‘Great musical leader’ and member of the Beach Boys Jeffrey Foskett dies, age 67

Jeffrey Foskett, a long-time touring and studio member of the Beach Boys, has passed away at age 67 after a long battle with anaplastic thyroid cancer.

A long time fan of the Beach Boys during their “classic” era, Foskett became a friend of both Brian Wilson and Mike Love during the 70s.

Foskett joined the band in 1982 following the brief departure of original member Carl Wilson. He returned very shortly after but Foskett remained with the band until 1990.

Foskett remained close with the members and eventually became part of Brian Wilson’s touring band as well as Mike Love’s incarnation of the Beach Boys. He was also a part of the Beach Boys 50th Anniversary Tour which reunited all surviving founding members.

Brian Wilson posted a tribute to Foskett on Instagram following his friend’s passing.

 

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“I’m so heartbroken that my dear friend Jeff Foskett has passed,” Wilson said.

“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,” he continued, praising Foskett’s many contributions to the Beach Boys and Wilson’s solo career.

Foskett was determined to meet Wilson after the release of I Get Around and became friends with him after finding his address and showing up in person to introduce himself.

“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,” Wilson recounted fondly.

Founding member Al Jardine had similar words to say about Foskett.

“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 said.

 

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Actor John Stamos, who played alongside Foskett as part of the Beach Boys in later years, also posted a tribute to his late bandmate.

“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,” said Stamos.

Stamos then said that while it would be very difficult to deal with Foskett’s passing, he would choose to remember the wonderful impact that Foskett had on his bandmates and loved ones.

“Jeff, saying farewell is a task I am not ready for. You have left an indelible mark on my heart, but the legacy of your love and laughter will continue to resonate within all of us,” he said.

“So, as I say goodbye to my dear friend, I choose to remember not only the ache of his absence but also the brilliance of his presence.

“Rest in peace, my brother. You were loved immeasurably and will be missed beyond words.”

Foskett is survived by his wife and daughter.