Brian Wilson, the co-founding member and primary creative force behind The Beach Boys, passed away at age 82, prompting an outpouring of tributes from surviving bandmates and fellow musicians worldwide.
Wilson’s cousin and Beach Boys co-founder Mike Love, 84, honored Wilson’s legacy in a detailed Facebook post, describing his “unmatched musical gifts.” Love characterized Wilson as “fragile, intense, funny,” and “one of a kind,” noting that his music “allowed us to show the world what vulnerability and brilliance sound like in harmony.”
“The melodies he dreamed up, the emotions he poured into every noteโBrian changed the course of music forever,” Love wrote, acknowledging both the musical partnership and family relationship they shared. “Like all families, we had our ups and downs. But through it all, we never stopped loving each other, and I never stopped being in awe of what he could do when he sat at a piano or his spontaneity in the studio.”
Fellow original Beach Boys member Al Jardine, 82, described Wilson as “my brother in spirit” and “a humble giant who always made me laugh.” Jardine expressed gratitude for Wilson’s presence in their lives and vowed that “we will celebrate your music forever.”
Wilson was the eldest of three brothers who formed the American rock band in 1961 alongside Love and school friend Jardine. The announcement of his passing came through a statement posted on his official website by his family, who requested privacy during their time of grief.
The music industry responded with widespread recognition of Wilson’s influence. Sir Elton John posted on Instagram, calling Wilson “the biggest influence on my songwriting ever” and describing him as “a musical genius and revolutionary” who “changed the goalposts when it came to writing songs.”
Bob Dylan, 84, shared his thoughts on the social media platform X, reflecting on “all the years I’ve been listening to him and admiring his genius.” Singer-songwriter Carole King, 83, referred to Wilson as “my friend and my brother in songwriting,” while former Velvet Underground member John Cale praised him as “a true musical genius toiling away at melding pop into startling sophistication.”
Rolling Stones members also paid their respects. Guitarist Ronnie Wood, 78, mourned the loss of both Wilson and musician Sly Stone, who died earlier this week. Keith Richards, 81, shared an extract from his 2010 memoir “Life” on Instagram, recounting his first encounters with Beach Boys music and his appreciation for their 1966 album “Pet Sounds.”
Other notable tributes came from Sean Ono Lennon, son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, who called Wilson “our American Mozart,” and The Monkees drummer Micky Dolenz, who noted that “his melodies shaped generations, & his soul resonated in every note.”
Born on June 20, 1942, Wilson began playing piano as a young boy and taught his brothers to sing harmony. The Beach Boys started as a neighborhood act, rehearsing in Wilson’s bedroom and garage in suburban Hawthorne, California, with Wilson on bass, brother Dennis on drums, and Carl on lead guitar.
Initially managed by their father, Murry Wilson, Brian gradually took control of the band’s creative direction, running recording sessions from early in their career. The group released their most celebrated album, “Pet Sounds,” in May 1966, featuring acclaimed songs including “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “God Only Knows.”
Wilson’s personal life included marriage to singer Marilyn Rovell in 1964, with whom he had daughters Carnie and Wendy. Following their divorce, Wilson became estranged from his daughters but later reconciled. The family collaborated on the 1997 album “The Wilsons,” which shared its name with a music group formed by Carnie and Wendy after the dissolution of pop vocal group Wilson Phillips.
After struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues, Wilson rebuilt his life in the 1990s and married talent manager Melinda Ledbetter. When Ledbetter died last year, Wilson spoke about their five children: Daria, Delanie, Dylan, Dash, and Dakota.
Wilson faced various legal challenges throughout his career, some stemming from the release of his 1991 autobiography, “Wouldn’t It Be Nice: My Own Story.”
The Beach Boys received recognition through their 1988 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award in 2001. Wilson’s brothers Dennis died in 1983, while Carl passed away in 1998, making Brian the last surviving Wilson brother.
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