New Found Glory Honor Chad Gilbert with EPCOT Shows
New Found Glory canceled their Aftershock Festival appearance to honor late guitarist Chad Gilbert, who died of cancer. The band will perform at EPCOT in Walt Disney World Resort, a venue Gilbert loved, and will share a setlist of fan favorites. The shows aim to celebrate Gilbert’s legacy and provi…
By Felo News Desk · Published
New Found Glory, the pop‑punk trio known for hits like “My Friends Over You,” has pulled its scheduled performance at the Aftershock Festival in Sacramento. The decision follows the death of founding member and lead guitarist Chad Gilbert, who succumbed to cancer in September. Instead of the festival, the band will play a series of shows at EPCOT in Walt Disney World Resort, a location that held special meaning for Gilbert, a self‑described “massive Disney fan.”
Chad Gilbert: A Legacy of Music and Passion
Chad Gilbert co‑founded New Found Glory in 1997 with Jordan Pundik, Ian Grushka and Stephen Klein. By the time he was 17, he had already begun writing the melodic hooks that would become the backbone of the band’s sound. Over more than a decade, Gilbert penned many of the group’s most beloved tracks, including “My Friends Over You,” “Head on Collision,” and the 2007 single “The Take Over, the Breaks Over.” His songwriting, guitar work and stage presence helped propel New Found Glory to international acclaim, earning them a dedicated fanbase and a place in the pop‑punk canon.
In addition to his work with the band, Gilbert contributed guest vocals to Fall Out Boy’s 2003 track “A Little Less Conversation” and added guitar riffs to the band’s 2007 hit “The Take Over, the Breaks Over.” His influence extended beyond New Found Glory, shaping the sound of early‑2000s pop‑punk and inspiring countless musicians.
From Diagnosis to Farewell
Gilbert’s health battles began in 2021 when he was diagnosed with liver cancer. In the months that followed, he fought the disease with determination, eventually revealing in September that he was battling brain cancer. Six months after the diagnosis, his wife Lisa Cimorelli announced his passing on September 20. The band’s announcement highlighted the profound impact Gilbert had on their music, touring, and personal growth.
In a heartfelt statement, the band described Gilbert as a “musician, performer, and human being” who pushed everyone to grow. They noted that his influence would remain present in every song they play and every stage they occupy.
Choosing EPCOT as a Tribute
Chad Gilbert was an avid Disney enthusiast, and the band’s decision to perform at EPCOT reflects his enthusiasm for the theme park’s futuristic and cultural attractions. The shows were scheduled for the first week of October, a time when the park’s “Spaceship Earth” and “World Showcase” were in full swing. Gilbert had been actively involved in planning the setlist and rehearsing for these performances, ensuring that the shows would be a true reflection of his vision.
New Found Glory’s social‑media statement emphasized the emotional weight of the decision: “To give ourselves time to process and grieve, we have made the decision to cancel our upcoming appearance at Aftershock Festival. We rarely cancel shows but this felt needed.” They added that the EPCOT shows “feel like the right way to honor him, and what he would want us to do.”
Setlist and Fan Experience
The band released a tentative setlist that includes fan favorites such as “My Friends Over You,” “Dressed to Kill,” “Hit and Miss,” and “Head on Collision.” The setlist also features songs that showcase Gilbert’s songwriting prowess and the band’s signature high‑energy sound.
Fans attending the EPCOT shows will be invited to sing along and share memories of Gilbert. The band expressed gratitude for the support received from the fan community, noting that “every note we play and every word you sing at EPCOT is for Chad.”
What Happens Next?
New Found Glory will perform at EPCOT on October 1 and 2, with tickets available through the Walt Disney World Resort’s official website. The band has not announced any additional post‑EPCOT shows, but they remain open to future performances that honor Gilbert’s memory.
As the band continues to grieve, the EPCOT shows serve as both a tribute and a therapeutic outlet for the members and their fans. The performances aim to keep Gilbert’s spirit alive on stage and in the hearts of those who loved his music.
Why This Matters
The decision highlights how artists can use their platforms to honor loved ones and create meaningful experiences for fans. It also underscores the deep connection between music, personal passions, and community support during times of loss.
Key facts
- New Found Glory canceled Aftershock Festival to honor late guitarist Chad Gilbert
- Band will perform at EPCOT, a venue Gilbert loved
- Setlist features fan favorites and Gilbert’s songwriting
- Gilbert died after battling liver and brain cancer
- Shows aim to celebrate Gilbert’s legacy and provide closure
Why it matters
The tribute shows demonstrate how musicians can honor a lost member by aligning performances with their passions, offering fans a shared space for remembrance and celebration.
Frequently asked questions
When will the EPCOT shows take place?
The shows are scheduled for October 1 and 2.
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets are available through the Walt Disney World Resort’s official website.
Will the band perform at other venues after EPCOT?
No official announcements have been made regarding future shows.
How did Chad Gilbert die?
He passed away from complications related to liver and brain cancer.
What was Chad Gilbert’s role in New Found Glory?
He was the founding guitarist, primary songwriter, and a key creative force behind the band’s sound.
Sources
- [1] rollingstone.com — originally reported as “New Found Glory Announce EPCOT Shows in Honor of 'Massive Disney Fan' Chad Gilbert”
