Chad Gilbert, the founding guitarist of New Found Glory and a defining figure in pop-punk, has died. He was 45. The band announced his passing Sunday on Instagram, writing that they were “devastated and shocked.” “On the morning of September 20th, Chad Everett Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep,” the statement 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.”
The Chad Gilbert dead news comes after a long and public health battle. Gilbert underwent brain surgery in March 2026 to remove three tumors from his brain. He had previously been treated for metastatic pheochromocytoma, a rare adrenal gland cancer that had spread to his spine and lungs. He documented much of his treatment publicly, sharing updates with fans throughout.
New Found Glory formed in 1997 in Coral Springs, Florida, and released 14 studio albums over nearly three decades. Their song “My Friends Over You” became an anthem for a generation and remains their signature hit. The band credited Gilbert’s “guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive” for shaping their sound and identity. He was also a producer, working with artists including A Day to Remember and Set Your Goals, and was married to Hayley Williams of Paramore from 2016 to 2017. He is survived by his wife and family.
