New Found Glory founding guitarist Chad Gilbert passed away peacefully in Nashville on September 20, 2026, at the age of 45. The band and his wife, Lisa Cimorelli, confirmed in a joint Instagram statement that he died in his sleep surrounded by family. Since forming NFG in Coral Springs in 1997, Gilbert’s driving riffs and backing vocals shaped pop-punk.
He also produced records for A Day To Remember and H2O, led What’s Eating Gilbert, and has battled rare adrenal cancer since 2021. There was also a moment in April 2026 when Chad claimed in an interview that he won’t be able to go on tours normally. Keep reading to know more!
Chad Gilbert addressed his health issues, claiming that he won’t be able to tour normally
Back in April 2026, Chad Gilbert shared in an interview that he lost function in his hand on February 20, 2026, the same day the band was holding an album release event for their 12th record, Listen Up! He reportedly vomited before the show and needed help from his bandmates to get to a chair on stage in Nashville, where he performed sitting down.
He told Rolling Stone that he collapsed to the ground after the set and began losing control over the left side of his body. He was taken to the emergency room, where scans revealed three brain tumors, including one walnut-sized growth that was affecting his mobility.
Gilbert underwent surgery and remained hospitalized for a month. The musician said that he later went through ten sessions of radiation and experienced hallucinations, at one point attempting to order Okinawaki because he believed he was in Japan.
The 45-year-old had previously been diagnosed in 2021 with metastatic pheochromocytoma, a rare adrenal cancer. He had been open with fans about chemotherapy and other treatments, but had not previously faced issues with movement or playing. He was on a new treatment protocol that includes a diabetes-related medication, and he was believed to be the first ACC patient to receive it. Chad Gilbert expressed a desire to regain his strength and energy, noting that he did not want to spend his days in bed and wanted to return to his routine.
While New Found Glory was set to resume touring in May 2026, Gilbert said that he won’t be able to tour normally again and won’t be able to join every show. He acknowledged that full-time touring would no longer be possible for him, but added that he could still play shows closer to home. Despite being in the hospital, he remained the primary songwriter for the band, with tracks like 100% and You Got This from Listen Up! drawing from his personal journey.
Chad said that difficult experiences, no matter how painful, had always given him a way to inspire listeners. Gilbert admitted to having emotional moments where he needed to release his feelings, but said he preferred to channel those experiences into something positive, focused on building a community of fans who come to their shows to enjoy themselves.
Chad Gilbert later performed on stage in a wheelchair
Chad Gilbert returned to the stage for the first time since his emergency brain surgery in February 2026. Gilbert reunited with his bandmates at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater on June 15, 2026. Though he moved around the stage in a wheelchair, he still picked up his Fender Tele Deluxe and marked his comeback after months of treatment.
He described the night as incredibly special in an Instagram post. Chad said he had the chance to perform in front of his daughter, something he never thought would be possible again. He also expressed gratitude to his wife and to the nurses, doctors, and medical team who had supported him throughout his illness.
Gilbert added that getting back on stage with his bandmates was deeply emotional and brought up a lot of feelings at once. He shared photos from the concert and wrote that he expects that all those who attended the show had a great time.
What are your thoughts about Chad Gilbert’s health issues? Let us know.
PC: xchadballx/Instagram
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