Boy band fans devastated after 90s group wiped out - with survivor's tribute
LFO may not have hit the heights of fame like 'NSYNC or Backstreet Boys, but back in the day their track Summer Girls had every teen humming along. The hopeful boy band shot their cheery music video at New York's Coney Island amusement park's beach and pier back in 1999. Litttle did they know of the horrific fate that awaited, bringing LFO to an end as three of its four members died.
Yet an astonishing 26 years later, the band's sole survivor is performing again in memory of the friends he lost. Brad Fischetti, now 49, has been singing with The LFO Story, recently wowing crowds in Celebration, Florida, with a special gig.
Formed in 1995 after Brad and Rich Cronin connected with Brian 'Brizz' Gillis in New Bedford, Massachusetts, LFO struggled initially. Their fortunes turned when Brizz departed in 1999, and Devin Lima's joining led to their chart-topping success, with Summer Girls reaching No 1 in the US and No 16 on the UK Official Singles Chart.
LFO's song was packed full of 80s and 90s references including Cherry Coke, actors Macaulay Culkin, Kevin Bacon and Michael J. Fox, their fellow boy band New Kids On The Block, and even Abercrombie & Fitch.
The band seemed destined for stardom as they clinched the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award for Favourite Group of the Year in 2000, performed over 230 gigs – including opening for pop sensation Britney Spears – and even unleashed their own line of dolls in 2001. However, the fickle tides of music trends meant they had a disappointing second album, prompting them to part ways in 2002.
Rich Cronin then faced a fierce battle with leukaemia but emerged victorious post-treatment, expressing gratitude for his charmed life in showbiz: "I am truly thankful for the success I had," and adding wistfully, "And if it happens again, that'd be really nice. I'm just that same guy writing pop songs to make people happy. And I still only like girls in Abercrombie and Fitch."
In an inspiring turn, LFO got back together in 2009, hitting the road with their music. But all was not well, as Rich's health waned again, with his band mates rallying round him reminiscent of UK sensation The Wanted's support for Tom Parker amidst his own cancer battle.
Reflecting on their renewed bond in the shadow of adversity, Brad shared in 2010, "He was so happy. We really became soulmates. Devin and I both realised how much we loved him, despite the differences we had in the past." Despite Rich's valiant battle with his illness, he tragically passed away in Boston in September 2010 at the age of 36.
Seven years later, in July 2017, Brad and Devin released a fresh LFO track – their first in a whopping 15 years. They vowed to continue their musical journey and always remember Rich. Yet just three months on, more heartbreaking news arrived. This time it was Devin who received a devastating blow.
He discovered he had an extremely rare form of cancer and nderwent surgery to remove a tumour the size of a football from his stomach, as well as one of his kidneys. Before his hospital admission, Devin said that he didn't believe it was a type of cancer and simply wanted it removed from his body.
Although his surgery appeared successful, a year later, Devin sadly succumbed to his illness at 41 years old, leaving behind his girlfriend and six children.
And in another shocking turn of events, original LFO member Brizz also passed away in March 2023, at just 48. His family did not disclose the cause of his death.
Posting on Instagram earlier this month, Brad Fischetti honoured his bandmates after his LFO Story gig, saying: "We honored the boys in a big way. The LFO Story show last week was beautiful and epic. Thank you for the love and support. Big thanks to the all of who made it possible and to @celebration.foundation for hosting us. The biggest thanks to Rich and Devin for leaving a beautiful legacy behind. We will nurture it and honor you for as long as the people will allow us to."
Fans have been swift to post their broken-hearted responses, with one saying: "Devin and Rich are there in spirit and are proud of you @thereallfo. Thank you to Trevor for helping to honor Devin and Rich," while another commented: "Those guys are extremely missed." A third simply said: ""We miss u Rich & Devin."
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