Chad Gilbert, New Found Glory Guitarist and Backing Vocalist, Dies at 45

Chad Gilbert, a foundational guitarist and backing vocalist for the highly influential pop-punk band New Found Glory, has died at the age of 45. His passing was officially confirmed on September 20th through a joint statement released on social media by the band and Gilbert's wife, Lisa Cimorelli. The statement conveyed that Chad Everett Gilbert "passed away peacefully" on the morning of September 20th, though the specific cause of his death was not immediately detailed in the initial announcements. Gilbert was a pivotal architect of the pop-punk sound, co-founding New Found Glory in 1997 in Coral Springs, Florida. The band rapidly ascended to prominence throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, establishing themselves as a cornerstone of the genre with a consistent output of successful albums and electrifying live performances. Their extensive discography includes seminal works such as "Nothing Gold Can Stay" (1999), "Sticks and Stones" (2002), and "Catalyst" (2004), which collectively spawned enduring hit singles like "Hit or Miss," "My Friends Over You," and "All Downhill From Here." Gilbert's distinctive guitar riffs and his energetic vocal contributions were integral to the band's signature sound and widespread appeal, resonating deeply with a generation of fans. Beyond his significant contributions to New Found Glory, Gilbert was also publicly recognized for his previous marriage to Hayley Williams, the charismatic lead singer of the Grammy-winning band Paramore. Their relationship garnered considerable public interest, and Gilbert also lent his talents to some of Paramore's early musical endeavors. He also explored individual creative avenues through solo projects and various collaborations, further demonstrating his multifaceted musical talents and artistic range. The news of his death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from a wide spectrum of fellow musicians, devoted fans, and prominent industry figures, all of whom have expressed their profound grief and shared poignant memories of Gilbert's substantial impact on music and his indelible contributions to the pop-punk movement. His enduring legacy is firmly cemented within New Found Glory's extensive and celebrated catalog, as well as their lasting influence on subsequent generations of punk and alternative rock artists. The band's statement conveyed their deep sorrow and acknowledged the significant void left by his absence, underscoring his critical role in their band's history and his broader importance within the global music community.