Legendary American songwriter, producer, arranger, singer, and musician Brian Wilson has died, aged 82.
Wilson’s family confirmed the news on Wednesday (June 11).
“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away,” reads a statement posted to Instagram.
Their statement adds: “We are at a loss for words right now. Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world. Love & Mercy.”
Born June 20, 1942, Wilson was the iconic creative force behind The Beach Boys, taking on multiple roles as composer, producer, vocalist, bassist, and keyboardist.
“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away.”
Statement published by wilson family on June 11
Wilson’s innovative studio work and melodic sensibilities transformed pop music, arguably establishing him as one of the most influential figures in contemporary music history.
The Beach Boys formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California, consisting of brothers Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and their friend Al Jardine.
Following the release and early success of singles Surfin and Surfin’ Safari, the band went on to sign to Capitol Records and achieved remarkable commercial success, with over 100 million records sold worldwide.
Between the 1960s and today, the group had over 80 songs chart worldwide, 36 of them in the US Top 40, and four topping the Billboard Hot 100.
Wilson originated the classic California pop sound through classic hits like Surfin’ U.S.A., Surfer Girl, I Get Around, and California Girls.
Pet Sounds, widely considered one of Wilson’s best creative works, featured mega hits like Wouldn’t It Be Nice and God Only Knows.
It was released in 1966 and ranked No.2 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
Wilson’s next project, Smile, remained incomplete due to creative challenges and personal difficulties, though Wilson eventually finished it and released it as a solo work in 2004.
Wilson’s honors include inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of the Beach Boys) the Songwriters Hall of Fame, two Grammy Awards (as a solo artist) and an Ivor Novello.
It was widely reported in early 2024 that Wilson was living with a ‘neurocognitive disorder’.
“Not only did his songs capture the spirit of youth, joy and longing in ways that still inspire millions of fans around the world, his innovative work in the studio transformed the way musicians record even to this day.”
Tributes poured in for the Beach Boys legend on Wednesday.
“Brian Wilson was one of the most talented singer-songwriters in the history of recorded music,” said Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO, Universal Music Group, in a statement.
“Not only did his songs capture the spirit of youth, joy and longing in ways that still inspire millions of fans around the world, his innovative work in the studio transformed the way musicians record even to this day. Brian made an indelible mark, and our thoughts are with his family in this time of loss.”
Bruce Resnikoff, President & CEO of UMe, the global catalog division of Universal Music Group, on the passing of Brian Wilson, said: “Brian Wilson changed popular music forever as one of its most influential and visionary artists. He redefined pop by blending The Beach Boys signature harmonies with rich, complex arrangements, introspective lyrics, and groundbreaking studio innovations.
“From the carefree spirit of the early surf hits to the emotional depth of Pet Sounds, he elevated pop to an art form. His impact is immeasurable, and his music, spirit, and genius will live on. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and fans around the world.”
“The world mourns a genius today, and we grieve for the loss of our cousin, our friend, and our partner in a great musical adventure.”
The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys wrote on Facebook: “The world mourns a genius today, and we grieve for the loss of our cousin, our friend, and our partner in a great musical adventure. Brian Wilson wasn’t just the heart of The Beach Boys—he was the soul of our sound. The melodies he dreamed up and the emotions he poured into every note changed the course of music forever.
“His unparalleled talent and unique spirit created the soundtrack of so many lives around the globe, including our own. Together, we gave the world the American dream of optimism, joy, and a sense of freedom—music that made people feel good, made them believe in summer and endless possibilities. We are heartbroken by his passing.
“We will continue to cherish the timeless music we made together and the joy he brought to millions over the decades. And while we will miss him deeply, his legacy will live on through his songs and in our memories. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and his loved ones during this difficult time.”
“His musical gifts were unmatched. The melodies he dreamed up, the emotions he poured into every note — Brian changed the course of music forever.”
Mike Love
Mike Love also issued a lengthy statement, which you can read in full on Facebook: “Today, the world lost a genius, and I lost a cousin by blood and my partner in music. Brian Wilson wasn’t just the heart of The Beach Boys — he was the soul of our sound. From the first time we sang together as kids in my living room, I knew there was something otherworldly in him. His musical gifts were unmatched. The melodies he dreamed up, the emotions he poured into every note — Brian changed the course of music forever.
“Our journey together was filled with moments of brilliance, heartbreak, laughter, complexity and most of all, LOVE . 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.
“Brian’s unique artistry and our collaboration gave the world the American dream of optimism, joy, and a sense of freedom—music that made people feel good, made them believe in an endless summer and endless possibilities. It was one of the greatest blessings of my life to experience that creative space with him.”Music Business Worldwide