Thomas Fekete joined the 27 club on May 31, 2016. The cause of death is recorded as: Cancer
Thomas Fekete was a Swiss footballer who played as a left back for FC Chiasso on loan from BSC Young Boys in the Swiss Super League. Born on September 19, 1995, Fekete began his professional football career with BSC Young Boys, making his league debut against FC Zürich in a 0-1 home defeat on September 29, 2013. He went on to make two appearances for the team during the 2013/14 season.
However, Thomas Fekete is perhaps best known for his association with American indie rock band Surfer Blood. The group was founded in 2008 by John Paul Pitts and Tyler Schwarz in West Palm Beach, Florida, with guitarist Luke Bovat and bassist Freddy Schwenk. When this early incarnation of the band, TV Club, disbanded in 2009, Pitts and Schwarz met Fekete at an Ultra Music Festival after party in Miami and renamed the group Surfer Blood.
Surfer Blood gained significant attention with their debut single "Swim," released in 2009, which was named as the 37th best track on Pitchfork's 100 Best Songs of 2009. The band's debut album, Astro Coast, followed in January 2010, and they quickly became one of the most buzzed-about new acts of that year. They performed at numerous festivals and shows throughout 2010, including SXSW, ATP music festival curated by Pavement, San Miguel Primavera Sound Festival in Spain, and Splendour in the Grass in Australia.
Thomas Fekete's legacy with Surfer Blood extends beyond his involvement as a guitarist. His addition to the group marked a pivotal moment for the band, helping them to solidify their lineup and embark on a successful career. Despite his tragic passing on May 31, 2016, Fekete's contributions to Surfer Blood continue to be celebrated by fans and music enthusiasts alike. The band's fusion of surf-rock and indie influences has left an indelible mark on the indie music scene, with Thomas Fekete playing a crucial role in shaping their sound during his time with the group.