New Found Glory’s Chad Gilbert has never been one to back down from a challenge, whether it’s delivering high-energy pop-punk anthems or facing life’s toughest battles head-on. Over the past few years, the guitarist has been fighting a rare form of cancer known as pheochromocytoma—an aggressive tumor affecting his adrenal glands. Despite multiple surgeries, treatments, and setbacks, Gilbert has remained resilient, not just in his health journey but in his music as well.
Even while undergoing treatment, Gilbert has continued to write and create, channeling his experiences into New Found Glory’s upcoming music. His perseverance has been nothing short of inspiring, proving that passion and determination can thrive even in the face of adversity.
A Battle That Didn’t Break Him
Gilbert’s fight against cancer began in late 2021 when doctors discovered a life-threatening tumor on his adrenal gland. After an emergency surgery, he was declared cancer-free in early 2022—only to have the disease return later that year, this time in his spine. Another operation and ongoing treatments followed, but Gilbert never let it keep him down for long.
In true punk rock fashion, he turned his struggles into fuel. Instead of stepping away from music, Gilbert leaned into it, finding solace in songwriting. The result was Make The Most Of It, an acoustic-driven album released in early 2023 that chronicled his journey through illness with deeply personal lyrics.
Writing Through the Struggle
Now, as New Found Glory looks ahead to their next album, Gilbert remains at the heart of the creative process. In a recent Instagram video, he shared how he has been working on new material while receiving treatment, offering fans a glimpse into his dedication and love for music. Despite the physical and emotional toll, Gilbert’s passion for writing hasn’t wavered—if anything, it’s stronger than ever.
For someone who has spent decades inspiring listeners with pop-punk anthems, Gilbert’s story is a powerful reminder that music is more than just a career—it’s a lifeline. His ability to turn pain into purpose makes his next chapter with New Found Glory one of the most anticipated yet.
New Found Glory has always been a band that thrives on heart and honesty. With Gilbert’s strength at the forefront, their upcoming album is shaping up to be a testament to perseverance, proving once again why they’ve remained one of the most beloved names in the scene for over two decades.
Watch Chad Gilbert talk about writing new music while undergoing treatment in recent Instagram post below.
