Chad Gilbert, the esteemed guitarist of the rock band New Found Glory, passed away on September 20 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He died peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by loved ones, including his wife, Lisa Cimorelli, and his mother. This tragic news has devastated the music community and his fans worldwide, leading to an outpouring of tributes and messages of support.
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Following Gilbert’s death, New Found Glory announced a poignant tribute to their late bandmate. The band will perform at Disney’s EPCOT as part of the Eat to the Beat Concert Series on September 28 and 29. This venue held a special place in Gilbert’s heart, and he had been eagerly anticipating the performances, having already collaborated on setlists and rehearsals before his passing.
In an emotional message shared on Instagram, the band expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support received from fans in the wake of Gilbert’s death. They remarked on how profoundly he impacted the lives of many, stating, “Seeing how deeply he touched so many lives means everything to us, and we know he would be so proud to see it.” This heartfelt tribute was, in essence, a celebration of Gilbert’s life and passion for music.
Prior to the EPCOT performances, New Found Glory decided to cancel a scheduled appearance at the Aftershock Festival, allowing them space to process their grief. The cancellation underscored the significant loss felt by the band and their commitment to honouring Gilbert’s legacy. “Because of how much he wanted to play these shows, taking the stage at EPCOT feels like the right way to honour him,” they explained.
The upcoming EPCOT concerts will feature six distinct performances, showcasing fan-favourites such as “Something I Call Personality,” “All About Her,” “Dressed to Kill,” and others. Every note played and lyric sung will serve as a tribute to Gilbert, reinforcing the bond between the bandmates and their audience.
Gilbert’s struggle with cancer began in 2021, and he had only recently returned to performing after undergoing emergency brain surgery three months prior to his death. His bandmates, along with Cimorelli, shared the news of his passing on social media, marking a moment of sorrow for his loved ones and fans alike. They reflected on the swift nature of his decline while also expressing gratitude for the peaceful manner of his farewell.
The dramatic presence of friends and family at the hospital during his final moments illustrated the deep love and admiration for Gilbert. “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,” they noted in their tribute.
In a candid interview earlier this year, Gilbert spoke about his life and career, revealing that his greatest joy was his family. He expressed his desire to create music that motivated and inspired everyday people—those who could relate to his experiences. “What’s crazy is through this journey, to this part of my life … as painful as it is, I’m able to inspire people who are going through really tough things in their lives,” he said.
Gilbert’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through the music he created with New Found Glory and the countless lives he touched throughout his career. As fans and fellow musicians prepare to celebrate his life at the upcoming EPCOT shows, it is clear that Chad Gilbert will be remembered not only for his musical contributions but also for the love he brought into the lives of those around him. The band’s heartfelt tribute and commitment to honouring his memory reflect the enduring impact that he will forever have on their fans and the music industry at large.