Longtime Beach Boys Player Jeff Foskett Dead of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer at 67

Jeff Foskett, a longtime member of The Beach Boys, has died at the age of 67.

Best known as one of the guitarists and falsetto vocalists of the legendary surf rock group, Foskett has been the band’s studio and touring musician since the early ’80s. While he first joined the Mike Love-led iteration of the group Surfin’ Safari group, he also played in the Brian Wilson Band.

In recent years, the performer joined the band — originally formed by three Wilson brothers Brian, 81, Carl and Dennis, their cousin Love, 82, and friend Al Jardine — on their 50th anniversary tour in 2012. After joining the music legends on their landmark tour — which briefly reunited Love and Wilson — he toured with Love until he was diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer in 2019.

Earlier this year, the musician announced on Instagram that he had been undergoing treatment for the past four years.

Jeff Foskett, Mike Love and John Stamos perform in California in March 2018.

Scott Dudelson/Getty

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In addition to his work with The Beach Boys, Foskett has also released solo music and recorded and toured with other big names including Paul McCartney, Barry Manilow, Eric Clapton and others, according to his official website.

Wilson confirmed Foskett’s death in a statement on Instagram on Monday. Along with a photo of him hugging his late collaborator and “dear friend,” the music icon shared that he was “heartbroken” by the loss.

“Jeff was always there for me when we toured and we couldn’t have done it without him,” Wilson wrote of Foskett, whom he made his musical manager when he launched his first solo tour in the ’90s. “Jeff was one of the most talented guys I’ve ever known. He was a great music leader and guitarist and could sing like an angel.”

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The Pet sounds the artist also reflected on their essential, first meeting with Foskett when he was a young fan of the group “Good Vibrations”. “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,” he wrote. “I don’t know what else to say. Love and grace to Jeff’s family and friends, he will be remembered forever.”

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Love and his wife Jacquelyne also paid tribute to the late musician on Monday. He shared a carousel of photos of himself with the singer/guitarist from recent years on Instagram and wrote that a member of the “great big family” known as The Beach Boys had passed away.

“Jeff was and remains so special and loved by so many,” Love wrote. “Jeff’s sense of humor, talent, charm and true heart of gold did not go unnoticed by everyone who crossed his path. He was called ‘The Voice’ for a reason, he could match up with the best, and he did! Listen to the silence tonight, because I’m sure it’s a very big party in heaven with ‘The Voice’ in the lead.”

John Stamos, who has performed on and off with The Beach Boys since 1985, also shared a touching tribute in his memory. The actor (60) shared on Instagram two carousel photos from the years of their 40-year friendship and a thoughtful message in the descriptions.

“I lost more than a friend today; I have 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,” the TV star began his lengthy statement.

After sharing that his 5-year-old son Billy, who he shares with wife Caitlin McHugh Stamos, has helped him grieve, he praised Foskett’s sense of humor and spirit and reflected on the “profound impact” he had on his own life.

Stamos wrote, “Jeff was more than a friend; he was the one who brought the harmony of The Beach Boys into my life, and with them, a spectrum of colors and joys that I never dreamed would be a part of my life.”

“Still, when I think of the 40 years we’ve shared – the roaring laughter, the music we believed changed lives and the unwavering bond of brotherhood – I can’t help but feel grateful. Grateful for every moment, every note, every wisdom he shared with me.”

The third surviving founder of the band “God Only Knows” Jardine, 81, also addressed the loss of Foskett on social media, saying that he was “always in touch with [the band]no matter what Beach Boys cap he wore.”

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On Wednesday, Foskett’s family also shared a statement thanking fans and friends for the “outpouring of love and support” they have received.

“We love reading about every performance, every tour memory and every laugh he gave the world. We are deeply touched to know that Jeff has played such a pivotal role in so many of your lives, as he has played in ours,” they wrote on Instagram.

After being diagnosed with cancer and releasing what became his final album, Voicesthe cameraman spoke Rolling stone about his storied career, from being the Beach Boys’ “biggest fan” to playing with them.

He said that playing on the band’s 50th reunion tour in 2012 remained the highlight of his career. The rocker said: “We did about 75 shows with it, and I’ve never had more fun in my life than that tour. It was the most fun tour I’ve ever been on, and I’ve been on a lot of tours.”

“God has been really great to me,” he said of the successes that have continued throughout his career.

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Source: HIS Education