Sad news that one time SHAI HULUD frontman and NEW FOUND GLORY guitarist Chad Gilbert has passed away after a four year long battle with cancer.
From New Found Glory...
On the morning of September 20th, Chad Everett Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep. 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. We are devastated and shocked by how quickly he left us, yet so grateful for how peacefully and smoothly he went. 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. He was a legendary musician, but his favorite accomplishment was being a husband and father. His biggest dreams came true. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, his daughter, Lily, his mother, Jackie, and his brother, Brian.
“Chad’s guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades. Through more than a dozen albums, endless tours around the world, and more accolades than we ever could have imagined, Chad challenged all of us to grow as musicians, performers, and human beings. While we are devastated to lose him, we are so grateful for the incredible life he lived, the memories we shared, and the brotherhood we had. His influence will always be part of New Found Glory and his spirit will be felt on every stage we stand on, with every note we play.”
Rest in peace, Chad. We love you forever
From Shai Hulud...
Based on his sheer power of will, an unstoppable positive mental attitude, and his lightheartedness and boundless optimism, we, perhaps quite naively, did not expect this day to come. More so, we just didn’t want it to.
A husband, a father, a son, a brother, a musician, an inspiration, and a dear friend, Chad Gilbert gave us all so many reasons to love him, and to never forget him. Our hearts go out to Chad’s wife and daughter, his family, longtime bandmates, scores of friends and legions of fans worldwide.
In the midst of deep sadness and tears, we find comfort in the countless memories we shared, the music we created together, and three decades of laughter and friendship.
However you knew him… Little Chad, Chadscatter, Chad Hulud, New Found Chad, or XChadballX, Chad Gilbert remains steadfastly in our hearts.
We love you, Chad Everett Gilbert. You will never be forgotten.
Rest easy, old friend.
“And I would trade 1000 lives for you. For one more moment in farewell.”
From Chris Wrenn (Bridge 9 Records)...
Chad Gilbert was a legend and an absolute sweetheart. We met at a Terror show in 2003 and again a year later in Australia when the tours we were on crossed paths. He was larger than life. He was kind, funny, and despite all he had accomplished, he was humble and always down to help lift others. He liked Bridge Nine and, for the next couple of decades, found dozens of ways for us to collaborate, doing more for my efforts than I could ever hope to do for his. Whether it was with New Found Glory, ISHC, his solo project with What’s Eating Gilbert, or his Violently Happy label…
Few people have gone out of their way for the cause as Chad did, and I am so incredibly grateful for his friendship and support. Thank you for everything. You fought so hard and with such grace. You deserved so much more. I’m so glad I hugged you when I saw you last month. My thoughts and love go out to Chad’s family and New Found Glory. Hug your friends. Fuck cancer. Chad Gilbert, RIP.