Key Highlights
- Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams has publicly honored her former husband, New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert, following his death at age 45.
- Gilbert passed away after a battle with cancer, with Williams sharing her tribute three days after his death was announced.
- The musicians were married for nearly two years before divorcing in 2017, though they remained connected through their shared history in the alternative rock scene.
Williams Reflects on Shared History With Gilbert
Hayley Williams, the Grammy-nominated vocalist and primary lyricist of Paramore, broke her silence this week to commemorate the life of Chad Gilbert, the longtime lead guitarist and backing vocalist for pop-punk veterans New Found Glory. Gilbert’s death at 45, confirmed earlier this week by his bandmates and family, followed a private struggle with cancer. Williams’ statement arrives as the broader music community continues to process the loss of a pivotal figure in the early-2000s emo and pop-punk movements.
A Connection Forged in the Alternative Scene
The relationship between Williams and Gilbert was long intertwined with the trajectory of their respective bands. Paramore and New Found Glory frequently shared stages, festival bills, and label affiliations during the height of the genre’s commercial peak. The pair married in 2016, a union that drew significant attention from fans who had followed both acts for over a decade. Although the marriage ended in divorce the following year, both artists spoke publicly at the time about maintaining mutual respect and a lasting creative bond.
Tribute Highlights Enduring Respect
In her public remarks, Williams emphasized the formative impact Gilbert had on her life and career, referencing their years of collaboration and friendship that predated their romantic involvement. She acknowledged the complexity of their history while underscoring the deep admiration she retained for his musicianship and character. The tribute aligns with an outpouring of grief from peers across the rock spectrum, including members of Jimmy Eat World, Fall Out Boy, and Simple Plan, all of whom cited Gilbert’s influence as a songwriter and guitarist.
Why This Matters
Chad Gilbert’s passing represents a significant loss for the pop-punk and alternative rock communities that defined a generation of mainstream rock radio and Warped Tour culture. As a founding member of New Found Glory, he co-authored anthems such as “My Friends Over You” and “All Downhill from Here,” songs that remain staples of the genre. His work as a producer for bands like A Day to Remember and H2O further extended his sonic footprint. Williams’ tribute underscores the tightly knit nature of this musical ecosystem, where personal and professional lineages often blur. The moment also reignites conversations about the health challenges facing touring musicians, particularly as artists from the early-2000s wave enter their mid-40s.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long were Hayley Williams and Chad Gilbert married?
- Williams and Gilbert were married for approximately one year, tying the knot in February 2016 and finalizing their divorce in 2017.
- What was Chad Gilbert’s cause of death?
- Chad Gilbert died at age 45 following a battle with cancer, according to announcements from New Found Glory and his family.
- Did Hayley Williams and Chad Gilbert collaborate musically?
- Yes. Beyond touring together extensively with Paramore and New Found Glory, Gilbert contributed production work to Paramore’s 2017 album *After Laughter*, and the two shared songwriting credits on select projects during their relationship.