LFO’s Brad Fischetti Shares Heartbreak Over the Tragic Early Deaths of All Three Of His Bandmates: ‘How Could This Happen?’

**LFO’s Brad Fischetti Reflects on Heartbreaking Loss of Bandmates**

Brad Fischetti, the last remaining member of the boy band LFO, has opened up about the profound grief he has faced over the past decade. His journey has been marked by the untimely deaths of his fellow bandmates: Rich Cronin, Brian ‘Brizz’ Gillis, and Harold ‘Devin’ Lima, all of whom passed away before reaching the age of 50.

LFO, originally formed in the late ’90s, began as a rap group comprised of Fischetti, Cronin, and Gillis. In 1998, after Gillis left the group, Lima joined and quickly became a close friend to Fischetti. Together, this new lineup brought a fresh sound to the music scene, notably penning their own lyrics, which set them apart from many of their contemporaries.

Their breakthrough hit, “Summer Girls,” remains a nostalgic anthem for many, thanks to its catchy melody and memorable music video. Fischetti reminisces about the iconic beach scenes, describing it as “timeless.” Following this success, the band released “Girl on TV,” inspired by Cronin’s infatuation with actress Jennifer Love Hewitt, who even made an appearance in the video.

Despite their earlier successes, LFO found it increasingly challenging to maintain their momentum. As their third single struggled to gain traction, the band faced uncertainty. The label’s diminishing interest ultimately led to LFO’s disbandment, leaving a painful void for its members.

In 2005, Fischetti received the devastating news of Cronin’s diagnosis with leukaemia from Cronin’s brother. Aware that his friend had been experiencing health issues, Fischetti attempted to reach out, hoping to rekindle their musical collaboration. Tragically, he later learned about Cronin’s death from a fan, a moment that rocked him to his core.

Even after this profound loss, Fischetti continued to nurture his musical connection with Lima, who was staying with him at the time. The duo composed new music and went on tour together. However, their journey was cut short when Lima fell ill unexpectedly. Fischetti recalls rushing to the hospital, where he discovered that Lima had been diagnosed with a rare form of adrenal cancer, a devastating turn of events.

Despite Fischetti’s desperate pleas for Lima’s recovery, the illness proved insurmountable, and Lima passed away, leaving Fischetti bereft not only of a bandmate but of a best friend. This profound grief prompted Fischetti to take stock of his own health, hoping for reassurance after months of suffering.

However, the hardships did not end there. In early 2023, Fischetti received yet another dreadful call from his manager, who conveyed the heartbreaking news of Gillis’s passing. The shock of his bandmate’s death echoed the pain he experienced with Lima’s loss, prompting the question of how three talented artists could die so young.

Reflecting on the string of tragedies, Fischetti acknowledged the perception that LFO might be cursed. While he does not subscribe to that notion, the string of misfortunes has surely cast a long shadow over his memories of the band. “Maybe by the time this airs, I’m gone,” he mused, encapsulating the weight of loss he carries.

Today, Fischetti continues to honour LFO’s legacy by performing the group’s largest hits alongside members of fellow boy band O-Town. He strives to keep the spirit of the music alive, ensuring that the memories of his friends and bandmates live on through their powerful songs.

The poignant stories of Fischetti and LFO are being highlighted in ID’s upcoming series “Boy Band Confidential,” set to premiere on April 13 and 14. The documentary aims to shed light on the challenges faced by boy bands amidst the glamour of the music industry, providing a platform for Fischetti to share his heartfelt reflections on a life marked by joy and sorrow.