Culture 4 min read By Trevor Kendall
New Found Glory Honor Late Guitarist Chad Gilbert at EPCOT Show
New Found Glory paid tribute to founding guitarist Chad Gilbert during a performance at Walt Disney World's EPCOT in Orlando, Florida, on Monday, September 28th, just one week after his death from cancer.
New Found Glory honored their late guitarist Chad Gilbert during a performance at Walt Disney World's EPCOT in Orlando, Florida, on Monday, September 28th. The tribute came just one week after the founding band member passed away following a battle with cancer.
The pop-punk band had already been booked to perform at the theme park's annual EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival concert series. Rather than cancel, the group used the appearance to celebrate Gilbert's life and legacy, turning a scheduled set into a public farewell for a musician who helped define the sound of a generation.
Gilbert was a founding member of New Found Glory, which formed in Coral Springs, Florida, in 1997. Alongside vocalist Jordan Pundik, bassist Ian Grushka, and drummer Cyrus Bolooki, Gilbert helped shape the band's energetic pop-punk style. Their 1999 debut album, «Nothing Gold Can Stay», and 2000's self-titled record became touchstones for the genre, while 2002's «Sticks and Stones» brought mainstream success with singles like «My Friends Over You».
Over more than two decades, Gilbert remained a central creative force in the band, contributing guitar work and songwriting across albums including «Catalyst», «Coming Home», «Not Without a Fight», and «Resurrection». He also pursued production work, collaborating with acts such as A Day to Remember and Set Your Goals, and was known for his outspoken presence in the pop-punk community.
His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow musicians, fans, and industry figures. The EPCOT performance marked the band's first public appearance since his passing, and attendees described an emotional atmosphere as the group played through its catalog while acknowledging the loss.
The decision to proceed with the EPCOT show reflected the band's commitment to its fans and to the music Gilbert helped create. The concert series, part of the park's Food & Wine Festival, draws visitors from across the country and typically features a rotating lineup of popular acts. New Found Glory's set had been scheduled well in advance, and the band chose to honor that commitment while paying respects to their fallen bandmate.
Gilbert's influence extended beyond New Found Glory. He was a prominent figure in the early 2000s pop-punk and emo scene, and his work helped bridge the gap between underground punk and mainstream rock. His production credits and guest appearances on records by other artists further cemented his reputation as a supportive and collaborative presence in the scene.
For fans, the EPCOT tribute served as a gathering point for collective mourning. Social media filled with memories of Gilbert's performances, his stage presence, and the personal connections listeners felt to the band's songs. The show became not only a concert but a shared moment of remembrance.
New Found Glory has not announced plans for future performances or the band's next steps. For now, the EPCOT show stands as a testament to Gilbert's enduring impact on the band and its audience, a final onstage tribute from the group he co-founded.
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