Brian “Brizz” Gillis, best known for his short-lived role in ‘90s boy band LFO, has died.
Gillis’ former bandmate Brad Fischetti confirmed his death in an Instagram post Thursday, sharing a black-and-white throwback photo of the singer. A cause of death was not given. Gillis was in his late 40s.
“Every story is made up of chapters. Some develop naturally. Some you have to cut up in your mind. The first two chapters of the LFO story lost a main character yesterday,” Fischetti wrote. “I am really struggling to process this tragic loss.”
Fischetti added: “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.”Gillis formed the pop-R&B group with fellow vocalists Fischetti and Rich Cronin in 1995, releasing covers of Yvonne Elliman’s “If I Can’t Have You” and New Kids on the Block’s “Step by Step” as early singles. Gillis later departed the group before the release of its self-titled debut album in August 1999, with singer Devin Lima serving as his replacement.
“If it wasn’t for his hard work and dedication in the early days of LFO, the first two chapters, the LFO you came to know and (hopefully) love would not exist,” Fischetti wrote.
Fischetti remains as the sole surviving member of LFO. Cronin died in September 2010 at the age of 36 due to complications from graft-versus-host disease, while Lima died in November 2018 at the age of 41 following a battle with cancer.
“I’ve said it before and I will continue to say it; the LFO Story is a tragedy,” Fischetti wrote. “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 added: “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.”
