Hayley Williams Pays Tribute To Ex-Husband Chad Gilbert
Paramore's Hayley Williams has posted a tribute to her ex-husband, New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert, following his death from brain cancer.
Chad Gilbert, the founding guitarist of New Found Glory and vocalist for Shai Hulud, has died from complications related to brain cancer. His ex-wife, Hayley Williams of Paramore, shared a written tribute to him on her Instagram story.
Williams stated she was unsure what to say but felt compelled to speak. She described Gilbert as a legend in the music scene who significantly influenced her life.
"Chad is indeed a legend in the scene and my time connected to him taught me a lot," Williams wrote. She credited him with introducing her to people, music, and culture that enriched her life.
She acknowledged his substantial contribution to the musical world they grew up in, noting his influence and attitude helped guide the genre forward. Williams said his passion for fostering community was inspiring and that she gained a deeper understanding of hardcore culture from him. She concluded by sending love to his family, his New Found Glory bandmates, and his friends.
Career and Personal History
Gilbert and Williams were both prominent figures in the Warped Tour punk and emo scene during the MySpace era. The pair began dating in 2007, married in 2016, and divorced in 2017.
New Found Glory's Response
In the wake of Gilbert's death, his band New Found Glory canceled their scheduled performance at the Aftershock Festival in Sacramento on October 1. The band stated the cancellation was necessary to give themselves time to process and grieve, a rare move for the group.
However, the band has announced they will proceed with six previously unannounced sets at Walt Disney World's Epcot next week. In a statement, the band explained this decision was a direct tribute to Gilbert, who was a massive Disney fan.
"Anyone who knew Chad knew that he was a massive Disney fan," the band wrote. Our shows at Epcot were dates he was so excited for and he was actively planning to be on stage with us there.
The band revealed Gilbert had already worked on the setlists and was practicing to be ready for the performances. They felt playing the Epcot shows was the right way to honor him and what he would have wanted. The band plans to dedicate every note and lyric to his memory.
New Found Glory's statement thanked fans for their support and understanding as they prepare to honor Gilbert's legacy on stage.
