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Chad Gilbert, guitarist for punk rock band New Found Glory, has shared a health update after undergoing brain surgery to remove three tumors.
Gilbert, 45, revealed Monday in an Instagram post that he was hospitalized last month after he suddenly lost 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,” he 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 tumors had appeared in my brain.”
The guitarist and vocalist said he has been recovering in the hospital since his successful brain surgery February 27.
“I regained function of my left hand immediately,” he said. “My radiation oncologist described it like this: ‘this is not a fatal blow and not the end of your story, just the beginning of a new chapter.’”
Chad Gilbert has played in New Found Glory since the rock band formed in 1997 (Getty Images)
Gilbert continued: “My recovery has been bumpy at times but I’m feeling much better now and getting stronger by the day.”
He went on to thank those who have supported his family — including his wife, Lisa Cimorelli, and their four-year-old daughter — during his recovery, saying: “Can’t use my phone much yet and have a lot of messages to catch up on.”
The musician concluded his update by promising, “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.”
Chad Gilbert, middle, with fellow punk rock musicians Hayley Williams and Pete Wentz in 2009 (Getty Images)
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Gilbert, who has been the lead guitarist in New Found Glory since the band formed in 1997, revealed in 2021 that he had been diagnosed with a rare form of adrenal gland cancer. His metastatic pheochromocytoma went on to spread to his spine and lungs which led him to undergo intense chemotherapy. He announced in August 2025 that he had resumed radiation treatments after doctors found a cancerous spot in his back.
Messages showing support for Gilbert — who was previously married to Eisley rocker Sherri Dupree in 2007 and Paramore star Hayley Williams from 2016 to 2017 — poured in under the update, which was shared as a collaborative post with his wife.
Singer Cassadee Pope commented on the post, “You’re a warrior. Sending healing and love your way.” Emo band Dashboard Confessional simply wrote: “I love you bud.” Singer LOLO added, “strongest guy i know. love u.”