Jeffrey Foskett was a guitarist who toured and recorded with the Beach Boys and Brian Wilson for decades.
- Died: December 11, 2023 (Who else died on December 11?)
- Details of death: Died of anaplastic thyroid cancer at the age of 67.
- We invite you to share condolences for Jeffrey Foskett in our Guest Book.
Jeffrey Foskett’s legacy
Foskett was a fan of the beach Boys long before he had a chance to join the band. But when he took a chance and knocked on Brian Wilson’s door one day, hoping for a chance to meet the star, he got luckier than he had ever dreamed he might be. Wilson was not only friendly to Foskett, but he also stayed in touch; a few years later, Fosket had his first opportunity to play with the band he loved. He first began touring with the Beach Boys in the early 1980s, playing guitar and taking on some vocals as well – his falsetto blended naturally with the Beach Boys sound.
Foskett continued touring and recording with the Beach Boys off and on for decades, including joining the band on their 50th Anniversary Reunion Tour and playing on their 2012 album “That’s Why God Made the Radio.” In addition to his work with the Beach Boys, Fosket also worked with various side projects of the band. He toured with Mike Love’s Endless Summer Band – in fact, he began working with Love shortly before joining the Beach Boys in the 1980s – and he worked extensively with Brian Wilson on his solo tours. Wilson called Foskett his “right-hand man.”
Fosket recorded his own solo albums, including “Thru My Window” and “Voices.” He also toured and recorded with many other musicians, including Paul McCartney, Jeff Beck (1944–2023), and Roy Orbison (1936–1988).
Notable quote
“I don’t really care how I’m viewed. As long as Brian knows that I love him and as long as Brian knows I had the time of my life working with him, I really don’t care about anything else.” —from a 2014 interview for the Desert Sun
Tributes to Jeffrey Foskett
Full obituary: Variety
