Renowned Beach Boys musician Jeffrey Foskett sadly passed away at the age of 67, following a valiant fight against anaplastic thyroid cancer. His passing leaves a profound void in the music world and in the hearts of those who knew him.
Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson expressed his deep sorrow on Instagram: “I’m so heartbroken that my dear friend Jeff Foskett has passed. Jeff was always there for me when we toured and we couldn’t have done it without him.” Wilson reminisced about Foskett’s immense talent and their longstanding friendship, “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 poignantly added, “I don’t know what else to say. Love and Mercy to Jeff’s family and friends, we will remember him forever.”
Al Jardine, another Beach Boys co-founder, along with his wife, Mary Ann, shared their heartfelt condolences. “Jeff always kept in touch with us, no matter which Beach Boys hat he was wearing. He was so talented on so many different levels but it was his wonderful sense of humor that kept him balanced and helped him navigate all the hard knocks you get in the music business.”
Jardine’s tribute highlighted Foskett’s indomitable spirit: “Jeff had a contagious positive spirit and never gave up hope. God bless his beautiful spirit and zest for life, we will really miss him and cherish all the great times we shared together.”
Known as the “vice principal of the Beach Boys” among band members, Foskett was unique in his ability to align with all factions of the sometimes-divided band, as noted by Variety. His tenure included time in Brian Wilson’s solo band from 1998 to 2014 and periods with Mike Love’s Beach Boys from 1981 to 1998 and again from 2015 until his cancer diagnosis in 2019.
Actor John Stamos, a close friend of Foskett, shared his grief on Instagram: “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.”
Stamos reflected on the impact Foskett 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.”
Foskett, who cherished his privacy, last posted on social media on March 4, celebrating life after four years of cancer treatment. He expressed gratitude for the care he received, “These people have given me what no one else on earth could have… LIFE,” and joy for being able to meet his grandson Domenic.
Jeffrey Foskett’s legacy as a musician and a beacon of hope and positivity will endure in the memories of those who knew him and in the music he helped create.
