Chad Everett Gilbert was an American musician, songwriter, guitarist and record producer best known as the founding guitarist of the pop punk band New Found Glory. Born on March 9, 1981, in Coral Springs, Florida, Gilbert became one of the recognizable figures in the American pop punk and punk rock scenes through his work as a guitarist, backing vocalist and songwriter. He was 45 years old when he died on September 20, 2026.
Gilbert’s musical career began while he was still a teenager and eventually took him from the Florida hardcore scene to international stages. He was involved with several bands, including Shai Hulud, before co founding New Found Glory in 1997 alongside Jordan Pundik, Ian Grushka, Steve Klein and Joe Marino, who was later replaced by Cyrus Bolooki. New Found Glory became one of the prominent pop punk bands of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Beyond New Found Glory, Gilbert worked as a producer, songwriter and musician on other projects, including What’s Eating Gilbert and International Superheroes of Hardcore. His career also included production work for bands such as A Day to Remember and H2O. In the final years of his life, Gilbert continued making music while publicly documenting his battle with cancer and his determination to perform despite serious health challenges.
Chad Gilbert’s Early Life
Chad Everett Gilbert was born on March 9, 1981, in Coral Springs, Florida. He grew up in South Florida during a period when the region had an active punk and hardcore music scene. As a teenager, Gilbert became increasingly interested in underground music and began participating in local bands and performances.
Gilbert developed his musical identity through the Florida hardcore scene and became involved with several groups during his teenage years. He was the vocalist of Shai Hulud during the band’s early years and also had connections with other Florida based hardcore groups. His experiences in those bands helped him develop the musical skills and performance style that later became central to his career with New Found Glory.
In 1997, Gilbert helped establish New Found Glory in Coral Springs. The band initially built its reputation through local performances before signing with Drive Thru Records. The opportunity changed the direction of Gilbert’s life, as he left high school before completing the 12th grade to pursue music professionally.
Chad Gilbert’s Education
Chad Gilbert attended J. P. Taravella High School in Coral Springs, Florida. His formal education, however, was interrupted by the rapid development of New Found Glory. After the band secured a record deal with Drive Thru Records, Gilbert left school after the 11th grade to concentrate on his developing music career.
Although Gilbert did not complete a conventional high school education, his musical development continued through practical experience. Rehearsals, recording sessions, live performances and touring became his primary learning environment. His early involvement in hardcore bands exposed him to songwriting, guitar performance, stage work and the technical side of recording music.
Gilbert’s career demonstrates how much of his professional development came through direct experience in the music industry. By his early twenties, he had already spent years performing, writing and recording, eventually becoming a key member of one of the most commercially successful pop punk bands of the early 2000s.
Chad Gilbert’s Career
Chad Gilbert’s most significant career achievement came through New Found Glory, which he co founded in 1997. He served as the band’s lead guitarist and backing vocalist while also contributing significantly to its songwriting. The band’s early releases, including Nothing Gold Can Stay and New Found Glory, helped establish its presence in the American punk and pop punk scene.
New Found Glory achieved wider recognition with albums such as Sticks and Stones and Catalyst. The 2002 album Sticks and Stones reached number four on the United States album charts, while songs such as “My Friends Over You,” “Hit or Miss” and “All Downhill From Here” became closely associated with the band’s rise during the early 2000s pop punk era.
Gilbert remained an important part of New Found Glory through lineup changes and multiple generations of pop punk music. The band continued releasing albums and touring for decades, including Not Without a Fight, Makes Me Sick, Forever + Ever x Infinity, Make the Most of It and Listen Up! in 2026. Gilbert’s guitar playing and songwriting remained central to the band’s sound.
Outside New Found Glory, Gilbert pursued several other musical projects. He was involved with International Superheroes of Hardcore and returned to Shai Hulud for a period between 2012 and 2013. He also developed his solo project What’s Eating Gilbert, through which he released songs and recordings separate from his work with New Found Glory.
Gilbert also worked behind the scenes as a record producer. His production credits included projects involving A Day to Remember and H2O, allowing him to contribute to the music of other artists beyond his own performances. Across nearly three decades, his work covered guitar performance, vocals, songwriting, production and touring.
Chad Gilbert’s Death on September 20, 2026
Chad Gilbert died on September 20, 2026, at the age of 45. His family and New Found Glory announced that he died peacefully in his sleep while surrounded by loved ones, with his wife Lisa Cimorelli and mother Jackie by his side.
Gilbert had been battling cancer since 2021. He had initially been diagnosed with metastatic pheochromocytoma, a rare cancer involving the adrenal glands, which later spread to other parts of his body. In 2026, doctors discovered three brain tumors, and he subsequently underwent emergency brain surgery. His diagnosis was later described as stage four adrenocortical carcinoma.
The specific medical cause of death was not officially disclosed in the family’s announcement. Reports have described his death in the context of his prolonged cancer battle and serious complications, but it is important to distinguish those circumstances from a formally stated cause of death.
Chad Gilbert’s Personal Life
Chad Gilbert was married three times. His first marriage was to musician Sherri DuPree Bemis in 2007, although the marriage ended later that same year. He later became involved with Paramore singer Hayley Williams. The couple married in 2016 after several years together and separated in 2017.
Gilbert married singer Lisa Cimorelli on October 3, 2020. The couple had one daughter, Lily. His family remained an important part of his life, particularly during his prolonged illness. He is survived by Lisa, Lily, his mother Jackie and his brother Brian.
Despite his long career in punk and rock music, Gilbert was also known for his humor, creative independence and strong connection with his fans. During his illness, he continued sharing aspects of his experience publicly and remained involved with music. In June 2026, he returned to the stage after major health complications, performing with New Found Glory from a motorized scooter.
Chad Gilbert’s Age, Religion, Nationality, Height and Physical Appearance
Chad Gilbert was 45 years old when he died on September 20, 2026. He was born on March 9, 1981, in Coral Springs, Florida, United States, and was an American citizen.
Gilbert’s religion was not reliably documented in major public biographical records. There is therefore insufficient reliable information to state a specific religious affiliation as fact.
Chad Gilbert was listed as approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall, or about 1.88 meters. He was recognizable for his tattoos, dark hair and rock musician appearance, which reflected his long association with the punk and alternative music scenes.
Chad Gilbert’s Net Worth
Chad Gilbert’s exact net worth at the time of his death was not publicly verified. His income came from several areas of the music industry, including album sales, touring, songwriting, royalties, production work and other musical projects.
His nearly three decades with New Found Glory represented the largest part of his professional career. The band’s commercial success, extensive touring history and large international fan base provided long term sources of income for Gilbert.
Based on his lengthy career as a successful touring musician, songwriter, producer and founding member of New Found Glory, an estimated net worth of $4 million to $8 million can reasonably be used as an unofficial range. This figure is an estimate rather than a publicly confirmed financial statement.
Chad Gilbert’s Legacy
Chad Gilbert’s most significant legacy is his contribution to the development and popularity of modern pop punk. Through New Found Glory, he helped create music that connected the aggressive energy of punk and hardcore with the melodic songwriting that became characteristic of early 2000s pop punk.
His influence extended beyond his own band. Gilbert worked with other musicians as a producer and participated in several musical projects throughout his career. His work with New Found Glory, Shai Hulud, International Superheroes of Hardcore and What’s Eating Gilbert demonstrated his ability to move between different areas of punk and rock music.
Gilbert’s legacy also includes the way his career remained connected to music across multiple generations. From forming New Found Glory as a teenager in Florida to releasing music and performing with the band nearly three decades later, his career became closely associated with the evolution of pop punk from an underground movement into an internationally recognized genre.
Conclusion
Chad Gilbert was an American guitarist, songwriter and producer whose career was defined largely by his role as a founding member of New Found Glory. From his teenage years in Florida’s hardcore scene to nearly three decades of international music, he became an important figure in pop punk while also working with other bands and developing his own projects. His death on September 20, 2026, at 45 followed a prolonged battle with cancer, bringing an end to a career that had left a lasting mark on punk and alternative music.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chad Gilbert
Who was Chad Gilbert?
Chad Gilbert was an American guitarist, songwriter and record producer best known as a founding member and lead guitarist of New Found Glory.
How old was Chad Gilbert when he died?
Chad Gilbert was 45 years old when he died on September 20, 2026.
When was Chad Gilbert born?
Chad Gilbert was born on March 9, 1981.
Where was Chad Gilbert born?
Chad Gilbert was born in Coral Springs, Florida, United States.
What was Chad Gilbert famous for?
Chad Gilbert was famous for co founding New Found Glory and helping shape the band’s pop punk sound as its lead guitarist, songwriter and backing vocalist.
When did Chad Gilbert start New Found Glory?
Chad Gilbert co founded New Found Glory in 1997 in Coral Springs, Florida.
What bands was Chad Gilbert in?
Chad Gilbert was associated with New Found Glory, Shai Hulud, International Superheroes of Hardcore and What’s Eating Gilbert, among other projects.
What was Chad Gilbert’s height?
Chad Gilbert was listed as approximately 6 feet 2 inches, or 1.88 meters, tall.
What was Chad Gilbert’s nationality?
Chad Gilbert was American.
What religion was Chad Gilbert?
Chad Gilbert’s religion was not reliably documented in publicly available biographical information.
Who was Chad Gilbert’s wife?
Chad Gilbert’s wife was singer Lisa Cimorelli. They married in 2020.
Did Chad Gilbert have children?
Yes. Chad Gilbert had one daughter named Lily with his wife, Lisa Cimorelli.
Was Chad Gilbert married to Hayley Williams?
Yes. Chad Gilbert and Paramore singer Hayley Williams were married in 2016 and separated in 2017.
What happened to Chad Gilbert?
Chad Gilbert died peacefully in his sleep on September 20, 2026, at the age of 45 after years of serious illness related to cancer.
What was Chad Gilbert’s cause of death?
An official specific cause of death was not disclosed by his family. Gilbert had been battling cancer since 2021 and had developed serious complications, including brain tumors, in 2026.
What type of cancer did Chad Gilbert have?
Chad Gilbert had been diagnosed with metastatic pheochromocytoma and was later diagnosed with adrenocortical carcinoma after additional tumors were discovered.
What was Chad Gilbert’s Instagram handle?
Chad Gilbert’s Instagram handle was @xchadballx.
What was Chad Gilbert’s net worth?
Chad Gilbert’s exact net worth was not publicly verified. Based on his long career as a musician, songwriter, producer and touring artist, his estimated net worth was approximately $4 million to $8 million.
What albums did Chad Gilbert play on with New Found Glory?
Chad Gilbert performed with New Found Glory across the band’s major releases, beginning with Nothing Gold Can Stay in 1999 and continuing through the band’s later albums, including Listen Up! in 2026.