OBITUARY: Patrick “Pat” Foley

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Patrick “Pat” Foley, a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and irreplaceable force in the music world. Pat passed away peacefully on January 27, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Pat is survived by his wife, Eloise Lynch Foley, and their two daughters, Rachael and Alanna. He is also deeply missed by his brothers Brian and James, his sister Maria, his sister-in-law Linda Riggs Foley, and his brother-in-law Michael Lazor, as well as his nieces and nephews: Jacqueline, James, Daniel, and Julia.

Pat was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, in 1954. The son of British immigrants-his father a musician and his mother a singer in local musicals-Pat grew up surrounded by music. As the Motown era exploded onto the scene, he developed a deep love for early American rock and roll, as well as British imports like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, which would shape his lifelong devotion to the music industry and its artists.

A true behind-the-scenes legend, Pat shaped the sounds of generations through his work with drums, guitars, amplifiers, and production.

In the early 1980s, Pat became known for his skill in customizing drum kits for top musicians such as Bobby Blotzer, Gregg Bissonette, Michael Baird, Myron Grombacher, and Jonathan “Sugarfoot” Moffett-most notably for Moffett’s kit on Michael Jackson’s Victory tour-ensuring the instruments reflected both the style and sound of the artists who played them.

Later, as part of The Tuffway Industries Team with partner Chris Silagy, he recorded with bands such as The Redskins, The Untouchables, and 20/20 during the mid-1980s, collaborating across two continents.

Pat went on to build and operate a studio on the British island of Montserrat, where he recorded local bands and artists from neighboring islands. It was there he met his wife, a local singer and recording artist. Pat’s ability to recognize talent and bring out the best in every artist he worked with was not just another skill, it was the heart of his work as a producer.

His passion for craftsmanship later led him into the world of guitars. For over two decades at Gibson, Pat forged relationships with some of the greatest musicians of all time, overseeing the creation of iconic signature guitar models for legends such as Jimmy Page, Slash, Paul McCartney, Billy Gibbons, Pete Townshend, Tony Iommi, Eric Clapton, Joe Perry, Robby Krieger, Joe Walsh, Johnny Winter, Warren Haynes, Joe Bonamassa, and countless others.

Beyond guitars, Pat’s expertise extended to amplifiers, most recently at Orange Amps, where he spent nearly a decade working closely with artists like Geddy Lee, Stevie Wonder, Glenn Hughes, Billy Strings, Marcus King, Tim Montana, Brent Hinds, and Jim Root, all of whom cherished both his knowledge and friendship.

To those who knew him, Pat was more than just an industry veteran, he was a mentor, a storyteller, a true friend. He had an uncanny ability to make everyone in the room feel like they were part of something bigger. He lived for late-night jam sessions, backstage conversations, and the countless stories that only a life spent in music could create. His keen ear and deep understanding of musicians’ needs made him a trusted figure in the industry. Pat didn’t just make deals; he built lifelong relationships.

Though he has passed, Pat Foley’s rhythm will never fade. His legacy lives on in every beat, every note, and every song that still plays and stirs the soul.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to two of his favorite charities: Mercy Ships and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.