New Found Glory delivered two nights of deeply emotional performances at EPCOT, marking the band’s first shows since the passing of founding guitarist Chad Gilbert. The concerts took place on September 28 and 29 at the America Gardens Theatre as part of the 2026 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. The band dedicated every single performance to Gilbert, who had been looking forward to these events and was even helping to create the setlists. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, the band expressed their gratitude to fans and the Disney team, stating these were the most emotional shows they have ever played. Chad Gilbert died peacefully on September 20, 2026, at the age of 45, and is survived by his wife Lisa, daughter Lily, mother Jackie, and brother Brian. Although the band initially canceled an upcoming festival appearance to allow time for grieving, they decided to keep the EPCOT dates as a tribute to their late bandmate. During the shows, fans held signs reading Chadball Forever and the band played a mix of fan favorites and Disney covers, including Let It Go and Part of Your World. The performances were a touching celebration of Gilbert’s legacy, who was a legendary musician and a devoted husband and father. His spirit, according to his bandmates, will be felt on every stage they stand on with every note they play.
Key Points:
- New Found Glory performed two emotional shows at EPCOT on September 28 and 29, 2026.
- The concerts were part of the Eat to the Beat Concert Series at the 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival.
- Founding guitarist Chad Gilbert died on September 20, 2026, at the age of 45.
- The band canceled an upcoming festival appearance to grieve but kept the EPCOT dates.
- Gilbert had helped create the setlists and was planning to perform at the EPCOT shows.
- The band played three sets each night, with every set labeled in honor of Chadball.
- Fans held Chadball Forever signs and tributes appeared on screens at America Gardens Theatre.
- Gilbert was a legendary pop-punk musician who co-founded New Found Glory in 1997.
- The band includes Disney covers such as Let It Go and Part of Your World in their setlists.
- Gilbert is survived by his wife Lisa, daughter Lily, mother Jackie, and brother Brian.