New Found Glory Guitarist Chad Gilbert Battles New Brain Tumors, Undergoes Successful Surgery

Pop-punk veteran, 45, reveals latest health scare after losing control of hand and leg during Nashville show

By Music & Health Desk | March 25, 2026

In a candid and courageous social media update, Chad Gilbert, guitarist and vocalist for beloved pop-punk band New Found Glory, has shared details of his latest fight against cancer. The 45-year-old musician revealed he underwent successful brain surgery last month after three new tumors were discovered in his brain following alarming symptoms that appeared while he was performing on stage.

Gilbert was onstage in Nashville, Tennessee, on February 20 when he first noticed something was wrong. “I was struggling to control the movements of my left hand,” he wrote in an Instagram post shared on March 23. His left leg quickly grew weaker over the following days, causing him to stumble and fall at times. Concerned, he sought medical help on February 23 and was taken to the emergency room, where a CT scan revealed three new tumors in his brain.

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New Found Glory’s Chad Gilbert Reveals Brain Tumor Surgery

Chad Gilbert of New Found Glory delivering high-energy performance on stage, characteristic of the band’s energetic live shows.

Just four days later, on February 27, Gilbert underwent brain surgery. He confirmed the procedure was a success and said he has been recovering in the hospital ever since. In a positive note, he added, “I regained function of my left hand immediately.”

Gilbert’s update included several photos from his hospital stay, showing him in a hospital bed making a peace sign and resting. He quoted his radiation oncologist, who described the situation optimistically: “This is not a fatal blow and not the end of your story, just the beginning of a new chapter.” Gilbert echoed that sentiment, writing that his “recovery has been bumpy at times but I’m feeling much better now and getting stronger by the day.”

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Chad Gilbert recovering in hospital after successful brain surgery to remove three tumors. He shared these images alongside his health update.

This latest health battle is part of an ongoing journey for Gilbert, who was first diagnosed with a rare form of cancer — metastatic pheochromocytoma, a neuroendocrine tumor affecting the adrenal gland — in December 2021. He was found unresponsive at his home and rushed to hospital, where doctors discovered a malignant tumor. After emergency surgery to remove the mass and part of his liver, he was initially declared cancer-free.

The cancer returned in 2022, appearing in his spine and later spreading to his lungs and back. Gilbert underwent intense chemotherapy and additional surgeries, including radiation treatments. In 2025, he faced yet another tumor in his spine and small nodules in his lungs, requiring further intervention. Despite these challenges, he has remained active with New Found Glory, continuing to tour and record while sharing honest updates with fans.

New Found Glory, formed in 1997 in Coral Springs, Florida, rose to fame in the early 2000s with hits like “My Friends Over You,” “Hit or Miss,” and “All Downhill From Here.” Known for their high-energy live performances and heartfelt lyrics, the band has maintained a dedicated fanbase for nearly three decades. Gilbert’s bandmates and the wider pop-punk community have rallied around him during his health struggles.

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New Found Glorys Chad Gilbert Undergoes Cancer Surgery

A portrait of Chad Gilbert, the talented guitarist and singer who has been a driving force in New Found Glory.

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New Found Glory – Live In London 2017

New Found Glory performing live for enthusiastic fans, with Chad Gilbert on the right powering through on guitar.

Fans have flooded social media with messages of support, using hashtags and sharing memories of the band’s shows. Many expressed relief at the successful surgery and admiration for Gilbert’s resilience and positive outlook amid repeated health setbacks.

Gilbert has often spoken about how his cancer journey has changed his perspective on life, emphasizing gratitude, faith, and making the most of every moment. In previous updates, he has encouraged others facing illness to find joy in small things and lean on loved ones. He is married to Lisa Cimorelli and is a father, often highlighting family as a source of strength.

As Gilbert continues his recovery, the pop-punk icon remains hopeful. His message to fans carries a message of perseverance: this is simply the start of a new chapter, not the end of his story.

The music world watches with support as one of its most enduring figures faces another round in his battle. New Found Glory’s legacy of resilience both on and off stage continues to inspire.

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Gilbert’s determination to keep performing and sharing his story has endeared him further to fans. While the road ahead may include additional treatment, his immediate recovery from surgery offers a hopeful sign. The band has not yet announced specific tour plans, but supporters remain optimistic that Chad Gilbert will soon be back rocking stages with the same passion that has defined New Found Glory for decades.