Chad Gilbert, guitarist for the pop punk band New Found Glory and a longtime Franklin, TN, resident, has died at the age of 45 after battling cancer for several years. Click for More News
In a social media post by the band and his wife, Lisa, they shared the news of his passing, stating that Gilbert died on Sunday, September 20th.
It stated, “He (Gilbert) 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.”
Continuing, “He was a legendary musician, but his favorite 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.”
New Found Glory shared, “Chad’s guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades. 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.”
Gilbert was diagnosed with rare adrenal cancer, metastatic pheochromocytoma, in 2021 and had been receiving treatment since that time. He also underwent emergency brain surgery in February
Gilbert was a Franklin, TN resident and beyond music, he was involved in the Franklin community through events that combined his personal interests with local entertainment. He helped launch BreakFEST, a breakfast-themed music festival held at The Factory at Franklin that debuted in 2018 with New Found Glory headlining alongside other punk and alternative acts. Gilbert also co-founded The Movie Gang, a long-running series at the Franklin Theatre that turned classic movie screenings into interactive events with themed decorations, food, giveaways, costumes, and audience participation. The Movie Gang hosted screenings ranging from The Karate Kid and Back to the Future to The Goonies and The Wizard of Oz, with Gilbert continuing to collaborate with the Franklin Theatre as it expanded its themed movie programming.
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