Hayley Williams Remembers Chad Gilbert Following His Death

Writing on Instagram, Williams acknowledged the difficulty of finding the right words, noting that their shared history left a permanent mark on her trajectory. She described Gilbert as a legend whose influence guided the evolution of their genre. Beyond his professional contributions, she credited him with introducing her to people and cultural touchstones that continue to shape her worldview today. She expressed gratitude for the deeper reverence for hardcore music and community she gained through their time together.

Gilbert’s death was confirmed by his wife, Lisa Cimorelli, who shared that he passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family. New Found Glory issued a statement highlighting his three decades of work with the band, emphasizing his role as a songwriter and performer who challenged his peers to grow. The loss has drawn an outpouring of grief from the rock community, including tributes from Sleeping with Sirens vocalist Kellin Quinn and drummer Cyrus Bolooki, who celebrated Gilbert’s kindness and his enduring legacy in the music scene.