Brad Fischetti, the last surviving member of the iconic ‘90s band LFO, has revealed the story behind the group’s beloved hit “Girl on TV,” which was inspired by actress Jennifer Love Hewitt. In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Fischetti shared a nostalgic photograph of the late lead singer Rich Cronin alongside Hewitt, captioning it with her Instagram handle and reflecting on the profound influence she had on their music.
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Fischetti recounted a memorable moment in the studio when Cronin performed an early rendition of “Girl on TV.” According to him, both Mike and Devin, fellow band members, were captivated by the performance. “I’ll never forget Rich singing the first version of Girl On TV to us in the studio. Mike, Dev, and I all watched in awe,” he recalled, showcasing the camaraderie and creative energy that defined LFO during their peak.
Rich Cronin was a founding member of LFO, a group that achieved significant success in the late 1990s with popular tracks like “Summer Girls.” The inspiration for “Girl on TV” stemmed from Cronin’s admiration for Hewitt, whom he had initially encountered backstage at the Blockbuster Entertainment Awards. Following their meeting, a romantic relationship blossomed, leading Cronin to compose the song as an homage to the actress.
However, Cronin’s relationship with Hewitt did not have a fairy-tale ending, as he candidly shared in interviews. In a 2001 conversation with SFGATE, he described how the romance deteriorated rapidly. “Things got a little rough at the end. It went from ‘I love you’ every day to, literally, within a week, ‘I hate you, don’t ever call me again,’” he revealed. The final exchange between the two was emotional, with Cronin recalling Hewitt’s words: “I’ve got to go. You’ve hurt me too much. I don’t want you to make me upset again. Click.” After that, he indicated he never heard from her again despite leaving multiple messages.
Reflecting on this turbulent chapter in Cronin’s life, actor Will Friedle recently shared his own memories of the late musician on the podcast “Pod Meets Twirl’d.” Friedle, famously known for his role as Eric Matthews on “Boy Meets World,” recounted a brief encounter with Cronin shortly before he began dating Hewitt, a woman he himself had previously dated. Friedle expressed admiration for Cronin, stating that he was “a very nice guy” and remembered their brief but impactful interaction.
Cronin’s untimely passing in 2010 at the age of 36 due to leukemia came as a shock to fans and the music community alike. Tragically, it was not the only loss the group encountered; fellow bandmate Devin Lima also passed away at the age of 41 in 2018 after undergoing surgery related to stage-four adrenal cancer. The deaths of both musicians have left a deep void in the hearts of their fans.
“Girl on TV” remains one of LFO’s signature songs, characterised by its catchy chorus and heartfelt lyrics. It holds a unique place in the annals of ‘90s pop culture, simultaneously evoking a sense of nostalgia and reminding listeners of the times when boy bands topped the charts.
As the last member of LFO, Fischetti now carries the legacy of the band and its music, often reflecting on the friendships and experiences that defined a generation. The band’s contributions to pop music continue to resonate, and their songs live on in the memories of fans who grew up during that exuberant era of music.
In sharing these reflections, Fischetti not only pays tribute to his late bandmates but also reminds fans of the stories and emotions that shaped some of the most memorable songs of their youth. With each post and memory, he keeps the spirit of LFO alive, celebrating both the joy and the heartache that often accompany love and fame in the spotlight.