Brian Wilson, the visionary behind the Beach Boys and a defining architect of California’s golden sound, has passed away at the age of 82.
He would have been celebrating his 83rd birthday next week.
Revered as a pop genius and one of music’s most innovative minds, Wilson transformed surf rock into an art form that touched generations.
The co-founder and songwriter of the iconic band had been battling dementia, with his family announcing on Wednesday that he had died.
Releasing a statement via Wilson's official website, his family wrote, "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."
Brian was born in Inglewood, California, on 20 June 1942, and, as a child, demonstrated an ability to recite music by ear.
The music icon formed The Beach Boys in 1961 alongside his brothers Dennis Wilson and Carl Wilson, cousin Mike Love, and their friend Al Jardine.
The band released their debut single in 1961 and enjoyed chart success with songs including ‘Surfin' U.S.A.’, ‘I Get Around’, and ‘Good Vibrations’.
They went on to sell 100 million records and landed over 80 charting hits worldwide, 36 of these tracks making their way into the US Top 40 (the most by a US rock band).
Brian was married twice, first to Marilyn Rovell from 1964 until 1979 and then to Melinda Ledbetter from 1995 until her death in 2024.
The singer shared daughters Carnie and Wendy with Rovell and later adopted five further children with Ledbetter.
Ledbetter passed away in January 2024, and it was announced that Brian had been diagnosed with dementia the following month.
Love and Jardine are now the last surviving original members of the group.
As waves of tributes pour in, one thing is clear: Brian Wilson didn’t just soundtrack the summer; he changed music forever.
May he rest in peace.
