Cliff Notes
- Brian Wilson, co-founder of The Beach Boys, has passed away at the age of 82, as announced by his family who expressed their heartbreak and requested privacy during their grieving period.
- Wilson, who suffered from major neurocognitive disorder in recent years, was the visionary leader and songwriter behind iconic hits such as “Good Vibrations” and “Surfin’ USA.”
- Tributes have poured in from notable figures in the music industry, recognising Wilson’s profound legacy and influence on generations of musicians, including Elton John and Paul McCartney.
The Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson dies | Ents & Arts News
Brian Wilson – the co-founder of The Beach Boys – has died at the age of 82.
In a statement, published on his website, his family said: “We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away.
“We are at a loss for words right now. Please respect our privacy at this time, as our family is grieving. We realise that we are sharing our grief with the world.”
Wilson is believed to have suffered ill health in recent years, with court documents filed in 2024 saying he had “major neurocognitive disorder (such as dementia)”.
He co-founded The Beach Boys in the early 1960s with his brothers, Dennis and Carl, their cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine.
Wilson – the eldest and last surviving of the three brothers – was their visionary leader and songwriter, penning hits including Surfin’ USA, Good Vibrations, and God Only Knows.
‘What a legacy he leaves’
Famous faces have paid tribute to Wilson, with Rolling Stone’s Ronnie Wood saying his “world is in mourning” following the deaths of The Beach Boys co-founder and fellow musician Sly Stone. “So sad,” he added.
“A complex man but a musical genius and show business icon,” Piers Morgan wrote. “What a legacy he leaves.”
Brian Wilson performed at Glastonbury in 2005
Radio 2 DJ Tony Robinson said on the X social media platform: “So sorry to hear that Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys has passed away. So many hits, and to me it was the sound of summer. RIP Brian and thanks for the music.”
Electronic music duo Disclosure said Wilson was their “favourite producer and composer of all time”.
“Pushed the boundaries further than anyone had before,” they wrote in a comment on Instagram. “Lost for words. We love you, Brian. Rest in peace to the greatest.”
The Beach Boys have inspired acts on both sides of the Atlantic, with the likes of Sir Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, and Carole King lauding their work.
Their 1966 album Pet Sounds, penned and produced by Wilson, was voted No.2 in a 2003 Rolling Stone list of the best 500 albums – losing only to The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club.
Paul McCartney has cited Pet Sounds as a direct inspiration for the Beatles, naming the ballad God Only Knows as one of his favourite songs and saying it often brings him to tears.
Brian, suffering from stress and exhaustion, had a breakdown in 1964 and retired from touring, choosing to instead focus on writing and recording, though he later returned to the stage.
Dennis, who struggled with substance abuse and alcoholism, drowned in 1983. Carl died of lung cancer in 1998.