New Found Glory Guitarist Chad Gilbert Has Died

The musician and founding member of the influential rock band passed away at age 45.

Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Rock

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a guitar silhouette against a minimalist archway, conveying a somber sense of loss. — Chad Gilbert, the founding guitarist and architect of the influential 1990s pop-punk band New Found Glory, has died at age 45. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Chad Gilbert, the guitarist and founding member of New Found Glory, died at age 45. He passed away peacefully in his sleep following a years-long battle with cancer.

Why it matters

Gilbert was a defining figure in the development of the 1990s pop-punk sound, having co-founded the band in Coral Springs, Florida. His death marks the loss of a pivotal architect of the genre's enduring mainstream popularity.

Gilbert co-founded New Found Glory in Coral Springs in the 1990s and contributed to the band's extensive discography. In 2026, the band released their latest album, Listen Up!, before his passing.

The players

Chad Gilbert

He was a musician, songwriter, and producer best known as the guitarist and a founding member of the pop-punk band New Found Glory.

New Found Glory

Formed in Coral Springs, Florida, in the late 1990s, the band became a cornerstone of the pop-punk movement.

The details

Diagnosed with a rare pheochromocytoma tumor in 2021, Gilbert underwent multiple surgeries to remove tumors from his liver, gallbladder, adrenal gland, and spine. In 2026, he faced further health complications after three brain tumors were discovered, requiring emergency surgery.

Chad Gilbert was born in Florida in 1981.
Gilbert contributed to the Shai Hulud debut album in 1997.
He underwent initial surgery for a pheochromocytoma tumor in December 2021.
New Found Glory released their album Listen Up! in February 2026.
Chad Gilbert died on September 20, 2026.

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Industry Dynamics

Gilbert's career mirrors the rise of the 1990s Florida pop-punk scene, which established the commercial and artistic template for the genre's global expansion. His passing concludes a significant chapter for the bands that defined the sound of that era.

Fans can continue to access the band's extensive catalog across major streaming platforms. No changes to the availability of the band's existing discography or their 2026 release Listen Up! have been announced.

The takeaway

Gilbert's career serves as a reminder of the enduring influence of the 1990s pop-punk movement on contemporary alternative music. His dedication to songwriting and performance left a lasting impact on multiple generations of rock fans.