Jeffrey Foskett has died at the age of 67.
The Beach Boys musician died on Monday, following a diagnosis of anaplastic thyroid cancer.
The sad news was confirmed by the band’s co-founder, Brian Wilson, in a heartbreaking tribute.
‘I’m so heartbroken that my dear friend Jeff Foskett has passed,’ he shared on Instagram, beside a throwback snap. ‘Jeff was always there for me when we toured and we couldn’t have done it without him.
‘Jeff was one of the most talented guys I ever knew. He was a great musical leader and guitarist and he could sing like an angel.’
‘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,’ Wilson added.
‘I don’t know what else to say. Love and Mercy to Jeff’s family and friends, we will remember him forever.
John Stamos shared a lengthy tribute to Foskett on Instagram, posting a string of photos from their friendship.
‘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 penned. ‘This morning, when I got the news, uncontrollable tears streamed down my face, a physical manifestation of the heartache within.
‘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.
‘He was a vibrant force, a radiant soul whose laughter and wisdom touched everyone he met. He was an older brother in spirit, guiding, lifting, and loving me, sometimes more than I thought I deserved.’
‘Jeff taught me that love is a beautiful and necessary part of our lives, but it comes with a cost – the unbearable pain of loss,’ he continued. ‘It’s the kind of pain that can make us question whether we should ever allow ourselves to love so deeply, so completely.
‘Should we keep our walls up and shield our hearts from the world in an attempt to avoid the sharp, immense sorrow that follows when we say goodbye to someone we hold dear?
‘But then, as I reflect on Jeff’s remarkable life and the profound impact he had on mine, I realize that this pain is the price we pay for the privilege of knowing and loving someone like him. Yes, the pain is excruciating and cuts deep into our souls, but it is a testament to the depth of our connection.
‘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.’
Foskett first stepped into the spotlight in the 70s, and went on to form two separate bands – Reverie and the Pranks.
He became a fan of the Beach Boys and happened to knock on Wilson’s door in LA in 1976, with the pair quickly becoming friends.
‘Brian opened the door and said “Hey, come on in” – like he’d been expecting us!”,’ he told the LA Times of their first meeting. ‘I said, “Great!”
‘We hung around and went to the music room … He said, “Stay in touch.” And I did – and I’m glad that I did.’
Despite their budding friendship, it was Mike Love who first hired Foskett to perform with the group, and he initially filled in for bandmate Carl Wilson, before bowing out in 1990.
He then went on to pursue a solo career before reuniting with his former bandmembers – and remained until 2019, when he confirmed that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 anaplastic thyroid cancer.
In March of this year, he shared a video as he rang the bell, after completing his second round of radiation.
‘Today I celebrate four years at MD Anderson Cancer Center. The BEST four years of my life,’ he captioned the footage.
‘There are no words that can adequately describe how grateful I am to God and the excellent staff at MD A. Everyone from the valet parking attendants to the nurses to my two main dr’s., Naifa Busaidy and Mark Zafereo (and my trial leader Maria Cabanillas). These people have given me what no one else on earth could have … LIFE.
‘I rang The Bell on Friday 03 MAR after completing my second round of Radiation. Some of the past four years has been trying (I guess that’s why it’s called a clinical trial). It tries your body, mind and spirit but it has left me THRIVING and most importantly able to meet my grandson Domenic.
He concluded: ‘I don’t often post on social but I thought this milestone was significant. Thank you to all of you for your prayers. They work! I am living proof. I am one of God’s walking miracles. God bless you all and God bless MD Anderson.’
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their , or for more information.
