New Found Glory’s Chad Gilbert dies at age 45: ‘We are devastated and shocked’
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Chad Gilbert, guitarist for the band New Found Glory, has died at age 45.
The rocker’s death was shared by the pop-punk band on Instagram, as well as his wife Lisa Cimorelli, who revealed he “passed away peacefully in his sleep” on Sunday morning (Monday AEST).
New Found Glory founding guitarist Chad Gilbert has died at age 45. Instagram/@lisacimorelli
“On the morning of September 20th, Chad Everett Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep,” the heartbreaking statement started.
“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. 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 favourite accomplishment was being a husband and father. His biggest dreams came true. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, his daughter, Lily, his mother, Jackie, and his brother, Brian.”
The statement turned to a tribute from the band, who reflected on his time with New Found Glory for close to 30 years.
“Chad’s guitar playing, songwriting, humour, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades,” the post continued.
“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.
“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. 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.
“Rest in peace, Chad. We love you forever ❤️ Lisa, Jordan, Ian, Cyrus, and Dan.”
Gilbert was the founding guitarist for New Found Glory, and with the band for close to three decades. Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images
A collection of photos were shared alongside the post, including some of Gilbert on stage, to precious memories such as his wedding day and holding his daughter in hospital when she was a newborn.
The post has been flooded with condolences and so many fans have shared their love for Gilbert.
Chad’s wife and band penned an emotional tribute as they shared the devastating news of his death. Instagram/@lisacimorelli
The rocker had been battling cancer for years.
In March, he underwent surgery to remove three brain tumours, sharing the brutal reality of what had happened in a post on Instagram.
“On February 20th, I played a show in Nashville and was struggling to control the movements of my left hand. My left leg was getting weaker by the day and I started stumbling and falling at times,” the post started.
In March this year Gilbert revealed he underwent surgery for three brain tumours. Instagram/@xchadballx
“On the 23rd I was taken to the ER where a CT scan showed 3 new tumors had appeared in my brain. On 2/27 I had successful brain surgery and have been recovering in the hospital since.
“I regained function of my left hand immediately 🙏🏻 My radiation oncologist described it like this: ‘this is not a fatal blow and not the end of your story, just the beginning of a new chapter.’
“My recovery has been bumpy at times but I’m feeling much better now and getting stronger by the day.”
Gilbert added that he was so grateful to everyone who had been there to help and support his family during this “challenging journey”.
