LFO founding member Brian 'Brizz' Gillis dies aged 47
LFO member Brian ‘Brizz’ Gillis, who was one of the founders of the ’90s boy band, has died aged 47.
The musician’s bandmate Brad Fischetti was among the first to pay tribute to Gillis, while sources also confirmed his death to Variety.
No cause of death has been announced, with Fischetti writing on Instagram: ‘I don’t have details and it wouldn’t be my place to share them if I did.’
‘I am really struggling to process this tragic loss,’ he added.
Fischetti, Gillis and Rich Cronin founded the hip-hop band in Massachusetts in 1995 and enjoyed marginal success with the remarks of the Yvonne Elliman song, If I Can’t Have You.
They later released a cover of the 1990 New Kids on the Block hit Step By Step in 1997.
Two years after the single was released, Gillis left LFO to pursue a solo career before working in the music industry in a radio promotion position with record label BMG.
Hardware store worker Devin Lima replaced Gillis and the group signed a new deal, working with members of New Kids on the Block on new music.
The collaboration produced the hit Summer Girls, which hit number three on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
Their debut album, LFO, sold over 2.5million copies worldwide and also featured single Girl on TV.
In 2000, LFO performed all over the world and were Britney Spears’ opening act for some of her dates and co-headlined Nickelodeon’s All That Music & More summer tour.
LFO released their final album, Life Is Good, in 2001 and split up the following year.
Cronin, who previously dated Jennifer Love Hewitt, died in 2010 at the age of 36 from complications after being diagnosed with leukemia.
In October 2018, Lima died from stage four adrenal cancer at the age of 41.
In his tribute, Fischetti wrote: ‘I’ve said it before and I will continue to say it; the LFO Story is a tragedy.
‘If you know what I’ve been doing, you know I’m trying to bring light into the darkness. Trying find redemption in pain and suffering. Trying to honor the legacy.’
He continued: ‘My relationship with Brian was complex. It contained moments of great tribulation but also of great joy. I learned a lot from him about the business of music and how to put together and rock a show. And it’s those positive aspects of our relationship that I will lean on now and forever.
‘I’ve prayed for Brian every day for many years. And I will continue to pray for him, for his beloved father, for his friends, his family, and those who loved him. Special prayers for Pistol Pete and Terry Edwards; two men who hold a special place in my heart and undoubtedly held a special place in Brian’s heart.
‘I know that soon or maybe already, Brizz will be greeted by Rich and Devin. And I hope that together, they will make some sweet sounds. I would really like that.’
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