New Found Glory guitarist and founding member Chad Gilbert has died aged 45, the band has announced.
Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of September 20, surrounded by friends and family, according to a statement shared by the band on Instagram.
“He left this world surrounded by friends and family and took his final breaths with his wife and mother by his side, just as he wished,” the band said.
New Found Glory said members were “devastated and shocked” by his death, while describing Gilbert’s guitar playing, songwriting, humour and “relentless drive” as central to the band’s three-decade existence.
Gilbert underwent surgery in March to remove three tumours from his brain. He had previously received treatment for metastatic pheochromocytoma, a rare adrenal gland cancer which had spread to his spine and lungs.
New Found Glory formed in 1997 and went on to release 14 studio albums. Their song My Friends Over You is often regarded as the band’s finest.
The band said Gilbert had died peacefully.
