Jeff Foskett dies

Photo Credit: Wonker / CC by 2.0

Singer-guitarist Jeffrey Foskett has died at age 67 after a long battle with thyroid cancer. He was instrumental in the Beach Boys revival in the ‘90s with Brian Wilson.

Wilson confirmed the news on Facebook, telling friends and fans, “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.”

“Jeff was one of the most talented guys I ever knew. He was a great musical leader and guitarist and could sing like an angel. I first met Jeff in 1976 when he knocked on my door in Bel Air and I invted him in, and we were friends ever since. Love and mercy to Jeff’s family and friends, we will remember him forever.”

Jeff Foskett was a self-admitted fan of the Beach Boys from the moment he heard their hit, “I Get Around.” He began his career in music with his first band in the 1970s known as Cherry. In the late ‘70s, he helped form The Reverie Rhythm Rockers and The Pranks while attending UCSB in Santa Barbara. In 1976, he tracked down Brian Wilson’s house in Bel Air to meet him, with the two becoming friends.

In 1979, Foskett was approached by Mike Love after listening to him play, where he was invited to replace Wilson’s brother Carl Wilson in 1981.

When Wilson returned to touring in the late ‘90s, he asked Foskett to help him assemble the touring band. Foskett served as the musical director, appearing at every solo show Wilson performed. He provided lead vocals on several songs including “Don’t Worry Baby,” “The Warmth of the Sun,” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice.”

Foskett joined the Beach Boys’ live band on their 50th anniversary reunion tour, helping to record the studio album That’s Why God Made the Radio. “Jeffery is invaluable to keep the continuinty between the various parts,” stated Al Jardine. “He supports Brian in every possible way. He has Brian’s confidence, and basically kind of makes it possible to have Brian Wilson on the road with us.”