Chad Gilbert dies at 45, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as the founding guitarist, songwriter and backing vocalist of New Found Glory.

Gilbert died peacefully in his sleep on September 20, 2026, surrounded by family and friends, with his wife Lisa and mother by his side, according to a statement shared by New Found Glory and his family.

The news marks the loss of one of the musicians who helped shape New Found Glory and the early-2000s pop-punk era.

Chad Gilbert Helped Build New Found Glory

Gilbert helped form New Found Glory in 1997 as the band developed out of the South Florida punk and hardcore scene.

Over the next three decades, he became one of the central creative forces behind the band, contributing guitar, songwriting and backing vocals across its long-running career.

New Found Glory went from independent punk releases to becoming one of the most recognizable names associated with the pop-punk explosion of the early 2000s.

The band’s breakthrough came with its 2002 album Sticks and Stones, which reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200.

The album eventually became certified Platinum in the United States and remains one of the defining records of the band’s career.

Sticks and Stones Put New Found Glory on a Bigger Stage

Released in 2002, Sticks and Stones produced several of New Found Glory’s best-known songs, including “My Friends Over You” and “Head On Collision.”

“My Friends Over You” became the band’s signature anthem and remains one of the songs most closely associated with Gilbert’s work.

The album also helped New Found Glory land a headline position on the 2002 Warped Tour.

Catalyst Continued the Run

New Found Glory followed Sticks and Stones with Catalyst in 2004.

The album went even higher on the Billboard 200, reaching No. 3, the band’s highest position on the chart.

It featured songs including “All Downhill From Here,” “Truth of My Youth” and “Failure’s Not Flattering.”

Catalyst was eventually certified Gold in the United States.

Together, Sticks and Stones and Catalyst established New Found Glory as one of the major bands of the pop-punk generation.

Chad Gilbert Dies: The Songs That Defined His Career

Gilbert’s guitar work and songwriting were central to the band’s sound.

Among the New Found Glory songs most closely associated with his era are:

• “My Friends Over You”
• “Hit or Miss”
• “Head On Collision”
• “All Downhill From Here”
• “Failure’s Not Flattering”
• “Truth of My Youth”
• “Vicious Love”

For many fans, Gilbert’s combination of energetic guitar riffs, melodic songwriting and punk-rock attitude became part of the sound that defined early-2000s pop-punk.

Gilbert’s Career Went Beyond New Found Glory

New Found Glory was only one part of Chad Gilbert’s musical career.

Before the band’s major success, Gilbert was the vocalist for hardcore punk band Shai Hulud. He was involved with the group during its early years and returned for another period in 2012 and 2013.

He also performed with International Superheroes of Hardcore and developed his own project, What’s Eating Gilbert.

What’s Eating Gilbert gave him the opportunity to explore a different side of his musical influences, drawing from older rock, punk and roots-oriented sounds.

Gilbert also established himself as a producer.

His production credits included work with A Day to Remember, H2O and State Champs, among other punk and alternative acts.

His Final New Found Glory Album Was Listen Up!

Gilbert remained creatively involved with New Found Glory during the final years of his life.

The band’s 2026 album Listen Up! was released on February 20 through Pure Noise Records and is the band’s 11th studio album.

The album includes songs such as “100%,” “Laugh It Off,” “A Love Song,” “Beer and Blood Stains” and “You Got This.”

Rather than simply looking back at the band’s past, Listen Up! became another chapter in New Found Glory’s long career.

Chad Gilbert Returned to the Stage in 2026

One of the most emotional moments of Gilbert’s final year came in June.

After undergoing emergency brain surgery earlier in 2026, Gilbert returned to the stage with New Found Glory at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater on June 15.

He performed from a wheelchair but still played guitar with the band.

During the show, New Found Glory performed songs including “Hit or Miss” and “My Friends Over You.”

His return to the stage came just months before his death.

Chad Gilbert’s Battle With Cancer

Gilbert had publicly discussed his cancer battle for several years.

He was diagnosed with a rare adrenal cancer in 2021 and later faced further serious health complications, including brain tumors that required emergency surgery in February 2026.

His health problems became an increasingly visible part of his final years, but he continued working on music and remained connected with New Found Glory.

Importantly, the statement announcing Gilbert’s death said that he passed away peacefully in his sleep. It did not give a specific cause of death.

New Found Glory Remembers Chad Gilbert

Following his death, New Found Glory paid tribute to Gilbert and reflected on the guitar playing, songwriting, humor and drive he brought to the band for nearly three decades.

The band also remembered the many albums, tours and experiences they shared with him.

For Gilbert’s family, however, his musical achievements were not the only measure of his life.

His family described being a husband and father as his favorite accomplishment.

Gilbert is survived by his wife Lisa, daughter Lily, mother Jackie and brother Brian.

Chad Gilbert’s Legacy in Pop-Punk

Chad Gilbert’s career stretched across several corners of punk and alternative music.

As a founding member of New Found Glory, he helped create records that became important parts of the early-2000s pop-punk era.

Sticks and Stones and Catalyst remain central albums in the band’s catalogue, while songs such as “My Friends Over You,” “Head On Collision” and “All Downhill From Here” continue to connect with generations of fans.

But his influence also extended beyond his own band through Shai Hulud, International Superheroes of Hardcore, What’s Eating Gilbert and his production work.

Gilbert’s final months brought another defining image: a guitarist who, despite serious health challenges, returned to the stage and played with the band he helped build.

For New Found Glory fans, that music will continue to carry his contribution forward.

Rest in peace, Chad Gilbert.

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