LFO as soon as topped the charts with carefree summer time anthems, however behind the music lies a narrative of unimaginable loss.
They could not have reached the heights of *NSYNC or Backstreet Boys, however within the late ’90s, LFO made their mark with the infectiously catchy hit Summer season Ladies .
The tune, filled with popular culture references and teenage nostalgia, grew to become an anthem of its period. Its music video, filmed at Coney Island’s seashore and boardwalk in 1999, captured the carefree vibe of youth. However behind the scenes, nobody might have foreseen the heartbreak that might ultimately shadow the band’s legacy.
Of the unique members, just one stays. Brad Fischetti, now 49, continues to carry out in reminiscence of his fallen bandmates by means of a tribute mission known as The LFO Story . Just lately, he moved audiences in Celebration, Florida, with a strong efficiency honoring the band’s legacy, stories the Mirror.
LFO — brief for Lyte Funkie Ones — was fashioned in 1995 in New Bedford, Massachusetts, when Brad and Wealthy Cronin teamed up with Brian “Brizz” Gillis. The group struggled to seek out its footing till a turning level in 1999, when Brizz left and Devin Lima joined. That yr, they soared to fame with Summer season Ladies , which hit No. 1 within the U.S. and climbed to No. 16 within the UK charts.
The tune grew to become iconic for its quirky lyrics referencing every thing from Cherry Coke and Abercrombie & Fitch to Macaulay Culkin and New Youngsters on the Block. Their reputation peaked in 2000 when LFO gained a Nickelodeon Youngsters’ Alternative Award for Favourite Group, carried out greater than 230 exhibits, opened for Britney Spears, and even launched a line of dolls in 2001.
However like many pop acts of the period, their second album didn’t seize the identical magic, and so they disbanded in 2002.
Wealthy Cronin later confronted a fierce battle with leukemia. After present process therapy, he expressed gratitude for his time within the highlight, saying, “I’m actually grateful for the success I had. And if it occurs once more, that’d be very nice.” He added with a contact of humor, “I nonetheless solely like women in Abercrombie and Fitch.”
In 2009, LFO briefly reunited. Although their bond had been examined previously, Wealthy, Brad, and Devin discovered renewed closeness. “He was so completely satisfied,” Brad recalled in 2010. “Devin and I each realized how a lot we beloved him.” Tragically, Wealthy’s well being declined as soon as extra, and he handed away in September 2010 on the age of 36.
In 2017, Brad and Devin launched a brand new LFO tune—their first in 15 years—in Wealthy’s reminiscence. However simply months later, extra devastating information got here. Devin was identified with a uncommon and aggressive most cancers. Regardless of present process surgical procedure to take away a large tumor and one in every of his kidneys, he died a yr later in 2018 on the age of 41, forsaking a associate and 6 kids.
The tragedies didn’t finish there. In March 2023, unique member Brizz handed away at 48. His household selected to not disclose the reason for demise.
Now, Brad Fischetti stands alone because the final residing member of LFO. However he stays decided to maintain their story alive. After a latest LFO Story present, he shared on Instagram: “We honored the boys in a giant manner. The LFO Story present final week was lovely and epic. Thanks for the love and assist. The most important because of Wealthy and Devin for leaving an attractive legacy behind. We’ll nurture it and honor you for so long as the individuals will enable us to.”
Followers have been fast to precise their feelings on-line. One wrote, “Devin and Wealthy are there in spirit and are happy with you @thereallfo.” One other commented, “These guys are extraordinarily missed.”
