Beach Boys musician Jeffrey Foskett has died at the age of 67.
Brian Wilson, co-founder of the beloved group, confirmed the death of his bandmate. Foskett died after a battle with anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Wilson wrote, “I am so heartbroken that my dear friend Jeff Foskett has passed away.
“Jeff was always there for me when we toured and we couldn't have done this without him. Jeff was one of the most talented guys I ever knew.
'He was a great musical director 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've been friends ever since.
'I don't know what else to say. Love and grace to Jeff's family and friends, we will remember him forever.”
Beach Boys musician Jeffrey Foskett has died at the age of 67
The musician was remembered by his friends as a 'vibrant force, a radiant soul'
John Stamos, a lifelong friend of Foskett, paid tribute to the guitarist.
He wrote: '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.
“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 that 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, who guided me, lifted me up and loved 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 price: the unbearable pain of loss.
“When I think of the forty years we shared – the uproarious laughter, the music we believed changed lives, and the unshakable bond of brotherhood – I can't help but be grateful. Grateful for every moment, every note, every piece of wisdom he shared with me.”
Born in San Jose, California, Foskett began playing in bands in his teens. He loved the Beach Boys, tracked down and befriended Brian Wilson, beginning their lifelong musical relationship.
He was considered the “Vice Director of the Beach Boys” and accompanied them on their tours for decades.
Brian Wilson with his music director Jeffrey Foskett in 2009
Foskett, who was not known for posting often on social media, last shared a video of himself ringing the bell at a cancer hospital in Houston in March.
The beloved musician wrote, “I called on Friday March 3rd after completing my second round of Radiation. It's been tried for part of the last four years (I think that's why it's called a clinical trial).
'It tests your body, mind and soul, but it has left me BLOOMING and most of all able to meet my grandson Domenic.
'I don't post on Social often, but I thought this milestone was important. We thank you all 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.”
Al Jardine and his wife Mary Ann paid tribute to Foskett: “We are so deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend Jeffrey Foskett, who we have known for many years.
“Jeff always kept in touch with us, no matter what Beach Boys hat he wore. He was so talented on so many different levels, but it was his great sense of humor that kept him balanced and helped him deal with all the hard knocks you encounter in the music world.
“Jeff had an infectious positive spirit and never lost hope. God bless his beautiful spirit and zest for life, we will truly miss him and cherish all the wonderful times we shared together.
“We will keep his wife Diana, his daughters and family and fans everywhere in our thoughts. Rest in peace Jeff and thank you for always making us laugh.”