Chad Gilbert, guitarist for the punk rock band New Found Glory, has provided an update on his health after undergoing brain surgery to remove three tumours. The 45-year-old musician revealed in an Instagram post on Monday that he was hospitalised last month after suddenly losing control of his arms and legs.
“On February 20th, I played a show in Nashville and was struggling to control the movements of my left hand,” Gilbert wrote. “My left leg was getting weaker by the day and I started stumbling and falling at times. On the 23rd I was taken to the ER where a CT scan showed 3 new tumours had appeared in my brain.” He underwent successful surgery on February 27 and has been recovering in hospital since.
Gilbert reported that he regained function of his left hand immediately after the operation. His radiation oncologist told him: “This is not a fatal blow and not the end of your story, just the beginning of a new chapter.” Gilbert acknowledged that his recovery has been “bumpy at times” but said he is “feeling much better now and getting stronger by the day.”
The guitarist expressed gratitude for the support shown to his family, including his wife Lisa Cimorelli and their four-year-old daughter. He noted that he cannot use his phone much yet but promised: “More stories to come when my brain is working well again. Love you all and am looking forward to sharing more music and fun with you as we come out of this.”
Gilbert, who has been the lead guitarist for New Found Glory since the band formed in 1997, was diagnosed with a rare form of adrenal gland cancer in 2021. His metastatic pheochromocytoma later spread to his spine and lungs, requiring intense chemotherapy. In August 2025, he announced that he had resumed radiation treatments after doctors found a cancerous spot in his back.
Messages of support poured in from fellow musicians. Singer Cassadee Pope commented: “You’re a warrior. Sending healing and love your way.” Dashboard Confessional wrote: “I love you bud,” and singer LOLO added: “strongest guy i know. love u.”
