Geoffrey Foskett, the beloved longtime touring musician for The Beach Boys, died Monday at the age of 67. He was diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer.
The Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson confirmed his bandmate’s death on Facebook and paid a heartfelt tribute to the late member.
“I am very saddened by the passing of my dear friend Jeff Foskett,” Wilson wrote. “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’ve ever known. He was a great conductor and guitar player 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 compassion to Jeff’s family and friends. He will be remembered forever.”
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Geoffrey Foskett died this week at the age of 67. (Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
Foskett told the Los Angeles Times in 2012 about their first meeting, saying, “Brian opened the door and said, ‘Hey, come in’ — like he was expecting us! And I said, ‘Cool!’ We hung out and went to the music room… He said, ‘” Stay tuned.’ And I did, and I’m glad I did.”
Brian Wilson and Jeffrey Foskett have been friends since they met in 1976. (John M. Heller/Getty Images)
A few years after meeting Wilson, Foskett was recruited by Mike Love, another Beach Boys co-founder, to join his Endless Summer Band. Around the same time, Carl Wilson decided to step away from The Beach Boys in favor of a solo career, and Love suggested that Foskett replace him.
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In 2019, Foskett told Rolling Stone: “A couple of months later Carl came back and I assumed I was leaving. We had a big rehearsal at the Beach Boys building on Lincoln Boulevard. We put out four songs and Carl stopped it.” He remembers this very clearly. He said, “First of all. I’m not responsible for anyone’s personal financial situation. I’m responsible for making this band sound as good as possible. So some changes will be made.” And everyone left with their tails between their legs, thinking that no one would come back, fortunately for Dennis [Wilson] He pulled me aside and said, “You’re good, man, you’re in the band, don’t worry.” “I felt really good about it.”
Geoffrey Foskett had anaplastic thyroid cancer. (Echard Ecclestone/Redferns)
He ended up leaving the band in 1990 after touring with them for nearly a decade. He had a solo career of his own, but in 1998 he rejoined Brian and began touring with him again.
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Foskett toured with Wilson steadily for several more years before taking a break in 2013. In 2014, he rejoined the Beach Boys under Love. Four years later, he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He lived for five years before he died this month.
John Stamos, who had a long association with the Beach Boys, posted a long tribute to Foskett on social media, writing in part: “Today, I lost more than a friend; I lost a part of my soul, my history.” “Jeffrey Foskett, my dear friend, brother, and brightest light in my life, has passed away.”
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“Jeff was more than just a friend; he was the one who brought the harmony of The Beach Boys into my life, and with them, a spectrum of color and joy I never dreamed would be a part of my life,” he added. He was “a vibrant force, a radiant spirit,” he added. Her laughter and wisdom touched everyone he met. “He was a big brother in spirit, guiding me, lifting me up and loving me, sometimes more than I thought I deserved.”
Jeffrey Foskett (left) performs with Mike Love (center) and John Stamos (right) in 2018. (Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
Nancy Sinatra also praised. She wrote: “@jeffreyfoskett was a lovely man and I was so sorry to hear of his passing. He and @brianwilsonlive were there for me when I needed them, beautifully recreating the sound of @thebeachboys in my recording of ‘California Girls’ for me.” Album California Girl and I will never forget it. Thank you, Jeffrey, and best of luck.”
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“He was so talented on so many different levels, but it was his great sense of humor that kept him balanced and helped him get through all the hard knocks that you throw at you in the music business,” Al Jardine, another member of the Beach Boys, told Rolling Stone. . “Jeff had an infectious positive spirit and never gave up hope. God bless his beautiful spirit and zest for life. We will truly miss him and cherish all the wonderful times we shared together. Keeping his wife Diana, daughter, family and fans everywhere in our thoughts.” Rest in peace Jeff and thanks for always making us smile.”
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