Rock Sound is sad to report that guitarist Chad Gilbert has passed away at the age of 45. Chad was a founding member of New Found Glory playing on all of the band's albums from 1999's 'Nothing Gold Can Stay' to this year's 'Listen Up!'. He also served as vocalist for seminal hardcore band Shai Hulud between 1995-1998 and 2012-2013, as well as serving as producer for A Day To Remember's 'Homesick', 'What Separates Me From You' and 'Common Courtesy', H2O's 'Nothing To Prove' and Fireworks' 'All I Have to Offer Is My Own Confusion'. For the last five years, Gilbert has been battling cancer, and, as shared by his wife, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of September 20. She adds, "He left this world surrounded by friends and family and took his final breaths with his wife and mother by his side, just as he wished. We are devastated and shocked by how quickly he left us, yet so grateful for how peacefully and smoothly he went. The amount of visitors that crowded the hospital lobby at a moment’s notice is a testament to how beloved and cherished Chad was, and always will be. He was a legendary musician, but his favorite accomplishment was being a husband and father. His biggest dreams came true. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, his daughter, Lily, his mother, Jackie, and his brother, Brian." His New Found Glory bandmates additionally paid tribute, sharing, "Chad’s guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades. Through more than a dozen albums, endless tours around the world, and more accolades than we ever could have imagined, Chad challenged all of us to grow as musicians, performers, and human beings. While we are devastated to lose him, we are so grateful for the incredible life he lived, the memories we shared, and the brotherhood we had. His influence will always be part of New Found Glory and his spirit will be felt on every stage we stand on, with every note we play." Our thoughts are with Chad’s family, friends and bandmates at this time.