Brian 'Brizz' Gillis was 47

Publish date: 2024-06-21

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Brian “Brizz” Gillis, a co-founding member of the 1990s boy band LFO, died Wednesday at 47.

Gillis is the third LFO member to die: In 2010, Rich Cronin, 36, passed after a stroke while battling leukemia, and Devin Lima died at 41 of adrenal cancer in 2018.

Member Brad Fischetti announced Gillis’ death Thursday on LFO’s Facebook page, writing that he does not know the details of his former bandmate’s death.

“My relationship with Brian was complex. It contained moments of great tribulation but also of great joy,” Fischetti said. “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,” he added. “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.”

LFO in Nürnberg, Germany, in February 1997. picture alliance via Getty Images

The Post has contacted representatives for LFO for comment.

Gillis, Fischetti and Cronin formed LFO, which stands for Lyte Funkie Ones, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in 1995.

The trio saw early success with a remake of Yvonne Elliman’s “If I Can’t Have You,” plus a cover of “Step By Step” by New Kids on the Block in 1997.

Brian Gillis in 1997. picture alliance via Getty Images
Gillis in Germany in 1997. ullstein bild via Getty Images

But two years later, Gillis would leave the band to focus on his solo career.

He was replaced by Lima, and LFO would go on to release the classic boy band smash “Summer Girls” in 1999.

The group was managed by notorious boy band manager and convicted fraudster Lou Pearlman, who died in prison in 2016.

LFO at the premiere of “Drive Me Crazy” in 1999. Getty Images

LFO split in 2002, but Fischetti and Lima briefly reunited in 2017.

“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,” Fischetti added on Facebook.

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