New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert made an emotional return to the stage for the first time since undergoing treatment for multiple cancer diagnoses, performing at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater on Monday (15.06.26).
The My Friends Over You musician, 45, was diagnosed with metastatic pheochromocytoma of the liver in 2021 and underwent surgery to remove the tumour. His condition later developed into adrenocortical carcinoma and spread to other parts of his body.
Earlier this year, Chad lost control of the left side of his body. Doctors discovered three new tumours in his brain, leading to surgery, radiation treatment and a lengthy hospital stay.
The evening was all the more emotional as his four-year-old daughter joined him onstage for her first ever New Found Glory concert.
Joining the pop‑punk band in his mobility scooter, the guitarist struggled to hold back tears as he addressed the crowd, which he admitted wouldn’t have been possible without the doctors and nurses who saved his life.
In footage obtained by the Daily Mail, he said: “I want to thank all of the nurses and doctors that have kept me alive for the past four years. I want to be here. My four-year-old daughter would not have seen me play tonight if it wasn’t for you, so thank you.”
Following the show, the Hit or Miss rocker shared photos from the night on Instagram, including an image of his daughter sitting on his lap.
Reflecting on the moment, he wrote: “Monday was such a special night. I got to play a show in front of my daughter, something I truly never thought I’d get to do again. And my beautiful wife and all the nurses and doctors, my amazing team that have kept me alive through my battle. It was very emotional getting up on stage with my band again to play. So many feelings all at once. Here are some photos from the show. If you were there I hope you had a great time. Love you all.”
Chad has undergone several surgeries in recent years.
He was declared cancer‑free in January 2022, after having “half a liver, a gallbladder and one adrenal gland” removed, but later revealed he required further surgery to remove a spinal tumour.
Updating fans at the time, he said: “Got out of surgery yesterday afternoon! Things went really well. They were able to remove almost all of it besides a microscopic amount of tumour that was in the bone… all news has been good so far for what the situation is and things have been going great!”
The guitarist, who referred to himself as “Robo‑Chad” during treatment, added: “I have two rods and five screws in my back and now have one less rib. But I’m stronger than ever. Robo-Chad is on a mission!”