New Found Glory to Play Upcoming EPCOT Shows in Tribute to Late Bandmember
After canceling upcoming performances following the death of lead guitarist Chad Gilbert, New Found Glory has decided to play their upcoming Eat to the Beat shows at EPCOT in tribute to their late bandmate.
Gilbert passed away on September 20, six months after he revealed that he was battling brain cancer.
Photo: NBC News
Doctors initially diagnosed him with liver cancer in 2021.
“Through more than a dozen albums, endless tours around the world, and more accolades than we ever could have imagined, Chad challenged all of us to grow as musicians, performers, and human beings,” his bandmates wrote in a statement announcing his death.
Photo: New Found Glory
“His influence will always be part of New Found Glory and his spirit will be felt on every stage we stand on, with every note we play.”
Gilbert Was a Massive Disney Fan
In addition to being the lead guitarist and primary songwriter for New Found Glory, Chad Gilbert was a massive Disney fan.
Photo: Rolling Stone
According to the band, Gilbert was planning on performing during the band’s Eat to the Beat shows next week and was “practicing as much as possible to be ready.”
“Anyone who knew Chad knew that he was a massive Disney fan. 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 explained.
A Fitting Tribute
Knowing how much Gilbert loved Disney, New Found Glory has decided to go ahead with the EPCOT shows in tribute to their late bandmate.
Photo: New Found Glory
“Because of how much he wanted to play these shows, taking the stage at Epcot feels like the right way to honor him, and what he would want us to do. Our plan from the beginning with him was to announce our Epcot sets ahead of time, so we feel it’s only appropriate to share them with you now as we prepare to play in his memory,” they explained.
Photo: New Found Glory
“Every note we play and every word you sing at Epcot is for Chad. Thank you all for wrapping us in so much love, understanding, and support as we come together to honor his legacy.”
Read New Found Glory’s Post
You can read New Found Glory’s full post and see their planned setlists below.
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