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Jeffrey Foskett, a musician known to Beach Boys fans for more than four decades as a member of both Brian Wilson and Mike Love’s touring bands, died on Monday at the age of 67. He was told he had anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Foskett, dubbed the “vice principal of The Beach Boys” by the group’s core members, was a unique musician who earned respect in all of the band’s occasionally opposing camps over the years. He was in Wilson’s solo band from 1998 to 2014, and he was also in Love’s Beach Boys from 1981 to 1998, and again from 2015 until he was disabled by stage 4 cancer in 2019.
In a social media post, Brian Wilson expressed his sadness at the passing of his old bandmate, saying, “I’m so heartbroken that my dear friend Jeff Foskett has passed.” When we were touring, Jeff was always there for me, and we couldn’t have done it without him. Jeff was one of the most gifted people I’d ever met. He was a fantastic musical leader and guitarist who could also sing like an angel. I first met Jeff in 1976 when he knocked on my door in Bel Air, and we’ve been friends ever since. I’m not sure what more to say. We shall remember Jeff’s family and friends with love and mercy.”
Carnie Wilson confirmed in response how much Foskett meant to her.”I know it hurts Daddy,” she wrote to her father. He will be missed. “I adore you.”
In a 2012 interview with the Los Angeles Times, while participating in a Beach Boys 50th-anniversary tour that temporarily reunited Wilson with Mike Love, Foskett compared his time with the Beach Boys and/or Wilson to that of a Little League baseball player invited to join the Dodgers. “How many amateur athletes turn pro?” he asked. “And how many of the thousands of musicians — tens of thousands of musicians — in Los Angeles are going to get into the band that they loved, and tour with them?”
Foskett, who stated, “I don’t often post on social,” last posted on Instagram on March 4 of this year, when he posted a video of himself ringing a bell at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston after four years of treatment. He referred to it as “the best four years of my life.” “These people have given me what no one else on earth could have,” Foskett wrote of physicians and nurses. LIFE…. Some of the last four years have been spent attempting (I suppose that’s why it’s called a clinical trial). It puts your body, mind, and soul to the test, but it has left me THRIVING and, more significantly, able to meet my grandson Domenic.”
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Foskett described meeting Wilson in 1976. “Brian answered the door and said, ‘Hey, come on in,’ as if he’d been waiting for us!” I said, ‘Great!’ We lingered and then proceeded to the music room. Marilyn, [Wilson’s wife at the time], cooked us a sandwich. He said, ‘Stay in contact.’ And I did it — and I’m pleased I did.”
However, it was Mike Love who initially engaged Foskett to sing Beach Boys songs, and whose touring version of the group he eventually returned to after a long stay with Wilson’s group.
Love invited Foskett to join his Endless Summer Band after witnessing him perform at a pub near UC Santa Barbara when he was a student there. Following that, he joined the Beach Boys in the early 1980s, apparently to fill in for Carl Wilson at first, but staying after Carl’s comeback, with his first term lasting until 1990 when he was fired for reasons that were never publicly disclosed.
He then pursued a solo career until collaborating with Wilson on his 1998 album “Imagination” and following tours. When Wilson reconnected with other original Beach Boys members for a 50th-anniversary tour and the 2012 album “That’s Why God Made the Radio,” Foskett formally became an auxiliary member again, having “remained on good terms with everyone.”
Foskett was more than simply a backup singer in the band; during the reunion tour, he delivered lead vocals on songs like “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “Don’t Worry Baby.”
When Wilson and the Mike Love-led version of the Beach Boys split up again following the reunion, Foskett stayed with the latter until 2019. At the time, he was reported as taking a leave of absence for cancer surgery after receiving a stage 4 diagnosis in 2018.
Foskett also appeared as a leader on a tour by the band America in the mid-2010s before rejoining the Beach Boys for one final four-year run.
Sad news has struck the music world as we mourn the loss of Jeffrey Foskett, a talented musician and a longtime member of the iconic band, the Beach Boys. Jeffrey passed away at the age of 67, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be etched in the hearts of music lovers around the world.
Jeffrey Foskett’s journey with the Beach Boys began in the 1980s when he joined the band as a guitarist and vocalist. His smooth harmonies and impressive guitar skills quickly made him an integral part of the group’s sound. Over the years, he contributed his musical talents to numerous Beach Boys albums and live performances, captivating audiences with his soulful voice and infectious energy.
Beyond his role with the Beach Boys, Jeffrey Foskett was a respected musician in his own right. He released several solo albums, showcasing his songwriting abilities and his versatility as a performer. His solo work allowed him to explore different genres and experiment with his musical style, further cementing his reputation as a gifted artist.
Jeffrey’s contributions to the Beach Boys’ music were immeasurable. His vocal arrangements added depth and richness to the band’s harmonies, elevating their sound to new heights. Whether it was on classic hits like “Good Vibrations” or lesser-known gems, Jeffrey’s voice blended seamlessly with that of his bandmates, creating a sonic tapestry that captured the essence of the California sound.
The Beach Boys fans will always remember Jeffrey Foskett for his infectious enthusiasm on stage. His love for performing was evident in every note he sang and every chord he strummed. His energy was contagious, and he had a special ability to connect with the audience, making each concert a memorable experience for all who attended.
Offstage, Jeffrey was known for his warm and friendly personality. He was beloved by his bandmates and fans alike, always taking the time to interact with those who admired his music. His humility and genuine love for his craft endeared him to everyone he met, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of crossing paths with him.
As we say goodbye to Jeffrey Foskett, let us remember the joy and happiness he brought into our lives through his music. His contributions to the Beach Boys’ legacy will forever be cherished, and his talent will continue to inspire future generations of musicians.
In honor of Jeffrey Foskett, take a moment to listen to your favorite Beach Boys song and let the music wash over you. Let it remind you of the incredible talent and spirit that Jeffrey brought to the world. Though he may no longer be with us, his music will live on, forever etched in the annals of music history.
Rest in peace, Jeffrey Foskett. Thank you for the beautiful melodies and harmonies that will continue to resonate with us for years to come.
This article was originally published on threusastories.org.in
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