Brian Wilson, the iconic frontman and co-founder of The Beach Boys, has passed away at the age of 82, as announced by his family.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of our beloved father Brian Wilson’s passing,” his family stated in a message posted online. “We find ourselves at a loss for words during this time.”
“We kindly ask for privacy as our family undergoes this period of grief. We understand that our sorrow is shared with the world.”
Born in 1942 and raised in Hawthorne, California, Wilson formed a musical group with his younger brothers Carl and Dennis, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine.
Together, they achieved immense fame as one of America’s leading rock bands, The Beach Boys.
One of the most popular bands in history, they have sold over 100 million records worldwide, according to their official website.
According to Rolling Stone magazine, they rank 12th on its list of the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time”.
Wilson produced numerous hit singles, including three chart-toppers: I Get Around, Help Me, Rhonda, and Good Vibrations.
He was renowned for utilizing the recording studio to craft distinctive sounds, particularly on the album Pet Sounds, solidifying his status as a musical innovator.
Tributes are flooding in for the cherished musician.
Nancy Sinatra, daughter of Frank Sinatra and a prominent figure in music during The Beach Boys’ prime, posted a photo with Brian Wilson on Instagram.
“His beloved music will endure eternally as he journeys through the Universe and beyond,” she expressed. “God bless you, dear Brian.”
Mick Fleetwood from Fleetwood Mac remarked: “Anyone with a love for music should be thankful for Brian Wilson’s remarkable genius! It’s a profound loss for the world!”
Sean Ono Lennon, son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, referred to Wilson as the “American Mozart” and a “unique genius from another realm”.
“Those who truly know me understand how heartbroken I am over Brian Wilson’s passing,” he posted on X.
“Few have influenced me as he did. I feel fortunate to have met him and spent time with him. He was always gracious and kind.”
Elton John described him as a “true giant”, while Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood mentioned that his “world is in mourning,” noting that both Sly Stone and Wilson died this week.
Sir Lucian Grainge, the CEO of Universal Music Group, hailed Wilson as “one of the most gifted singer-songwriters in the history of recorded music”.
“If anyone personified creating art from unexpressed sorrow, it was Brian Wilson,” mused musician Questlove in a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
Micky Dolenz, the last surviving member of The Monkees, expressed that “his melodies shaped a generation, his harmonies changed the landscape, and his soul resonated in every note”.
In a post on X, American singer-songwriter Tom Petty likened Wilson to Beethoven, saying “I can’t think of anything greater than that.”
Wilson lost his wife Melinda in 2024; they were married for 24 years and adopted children Dakota Rose, Daria Rose, Delanie Rose, Dylan, and Dash together.
He also had two daughters, Carnie and Wendy, from his first marriage.
Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 1984, Wilson’s mental health issues were believed to be exacerbated by his use of psychedelic drugs, which may have caused brain damage, according to Forbes.
In February 2024, it was publicly disclosed that he had dementia.