Iconic pop‑punk guitarist Chad Gilbert, 45, dies peacefully

Founding guitarist and backing vocalist Chad Gilbert of pop‑punk stalwarts New Found Glory died at age 45, the band confirmed in a joint statement with his wife, Lisa Cimorelli. Variety reported that the couple announced the news on social media, noting that Gilbert “passed away peacefully in his sleep” on the morning of September 20th.

Gilbert, whose full name was Chad Everett Gilbert, co‑founded New Found Glory in 1997 while still a teenager in Florida. The group rose to prominence in the early 2000s with albums such as Sticks and Stones and Catalyst, helping to define the modern pop‑punk sound that blended melodic hooks with high‑energy punk riffs. Over two decades, the band sold millions of records, toured globally, and influenced a generation of younger acts that cite them as a key inspiration.

Beyond his work with New Found Glory, Gilbert contributed to the broader punk community as a producer and songwriter. He co‑produced records for bands like Set Your Goals and The Wonder Years, and his guitar work appeared on side projects including the hardcore outfit Shai Hulud. His peers have praised his “unwavering work ethic” and “generosity in the studio,” traits that helped shape the collaborative spirit of the scene.

The announcement has sparked an outpouring of tributes across social platforms. Fellow musicians, fans, and industry veterans have shared memories of Gilbert’s stage presence, noting his signature Fender Stratocaster tone and his role in crafting the anthemic choruses that defined New Found Glory’s catalog. The band’s official Instagram account posted a photo of Gilbert performing live, captioned with gratitude for his “lasting impact on music and on the lives he touched.”

New Found Glory, which continues to tour and record, has not yet disclosed plans for upcoming shows or a possible tribute concert. Historically, the band has honored lost members through benefit performances and charity releases, suggesting that fans may see a commemorative event in the near future. Gilbert’s death marks a significant loss for the pop‑punk community, which has long relied on his songwriting and mentorship to sustain its vitality.

As the music world processes the news, industry analysts note that Gilbert’s passing underscores the aging of the early‑2000s pop‑punk generation, a cohort now transitioning from youthful rebellion to legacy stewardship. His contributions will likely be chronicled in retrospectives of the genre’s evolution, ensuring that his influence endures beyond his untimely death.