Brian Wilson, Beach Boys founder and musical visionary, dies at 82

Brian Wilson, co-founder of the Beach Boys and the musical mastermind behind timeless hits like Good Vibrations and God Only Knows, has sadly passed away at the age of 82.

His life was a complex journey of creative brilliance, personal struggles with drug abuse, and a long battle with mental health challenges.

In recent years, Wilson had been suffering from dementia. Following the death of his wife in early 2024, he was placed under conservatorship as he was no longer able to care for himself.

Wilson’s family confirmed his passing in a heartfelt statement shared on social media.

“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away,” they wrote.

“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.”

 

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A post shared by Brian Wilson (@brianwilsonlive)

Born on June 20, 1942, Wilson showed a gift for music from an early age, learning to play piano and teaching his younger brothers to sing in harmony. What began as a modest family act in Hawthorne, California, rehearsing in bedrooms and garages, eventually became a defining force in American pop music.

Wilson played bass for the Beach Boys, while his brothers Dennis and Carl took up drums and lead guitar, respectively. The band’s early single Surfin’ gained local attention in 1961, but it was their second studio album, Surfin’ USA (1963), that launched them into stardom.

Originally managed by their father Murry Wilson, the group eventually came under Brian’s direction, with him taking control of studio sessions and shaping their signature sound. His pioneering work in songwriting and production redefined pop music and helped establish the Beach Boys as legends.

Over the years, the group released a string of iconic hits, including California Girls, Wouldn’t It Be Nice, Surfer Girl, and Good Vibrations. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and honoured with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001.

As news of Wilson’s passing spread, fans and fellow music greats shared heartfelt tributes to his enduring legacy.

Oh no Brian Wilson and Sly Stone in one week ~ my world is in mourning 🙏🙏so sad ❤️❤️xx pic.twitter.com/NXPfKzy7Ml

— Ronnie Wood (@ronniewood) June 11, 2025

Anyone with a musical bone in their body 🎼 must be grateful for Brian Wilson’s genius magical touch !! And greatly saddened of this major worldly loss!! My thoughts go out to his family and friends ❤️ Mick Fleetwood and the Fleetwood Mac Family #brianwilson #thebeachboys pic.twitter.com/ZddqigNK7e

— Mick Fleetwood (@MickFleetwood) June 11, 2025

Anyone who really knows me knows how heart broken I am about Brian Wilson passing. Not many people influenced me as much as he did. I feel very lucky that I was able to meet him and spend some time with him. He was always very kind and generous. He was our American Mozart. A one… pic.twitter.com/UODb9NdqOl

— Seán Ono Lennon (@seanonolennon) June 11, 2025

One of the greatest Americans to ever live has just passed. Brian Wilson, beyond being perhaps the most talented musician this country has ever produced, you were a creative titan, an innovator. Your perseverance through the jungles of mental health was inspiring. Thank you pic.twitter.com/xk2FyQPs8c

— Sami Gold (@souljagoytellem) June 11, 2025

It is not hyperbole to say that Brian Wilson was one of the greatest composers to have ever lived. His body of work will stand among the greats through the ages. I count myself so fortunate to have seen him perform live. RIP Brian Wilson. pic.twitter.com/bOi0d3Jssl

— Marlin is a✨Ⴚ𝟬𝟬ᵭ 𝔹𝟬𐍅✨ where skies are blue (@MarlinIsAGoodB1) June 11, 2025

Although Wilson may be gone, his music and legacy will continue to resonate through every harmony and heartfelt lyric he leaves behind.

– with Reuters and PA.