On Sunday, Sept. 20, the world lost a punk-pop legend as Chad Gilbert passed away at the age of 45. Gilbert, a founding member and lead guitarist for New Found Glory, had been battling cancer for a number of years.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Now, as tributes begin to pour in, we've heard from Paramore's Haley Williams. She was married to Gilbert for two years of their 10-year relationship. Williams issued a heartfelt tribute to her ex-husband via social media.
"Have not known what to say or if it's appropriate," Williams, 37, wrote on her Instagram story. "But I feel sure now that I want to bc life is made of the paths we cross and the reasons we cross them are infinite."
Williams then continued by praising Gilbert and the impact he made on the pop-punk scene, labeling him a legend.
"Chad is indeed a legend in the scene, and my time connected to him taught me a lot. He introduced me to people who continue to shape my life in beautiful ways. And to music and culture that have made life a lot richer."
Williams also shared her gratitude for having Gilbert in her life and for the lessons she learned about the industry during their time together.
"There isn't much that hasn't already been said about what he contributed to the musical world a lot of us grew up in. His influence and attitude guided the genre forward. His passion for fostering the community was inspiring and sticks with me. I will forever be grateful that from him I gained a deeper understanding and a reverence for the community and the culture of hardcore."
New Found Glory Will Honor Chad Gilbert With a Show at Epcot
Gilbert's death undoubtedly hit New Found Glory hard. As such, they have canceled their upcoming show at Aftershock Festival. However, their upcoming date at Epcot is set to remain as scheduled. The band explained its decision to perform at Epcot as a way of honoring Gilbert in a recent social media post.
"Anyone who knew Chad knew that he was a massive Disney fan," New Found Glory wrote on X. "Our shows at Epcot were dates he was so excited for and he was actively planning to be on stage with us there. He had already worked on the setlists with us and was practicing as much as possible to be ready."
The group continued by noting that taking the stage at Epcot feels like the right way to honor their fallen band mate.
"Because of how much he wanted to play these shows, taking the stage at Epcot feels like the right way to honor him, and what he would want us to do."
Everyone has their own way of grieving. The same can be said for how they pay homage to lost loved ones. It's clear both Williams and New Found Glory are working through their emotions right now. Nevertheless, there's no right or wrong way to share your love for someone you've lost. Hopefully, for New Found Glory, their show at Epcot can provide some closure.
