Introduction
The late 90s were a huge time for boy bands, and LFO was one of the most popular groups to emerge. With their breakout hit "Summer Girls" in 1999, LFO instantly embedded themselves into pop culture history. The group was made up of Rich Cronin, Brad Fischetti, and Brian "Brizz" Gillis. As a founding member and vocalist, Gillis was an integral part of LFO’s success and rise to fame in the era. Sadly, it was announced this week that Gillis has passed away at the age of 47. He will be remembered for his musical contributions during LFO’s short but impactful run.
Early Life and Music
Brian Gillis grew up in Massachusetts, where he developed a passion for music and performing from a young age. As a child, he was drawn to pop, R&B, and hip hop artists, often singing and dancing around the house. In school, Gillis participated in talent shows and musical theater, honing his vocals and stage presence.
In his teens, Gillis met future bandmates Rich Cronin and Brad Fischetti at school in Boston. They quickly bonded over their shared interest in pop and urban music. The trio began singing together and even booked small local gigs before deciding to form an official group.
Gillis was determined to make it in the music industry even from a young age. His natural talent and charisma made him stand out, though the early days of pursuing fame were filled with challenges. Still, Gillis persevered alongside Cronin and Fischetti, committed to achieving success with their own unique sound.
Forming LFO
Brian Gillis grew up in Massachusetts and was pursuing a career in music from a young age. While attending school in Boston, he crossed paths with Rich Cronin and Brad Fischetti who shared his passion for singing and performing. The three fast friends quickly realized they had a musical chemistry together and decided to form a group.
Initially performing under the name "Lyte Funky Ones", the trio started writing songs and honing their vocals together. Though they went through some early member changes, by the mid-90s Gillis, Cronin, and Fischetti solidified the lineup and officially formed the boy band LFO. With Gillis’ smooth R&B-influenced vocals, Cronin’s rap skills, and Fischetti’s pop sensibilities, they developed a unique sound that blended hip hop and pop.
Despite initial struggles landing a record deal, the band persevered, gigging locally and building a following. Their diligent work ethic, talent, and charisma eventually caught the attention of executives, leading to LFO’s first big break. But it was the strong personal and musical connection between Gillis, Cronin and Fischetti that paved the way for their rise to stardom.
Breakout with ‘Summer Girls’
In the summer of 1999, LFO burst onto the pop music scene with their infectious smash hit "Summer Girls." Written by the group along with producers Herb Rooney and Jeff Rodgers, "Summer Girls" stood out for its playful lyrics that name-dropped pop culture figures like Abercrombie & Fitch, Cherry Coke, and New Kids on the Block. The song’s breezy melody and laidback rap-singing vocal style made it the perfect summer anthem for teenagers and catapulted LFO into international stardom.
"Summer Girls" was released in May 1999 as the lead single off LFO’s self-titled debut album. The song showcased Brian Gillis and Rich Cronin trading off playful verses reminiscing about summer love and referencing nostalgic pop culture in a free-associative style. Lines like "When you take a sip you buzz like a hornet" and the infamous "New Kids on the block, had a bunch of hits / Chinese food makes me sick" became ingrained in the memories of a generation. Propelled by heavy radio play and MTV airtime, "Summer Girls" soared up the charts, peaking at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 that summer. It ultimately sold over 2 million copies in the U.S., making it one of the biggest hits of 1999 and cementing LFO’s status as rising teen heartthrobs. The song’s unprecedented success was just the start of even bigger things to come for the group.
LFO’s Rise to Fame
LFO’s self-titled debut album was released in the summer of 1999, shortly after "Summer Girls" began climbing the charts. The infectious pop single propelled the album to number 28 on the Billboard 200, selling over 2 million copies and achieving platinum status. "Summer Girls" peaked at number 3 on the Hot 100 and dominated radio airplay throughout the rest of the year. The quirky lyrics and laidback vibe made it an instant teen anthem.
The band quickly capitalized on the momentum by releasing follow-up singles "Girl on TV" and "West Side Story." While not as commercially successful as "Summer Girls," they helped sustain LFO’s popularity after their breakout hit. The debut album contained plenty of catchy, R&B-inflected pop that appealed to their teenage fanbase.
LFO hit the road, performing as openers for Britney Spears’ massive arena tour in 1999. They continued headlining their own tours into 2000, playing to sold-out crowds of adoring fans. The band also made appearances on Total Request Live, All That, and various teen award shows. Their boyish charms, signature choreographed dance moves, and colorful style cemented their status as rising stars in the boy band era.
Gillis’ Vocals and Songwriting
As a founding member of LFO, Brian Gillis made key contributions both as a vocalist and songwriter that helped define the band’s signature sound. Though Rich Cronin was the primary songwriter, Gillis lent his talents to several of LFO’s biggest hits.
His smooth R&B-influenced vocals were a crucial ingredient in the smash single "Summer Girls." As one of the lead singers on the track along with Cronin, Gillis’ memorable vocal hooks on the chorus played a major role in its popularity and enduring status as a 90s pop classic.
Gillis also had a hand in writing many fan favorites. He co-wrote the Top 10 hit "Girl on TV," adding clever lyrics and vocal arrangements that complemented Cronin’s knack for crafting catchy pop melodies.
According to former bandmates, Gillis brought an improvisational, free-flowing creative spirit to LFO’s songwriting sessions. While Cronin provided structure, Gillis would riff on off-the-wall lyrical ideas and vocal runs that gave their songs an element of fun and surprise.
As both a singer and songwriter, Gillis was instrumental in putting his personal stamp on LFO’s music. His talents helped forge their unique blend of melodic pop, hip hop, and R&B that captivated millions of listeners and made LFO stand out from other boy bands of the era.
Leaving LFO
After releasing their sophomore album in 2001, tensions grew within LFO over creative differences. With declining record sales and waning popularity, the group decided to go on hiatus in early 2002.
For Gillis, this marked a transitional period in his life and career. No longer bound to LFO’s demanding schedule, he was free to explore new creative pursuits. Initially, Gillis continued making music, collaborating with various producers and songwriters. He provided background vocals on tracks for emerging pop acts and even released a solo single in 2003 titled "The Way I Feel Inside."
Though the song failed to chart, Gillis remained passionate about music. He began DJing and making club appearances, trying to reinvent himself as a solo artist. For several years, he bounced between solo efforts and one-off collaborations, determined to recapture the magic of his days with LFO.
Beyond music, Gillis sought balance through activities like yoga and spending time outdoors. He valued being able to focus on personal growth and self-care after years of touring. While he never fully gave up on music, this period gave Gillis room to reflect and enjoy life beyond the pop star spotlight.
Fans were eager to see what Gillis would do next. But after struggling to progress as a solo act, he would eventually come to realize just how special his musical chemistry with LFO had been. In time, this would lead Gillis back to the band that started it all.
Brief Reunion
In the late 2000s, Gillis reunited with Rich Cronin and Brad Fischetti to revive LFO and record new music. After being disbanded for nearly a decade, the original LFO members decided to come together again and tap into the nostalgia for late 90s and early 2000s boy bands.
They announced plans for a comeback tour and new album, aiming to recapture the magic of their early success with "Summer Girls." Fans were thrilled to hear LFO would be making a return. However, the reunion and new album plans were derailed when Gillis’ health took a concerning turn for the worse. His declining condition made it difficult for the group to move forward.
The LFO reunion was meant to be a celebratory and triumphant moment for Gillis and the group. But sadly, it marked the beginning of tough times ahead for Gillis. His worsening illness would make performing and recording an insurmountable challenge. While fans were eager to see LFO reunite and hear their new music, it was not meant to be. Gillis’ health struggles ultimately cut the reunion and comeback album short, leaving LFO’s return unfinished.
Health Struggles
In the late 2000s, LFO briefly reunited to record new music and go on tour. However, during this time, Brian Gillis began experiencing health issues that impacted his ability to perform.
Details of Gillis’ illness have not been made fully public, but reports indicate he was struggling with complications from leukemia. As his condition deteriorated, it became increasingly difficult for him to participate in the reunion.
His declining health resulted in the cancellation of shows and recording sessions. While his bandmates and fans remained supportive, it was clear Gillis did not have the strength to continue with the reunion as planned.
Gillis’ battle with illness also took a toll on his personal life. As he underwent treatments and hospitalizations, his public appearances and musical projects had to be put on hold.
For LFO fans, it was difficult to see Gillis struggling with poor health, especially after the excitement of the reunion. His condition prevented the band from delivering the new album they had promised.
Ultimately, Gillis’ health issues dashed hopes of an LFO comeback. But his courage and grace in the face of illness only further cemented his legacy and endeared him to supporters.
Legacy and Impact
Brian Gillis left behind a lasting legacy as part of the iconic 90s boy band LFO. Though their time together was relatively brief, LFO’s cultural impact was significant, thanks in large part to their smash hit "Summer Girls."
Released in 1999, "Summer Girls" shot to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and went on to become one of the most memorable pop songs of the decade. Its playful lyrics and earworm of a hook encapsulated the youthful exuberance of late 90s pop. Gillis’ vocals were front and center on the track, cementing his place in pop culture history.
Beyond "Summer Girls," LFO went on to inspire an entire generation of fans with their fun persona and slick R&B-inflected pop. They paved the way for later boy bands like Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC to find success.
Even though LFO disbanded in 2002, their music endured on pop radio and in the collective memory of 90s kids. "Summer Girls" in particular has remained a nostalgic staple, referenced in movies and TV shows for years.
Gillis was an integral part of crafting LFO’s signature sound and bringing their music into the lives of fans worldwide. His passing is a great loss, but his legacy will live on whenever "Summer Girls" comes on the radio. LFO’s impact is forever cemented in pop culture history.