The global alternative music community suffered a profound loss on Sunday, September 20, when Chad Gilbert, founding member, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter of New Found Glory, passed away at the age of 45. His death followed a courageous, multi-year battle with cancer, having been first diagnosed with liver cancer in 2021, followed by a brain cancer diagnosis earlier in the year. Gilbert leaves behind an indelible legacy as one of the chief architects of the early 2000s pop-punk explosion.
- Understanding the Loss of Chad Gilbert and New Found Glory’s Decision
- Why EPCOT Holds Deep Significance for Chad Gilbert and the Band
- Concert Logistics: What to Know Before You Go to EPCOT
- Admission, Seating, and Dining Packages
- Detailed Breakdown of the Six Tribute Setlists
- Overview of Unique Setlist Highlights
- Chad Gilbert’s Monumental Impact on Pop-Punk and Alternative Music
- How Fans Can Honor Chad Gilbert at the EPCOT Shows
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Tribute Shows
- Why did New Found Glory cancel Aftershock Festival?
- Are the EPCOT concerts free with park admission?
- What songs will New Found Glory play at EPCOT?
In response to the tragedy, New Found Glory made the difficult choice to withdraw from their scheduled performance at the upcoming Aftershock Festival in Sacramento, California. Bands of this magnitude rarely cancel major festival appearances lightly, but the remaining members, Jordan Pundik, Ian Grushka, and Cyrus Bolooki, felt an immediate need to step away from the traditional touring circuit to process their grief alongside Gilbert’s wife, Lisa Cimorelli, and his family. Rather than retreating completely from the public eye, the band chose an alternative path that honors Gilbert’s deep passions.
Understanding the Loss of Chad Gilbert and New Found Glory’s Decision
They confirmed they will take the stage for six special performances at EPCOT in Walt Disney World Resort on September 28 and September 29. These concerts serve as a direct tribute to a musician who shaped modern rock music and dedicated his personal life to a deep love for Disney parks and culture. The decision to play Walt Disney World instead of standard festival grounds is rooted in Gilbert’s personal enthusiasm for the resort.
Known among friends and fans as an immense Disney aficionado, Gilbert was actively involved in planning these specific EPCOT concert dates before his passing. He worked collaboratively with his bandmates on the setlists, practicing his guitar parts as much as his health permitted to ensure he was ready for the performances. For the band, taking the stage at the America Gardens Theatre represents the most authentic way to honor his memory.
Why EPCOT Holds Deep Significance for Chad Gilbert and the Band
The group revealed that playing these dates aligns precisely with what Gilbert would have wanted them to do. The connection between New Found Glory and Disney extends beyond park fandom; the band recorded a celebrated pop-punk rendition of Part of Your World for Walt Disney Records’ 2024 covers compilation, A Whole New Sound, as well as a cover of Let It Go in 2019. Both tracks have become staples of their recent theme park appearances.
Fans traveling to Orlando to witness these historic memorial sets at the America Gardens Theatre need to understand the operational details of the venue to secure entry. These upcoming memorial performances take place during the 2026 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival as part of the popular Eat to the Beat Concert Series.
Concert Logistics: What to Know Before You Go to EPCOT
Performances take place on Monday, September 28, and Tuesday, September 29. The venue is located within The American Adventure pavilion at EPCOT. Three distinct sets run each night at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. on both days.
Shows are included with standard, valid EPCOT park admission and a theme park reservation where applicable. Seating operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the emotional weight and cultural significance of these shows, demand is expected to far exceed standard festival attendance.
Admission, Seating, and Dining Packages
Guests seeking guaranteed seating can utilize the Eat to the Beat Dining Package, pairing a meal at a participating EPCOT restaurant with reserved theater seating for that evening’s concerts. This package ensures stress-free access for fans traveling from out of town.
In keeping with transparency and a desire to celebrate Gilbert’s life with the fanbase, New Found Glory published all six unique setlists ahead of the shows. Gilbert helped curate these exact configurations, affectionately labeling them internally in honor of Chadball.
Detailed Breakdown of the Six Tribute Setlists
Across the six performances, the band will execute 26 distinct tracks, featuring 17 songs that appear only once across the entire two-night run. Sets 1 and 4 both feature the band’s energetic pop-punk cover of Disney’s Part of Your World.
Sets 2 and 6 incorporate the soaring anthem Let It Go, highlighting their affinity for modern Disney classics. Set 3 serves as the exclusive home for Head on Collision and features a special cover of Kiss Me.
Overview of Unique Setlist Highlights
Set 5 delivers a unique live rendition of King of Wishful Thinking. Set 6 reaches deep into the band’s 1999 debut album, Nothing Gold Can Stay, with a rare performance of It Never Snows in Florida.
The enduring anthem My Friends Over You will close out five of the six sets, providing a communal singalong moment for grieving fans. This closing tradition guarantees an emotionally charged atmosphere at every single show.
Chad Gilbert’s Monumental Impact on Pop-Punk and Alternative Music
To understand the weight of these EPCOT shows, one must examine Chad Gilbert’s foundational role in shaping the modern alternative music landscape. Alongside singer Jordan Pundik, bassist Ian Grushka, and guitarist Stephen Klein, Gilbert co-founded New Found Glory in Coral Springs, Florida, in 1997 when he was just 17 years old.
The band pioneered a distinct hybrid of fast melodic hardcore and infectious 1990s pop hooks, effectively laying down the blueprint for the entire early-aughts pop-punk movement. As the primary songwriter for the group, Gilbert penned generation-defining anthems such as My Friends Over You, Head on Collision, and Dressed to Kill.
His creative output extends far beyond New Found Glory. Under the moniker Shai Hulud, he helped shape metallic hardcore. , his production work, guitar contributions, and guest vocals impacted major acts across the genre, including Fall Out Boy, where he contributed memorable guitar riffs to tracks like The Take Over, the Breaks Over from their landmark album Infinity on High.
How Fans Can Honor Chad Gilbert at the EPCOT Shows
Attending these EPCOT performances requires a blend of celebration and emotional resilience within a deeply moving atmosphere at World Showcase. Arrive early to secure your spot in the standby line, as crowds will swell hours before showtimes.
Respect fellow fans, sing your heart out during the chorus of My Friends Over You, and remember to celebrate the incredible musical legacy Chad Gilbert left behind. His spirit lives on through every chord and every pop-punk melody.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tribute Shows
Why did New Found Glory cancel Aftershock Festival?
The band canceled their appearance in Sacramento to prioritize grieving and honoring Chad Gilbert alongside his family and crew after his tragic passing.
Are the EPCOT concerts free with park admission?
Yes, all six sets are included with standard valid EPCOT park admission, subject to theater capacity limits and first-come, first-served seating rules.
What songs will New Found Glory play at EPCOT?
The band will perform 26 distinct tracks across the two nights, curated by Gilbert himself, featuring fan favorites, deep cuts, and Disney covers.
