Longtime member of the Beach Boys, Jeff Foskett, has passed away at the age of 67.
Known as one of the guitarists and falsetto vocalists, he was a studio and touring musician of the band since the early 80s. When he first joined, he also played in the Brian Wilson Band.
Recently, he joined the band on their 50th Anniversay Tour in 2012, touring with Mike Love until he was diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer in 2019.
Earlier this year, he posted to Instagram to share he had been in treatment for four years.
Career wise, he has also released solo music, and recorded and toured with names including Paul McCartney, Barry Manilow, and Eric Clapton.
His death was confirmed on Instagram by Brian Wilson, who called him a “dear friend,” sharing he was “heartbroken” by the loss.
“I first met Jeff in 1976 when he knocked on my door in Bel Air and I invited him in, and we were friends ever since. I don’t know what else to say. Love and Mercy to Jeff’s family and friends, we will remember him forever.”
Mike Love and wife Jacquelyne also paid tribute. They shared a range of photos from recent years, and wrote that a member of the "great big family" had died.
“Jeff was and remains so very special and loved by so many. Jeff’s sense of humor, talent, charm and genuine heart of gold did not go unnoticed by anyone who crossed his path. He was called ‘The Voice’ for good reason, he could harmonize with the best, and he did! Listen to tonight’s stillness, as I am certain there is a very big heavenly party with ‘The Voice’ singing lead.”
John Stamos, who has occasionally performed with The Beach Boys since 1985, shared a tribute in his memory, as well. He shared two photos from over the years.
“Today, I lost more than a friend; I lost a part of my soul, my history - Jeffrey Foskett, my dearest friend, brother, and the brightest light in my life, has left this world."
He shared that his 5-year-old son helped him grieve, and then proceeded to sing praises of Jeff's sense of humour and spirit, reflecting on the "profound impact" he had on his life.
“Jeff was more than just a friend; he was the one who brought the harmonies of The Beach Boys into my life, and with them, a spectrum of color and joy I never dreamed would be part of my life.”
“Yet, when I think of the 40 years we shared – the uproarious laughter, the music that we believed changed lives, and the unshakable bond of brotherhood – I can't help but feel grateful. Grateful for every moment, every note, every piece of wisdom he shared with me.”
The third surviving founding member of the band, Jardine reflected on the loss as well, sharing he "always kept in touch with [the band], no matter which Beach Boys hat he was wearing."
Jeff's family also shared a statement to thank fans and friends for the “outpouring of love and support."
“We love reading about every show, every tour memory, and every laugh he provided to the world. We are deeply touched knowing Jeff has played such a pivotal role in so many of your lives, as he did ours."
After his cancer diagnosis, and upon the release of what became his final album 'Voices,' he opened up about his career, going from "the biggest Beach Boys fan" to playing with them.
He shared that playing on the 50th Reunion Tour in 2012 was a career highlight.
“We did 75 or so shows with that, and I’d never had more fun in my whole life than doing that tour. That was the most fun tour I’d ever been on, and I’ve been on a lot of tours.”
“God’s been really great to me."
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