# Death of New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/death-of-new-found-glory-guitarist-chad-gilbert > Updated: 2026-09-23T02:18:59.000Z. Sources: 107. Developments: 2. Following the death of New Found Glory founding guitarist Chad Gilbert at age 45, the band has adjusted its upcoming schedule. Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 20 after a five-year battle with cancer, which included a diagnosis of rare adrenal cancer and emergency brain surgery earlier in the year after he experienced difficulties controlling his hand movements during a performance in Nashville. His death was announced by the band and his wife, Lisa Cimorelli. Paramore vocalist Hayley Williams, Gilbert’s ex-wife, released a statement paying tribute to his legacy, describing him as a ‘legend in the scene’ whose influence helped guide the hardcore and pop-punk communities forward. She expressed gratitude for the musical culture and community he introduced her to during their relationship, which lasted from 2008 until their divorce in 2017. To honor his memory, the band will proceed with six scheduled performances at Disney’s EPCOT in Orlando, Florida, as part of the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, using setlists Gilbert had personally created. The band noted that Gilbert was a ‘massive Disney fan’ and had been actively planning these shows. However, the group has canceled its appearance at the Aftershock Festival in Sacramento, California, to allow members time to grieve. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-23: Chad Gilbert, New Found Glory guitarist, dies at 45 New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert has died at 45 after a battle with cancer. Paramore’s Hayley Williams and his bandmates have issued tributes to the pop-punk legend. 32 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-found-glory-guitarist-chad-gilbert-dies-at-45 ### 2026-09-20: Chad Gilbert, New Found Glory founding guitarist, dies at 45 New Found Glory founding guitarist Chad Gilbert has died at age 45 following a long battle with cancer. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 20, 2026. 90 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chad-gilbert-new-found-glory-guitarist-dies-at-45 --- Cite as: Death of New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/death-of-new-found-glory-guitarist-chad-gilbert