Jeffrey Foskett, the esteemed guitarist associated with The Beach Boys, died on December 11, 2023, at 67 years old.

Foskett succumbed to anaplastic thyroid cancer, a disease he had fought for several years. His over four-decade-long journey with The Beach Boys left a lasting imprint on their legacy.

A San Jose, California native, Foskett’s passion for The Beach Boys was sparked by their hit “I Get Around,” leading to a fateful meeting with co-founder Brian Wilson in 1976.

He first played with Mike Love’s Endless Summer Beach Band, later replacing Carl Wilson in The Beach Boys until 1990. He was in Brian Wilson’s solo band from 1998 through 2014, and was in Love’s Beach Boys before and after that, from 1981 through 1998, and again from 2015 until 2019, when his cancer was discovered.

Foskett’s role in The Beach Boys included both guitar and falsetto vocals, evident in their 50th Anniversary Reunion Tour and the 2012 album “That’s Why God Made the Radio.” His solo albums, like “Thru My Window” and “Voices,” highlighted his musical range.

Despite acclaim, Foskett prioritized his relationship with Brian Wilson over fame. Musicians such as Paul McCartney and Jeff Beck acknowledged his influence.

Diagnosed with stage 4 anaplastic thyroid cancer in 2019, Foskett underwent rigorous treatment, including a clinical trial. His final social media post in March celebrated a treatment milestone.

Tributes from band members, friends, and fans have poured in, noting Foskett’s kindness, talent, and his contribution to music.