.
As a core member of New Found Glory, Gilbert played an instrumental role in defining the sonic landscape of modern pop-punk. Formed in Coral Springs, Florida, in 1997, the band gained mainstream traction with their self-titled 2000 breakthrough album and the hit single "My Friends Over You" from 2002’s Sticks and Stones. Gilbert’s distinct guitar work and prolific lyricism formed the backbone of the group’s energetic catalog, cementing their status as pioneers of the 2000s warped tour era.
Musical Legacy and Influence on Modern Pop-Punk
Beyond his primary work with New Found Glory, Gilbert maintained an active presence across the punk and hardcore scenes. He performed in the side project Shai Hulud and produced records for numerous bands, helping to mentor younger artists within the independent music ecosystem. His contributions extended well beyond performance, establishing him as a central creative force within the broader alternative music community.
The announcement of his death prompted widespread mourning among fans, fellow musicians, and industry peers who shared tributes honoring his resilience, creativity, and enduring impact on independent music. Details regarding memorial arrangements or tributes have not been widely publicized by official band representatives as the music community continues to process the loss of the foundational guitarist.