Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus has paid tribute to New Found Glory guitarist and founding member Chad Gilbert, who died aged 45 after battling brain cancer. Hoppus described Gilbert as a “little brother” whose infectious enthusiasm, resilience and love of music shaped their friendship and influenced Blink-182’s relationship with New Found Glory.

The pair met through Gilbert’s regular attendance at Blink-182 shows in Florida and later toured together, including during Blink’s Take Off Your Pants and Jacket era. Hoppus helped champion New Found Glory, worked on their 2009 album Not Without a Fight, and supported Gilbert through years of cancer treatments, during which Gilbert remained remarkably positive despite repeated setbacks.