Jeffrey Foskett is being hailed as “the brightest light” following The Beach Boys star’s death aged 67.
Jeffrey Foskett is being hailed as ‘the brightest light’ following The Beach Boys star’s death aged 67
The passing of the touring and studio musician for Brian Wilson and his landmark 1960s group was confirmed on Wednesday (13.12.23), prompting a flood of tributes from his famous friends and fans.
John Stamos, 60, a lifelong friend of the guitarist – who spent years fighting cancer – said online: “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 colour and joy I never dreamed would be part of my life.”
John went on: “He was a vibrant force, a radiant soul whose laughter and wisdom touched everyone he met. He was an older brother in spirit, guiding, lifting, and loving 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 cost – the unbearable pain of loss.
“When I think of the 40 years we shared – the uproarious laughter, the music that we believed changed lives, and the unshakable bond of brotherhood – I can’t help but feel grateful. Grateful for every moment, every note, every piece of wisdom he shared with me.”
Musician Al Jardine, 81, and his wife Mary Ann also paid tribute to Jeffrey by saying he was “so talented on so many different levels” and praising his “wonderful sense of humour that kept him balanced and helped him navigate all the hard knocks you get in the music business”.
They added: “Jeff had a contagious positive spirit and never gave up hope. God bless his beautiful spirit and zest for life, we will really miss him and cherish all the great times we shared together.
“Keeping his wife Diana, his daughters and family and fans everywhere in our thoughts. Rest in peace Jeff and thanks for always making us smile.”
Jeffrey was known as the “vice-principal” of The Beach Boys for keeping the group on the road since the 1980s.
Brian Wilson, 81, who co-founder the iconic band, confirmed Jeffrey’s death – which came after a battle with anaplastic thyroid cancer – by saying he was “heartbroken” his old friend was gone.
Tagged in Brian Wilson John Stamos