Hayley Williams Pays Tribute to Chad Gilbert

Hayley Williams paid tribute to former husband Chad Gilbert on September 23, praising the New Found Glory guitarist’s influence on the hardcore community and the music they shared. Gilbert died September 20 at age 45, according to an announcement from New Found Glory and his wife, Lisa Cimorelli. The announcement said he died peacefully surrounded by family and friends but did not specify a cause of death. In a message posted to her Instagram Story, Williams said she had not known what to say or whether it was appropriate to comment. She wrote that her connection with Gilbert introduced her to people who continued to shape her life, as well as music and culture that enriched it. Williams also credited his influence and commitment to building community with helping move the genre forward, and expressed gratitude for the understanding of hardcore culture she gained through him. She concluded by sending love and sympathy to Gilbert’s family, his New Found Glory bandmates and his friends. Her tribute focused on his musical and community influence, without discussing the circumstances of their relationship or separation.