Chad Gilbert was an American musician and songwriter. He became famous as a guitarist for New Found Glory. The band became a major name in pop-punk music.
Gilbert started his music career in Florida. He later played shows around the world. His work reached millions of music fans.
His personal life also received public attention. Gilbert was once married to Hayley Williams of Paramore. Later, he married Lisa Cimorelli.
Gilbert also faced a long battle with cancer. He continued to stay close to music during his illness. He died on September 20, 2026, at age 45.
Who Was Chad Gilbert?
Chad Everett Gilbert was born on March 9, 1981. His birthplace was Coral Springs, Florida. He developed an interest in punk music while growing up.
The local music scene helped shape his early career. Gilbert soon started playing with other musicians. His guitar skills helped him gain attention.
New Found Glory became his best-known band. His work with the group lasted for many years. He also joined several other music projects.
Chad Gilbert and New Found Glory

New Found Glory formed in 1997. The band started in Coral Springs, Florida. Gilbert helped form the group with Jordan Pundik and Ian Grushka.
The band first built a strong local following. Its early music attracted punk fans. A record deal later helped the group reach a wider audience.
New Found Glory released Sticks and Stones in 2002. The album became a major success. Its song “My Friends Over You” became one of the band’s best-known tracks.
Gilbert played guitar for the group. He also helped write songs. His work became a key part of the band’s sound.
Chad Gilbert’s Other Music Projects
New Found Glory was not Gilbert’s only project. He worked with several other punk bands. These projects gave him more room to explore music.
Gilbert had a connection with Shai Hulud. He also worked with International Superheroes of Hardcore. Another project was called What’s Eating Gilbert.
Each project offered a different style. Some focused on hardcore punk. Others explored melodic and alternative sounds.
Gilbert also worked behind the scenes. His experience helped him with songwriting and production. These skills added another part to his music career.
Chad Gilbert and Hayley Williams
Gilbert began dating Hayley Williams in the late 2000s. Williams is the lead singer of Paramore. Both musicians had strong links to the alternative music scene.
The couple became engaged in 2014. They married in February 2016. Their marriage ended the following year.
Gilbert and Williams announced their separation in 2017. They later completed their divorce.
Their relationship received wide media attention. Both artists had large fan bases. Their connection also linked two well-known names in alternative music.
Chad Gilbert’s Wife and Family
After his divorce, Gilbert started a relationship with Lisa Cimorelli. She is a musician and member of Cimorelli.
The couple announced their engagement in 2019. They married on October 3, 2020. Their daughter Lily was born in July 2021.
Family became an important part of Gilbert’s later life. He spent time with his wife and daughter while continuing his music work.
Lisa also supported Gilbert during his illness. She shared important updates with fans when needed. His family stayed close during his final months.
Chad Gilbert’s Cancer Battle
Gilbert faced serious health problems in his later years. He revealed his cancer diagnosis in 2021. Doctors found a rare form of cancer involving a pheochromocytoma.
Treatment included surgery and medical care. Gilbert continued to focus on his music when possible. He also kept in contact with his fans.
His health became more serious in 2026. Doctors found tumors in his brain. Gilbert later underwent emergency brain surgery.
The illness changed many parts of his daily life. Still, music remained important to him. He continued to stay connected with New Found Glory.
How Did Chad Gilbert Die?
Chad Gilbert died on September 20, 2026. He was 45 years old.
His family and New Found Glory confirmed his death. Reports said that he died peacefully in his sleep.
Gilbert had dealt with cancer for several years. His final year included serious health problems and major treatment.
Many musicians paid tribute to him after his death. Fans also shared memories of his music. His work left a clear mark on the pop-punk scene.
Chad Gilbert’s Impact on Pop Punk
Gilbert became an important figure in pop-punk. His work with New Found Glory helped shape the genre.
The band’s music mixed punk energy with catchy melodies. Gilbert’s guitar work supported that sound. His songwriting also helped create memorable songs.
New Found Glory gained a large international audience. The band’s early-2000s success brought more attention to pop-punk.
Gilbert’s influence went beyond one band. His other projects connected him with many punk musicians. He remained active in the wider music community.
Chad Gilbert’s Musical Legacy
Gilbert spent almost three decades in music. His career included guitar work, songwriting and production.
New Found Glory remains his biggest musical connection. The band’s records introduced his work to fans across the world.
His side projects showed another part of his creativity. Gilbert used those projects to explore different sounds. He also worked with other artists in the punk community.
Today, fans continue to listen to his music. New listeners can also discover his older work through streaming services. His recordings remain an important part of his career.
Conclusion
Chad Gilbert built a long career in punk and pop-punk music. His biggest success came with New Found Glory. The band helped bring pop-punk to a much larger audience.
Gilbert also worked on several side projects. His songwriting and guitar skills shaped many of those releases.
His personal life attracted public interest as well. He married Hayley Williams before later marrying Lisa Cimorelli. He also became a father to Lily.
Cancer affected the final years of his life. Even so, Gilbert remained close to his family and music. His work continues to connect with pop-punk fans around the world.
FAQs
Who was Chad Gilbert?
Chad Gilbert was an American musician and songwriter. He was best known as a guitarist and founding member of New Found Glory.
When was Chad Gilbert born?
Chad Gilbert was born on March 9, 1981. He was born in Coral Springs, Florida.
What band was Chad Gilbert in?
Chad Gilbert was a founding member of New Found Glory. He also worked on several other punk music projects.
Was Chad Gilbert married to Hayley Williams?
Yes. Chad Gilbert married Hayley Williams in 2016. The couple separated in 2017 and later divorced.
Who was Chad Gilbert’s wife?
Lisa Cimorelli was Chad Gilbert’s wife when he died. The couple married in 2020.
Did Chad Gilbert have children?
Yes. Gilbert and Lisa Cimorelli had a daughter named Lily. She was born in July 2021.
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