New Found Glory Performs at EPCOT in Tribute to Late Bandmember
After canceling upcoming performances following the death of lead guitarist Chad Gilbert, New Found Glory has decided to move forward with its upcoming Eat to the Beat performances at EPCOT as a tribute to their late bandmate.
Gilbert passed away on September 20, six months after revealing that he was battling brain cancer.
Photo: New Found Glory
In addition to serving as New Found Glory’s lead guitarist and primary songwriter, Gilbert was also a massive Disney fan.
“He Was So Excited”
According to the band, Gilbert had planned to perform during New Found Glory’s Eat to the Beat shows next week and was “practicing as much as possible to be ready.”
Photo: New Found Glory
“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.
Knowing how much Gilbert loved Disney, New Found Glory has decided to move forward with the EPCOT performances in tribute to their late bandmate.
New Found Glory Takes the Stage
Against this backdrop, New Found Glory took the stage at EPCOT last night.
Photo: New Found Glory
With Gilbert’s custom Mickey Mouse guitar on stage, the band played sets that featured both their biggest hits and covers of Disney songs.
For fans in attendance, it was an emotional time.
Got to see New Found Glory at Epcot tonight. They had Chad’s Mickey guitar on display with white flowers. Never seen so much crying at Disney. pic.twitter.com/5x10JPAhBH
— Garrett (@GarrettArt) September 28, 2026
As always, be sure to check back with MickeyBlog. We will continue to update you on all of the news coming out of Walt Disney World.
Photo: MickeyBlog
Thanks for visiting MickeyBlog.com! Want to go to Disney? For a FREE quote on your next Disney vacation, please fill out the form below. One of the agents from MickeyTravels, an EarMarked By Disney – Authorized Travel Agency – Diamond Level, will be in touch soon!
