Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys Co-Founder, Dies at 82

Brian Wilson, the musical genius and co-founder of the iconic American band The Beach Boys, has died at the age of 82. The news was confirmed by his family in a heartfelt statement posted online.

"We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away," the family said. "Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving. We realise that we are sharing our grief with the world."

Tributes to a Music Legend

Tributes from across the music world have poured in. Sean Ono Lennon, son of Beatles legend John Lennon, called Wilson the "American Mozart" and "a one-of-a-kind genius from another world."

"Anyone who really knows me knows how heartbroken I am about Brian Wilson passing," Lennon posted on social media. "Not many people influenced me as much as he did."

Veteran singer Nancy Sinatra also paid tribute, sharing a picture with Wilson on Instagram and honoring his enduring legacy.

The Musical Visionary Behind The Beach Boys

Born in 1942 in Hawthorne, California, Brian Wilson founded The Beach Boys in the early 1960s alongside his brothers Carl and Dennis, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. Together, they created a sound that defined a generation of surf-rock and psychedelic pop.

The Beach Boys became one of the most successful bands in history, selling over 100 million records worldwide. Wilson was the driving creative force behind their distinctive harmonies and experimental studio production techniques.

His signature compositions include "Good Vibrations," "Help Me, Rhonda," "I Get Around", and many tracks from the groundbreaking 1966 album Pet Sounds, widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time.

A Troubled Genius

Despite his musical brilliance, Wilson struggled with mental health throughout his life. In 1984, he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, which was later linked to his past use of psychedelic drugs.

In February 2024, Wilson's family announced that he had been diagnosed with dementia, and his health continued to decline following the death of his wife, Melinda Wilson, in the same year.

Family and Legacy

Brian Wilson is survived by his children Dakota Rose, Daria Rose, Delanie Rose, Dylan, and Dash, all adopted during his marriage to Melinda. He also had two daughters, Carnie and Wendy Wilson, from his first marriage. Carnie and Wendy formed the successful pop group Wilson Phillips in the 1990s.

Wilson's influence on modern music is immeasurable. Rolling Stone magazine ranked The Beach Boys #12 on its list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time". Wilson's production and songwriting continue to inspire musicians across genres and generations.

"His cherished music will live forever as he travels through the Universe and beyond. God bless you, sweet Brian."

Related Articles

• Brian Wilson Obituary: Troubled Genius of Pop Music
• The Beach Boys: History of America’s Surf-Rock Sound
• Pet Sounds: How Brian Wilson Changed Pop Forever

Published by Infornews on June 11, 2025