Vintage Rock is saddened to hear that Brian Wilson, the co-founder of The Beach Boys, has died at the age of 82.

In a simple 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.”

Born Brian Douglas Wilson on 20 June 1942 in the city of Inglewood, California, The Beach Boys original lineup consisted of brothers Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and their friend Al Jardine. Formed as a garage band centred on Brian’s songwriting and managed by the Wilsons’ father, Murry, the group’s songs, such as Surfin’ USA, California Girls, I Get Around, Good Vibrations and God Only Knows, are now fondly heralded as classics.

The Beach Boys are one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful bands of all time. Selling over 100 million records worldwide, they profoundly influenced popular music with their innovative harmonies, sophisticated songwriting, and pioneering use of the studio, helping shape the sound of the 1960s and inspiring countless artists across genres and generations.

“His Legacy Will Live On”

Numerous big-named acts have taken paid their gratitude and respect. The Beach Boys’ Facebook page posted a tribute, saying: “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.”

Otherworldly Talent

In a separate post Mike Love said: “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. Our journey together was filled with moments of brilliance, heartbreak, laughter, complexity and most of all, LOVE.”

Love concluded his statement saying: “Thank you for the harmonies, the memories, and the love. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal. I’ll miss you forever, my beloved cousin.”

Al Jardine said: “Brian Wilson my friend, my classmate, my football teammate, my Beach Boy bandmate and my brother in spirit, I will always feel blessed that you were in our lives for as long as you were. I think the most comforting thought right now is that you are reunited with Carl and Dennis, singing those beautiful harmonies again. You were a humble giant who always made me laugh and we will celebrate your music forever. Brian, I’ll really miss you… still I have the warmth of the sun within me tonight.”

Musical Genius

Bob Dylan was among the many artists greats paying tribute, saying: “Heard the sad news about Brian today and thought about all the years I’ve been listening to him and admiring his genius. Rest in peace dear Brian.”

Sir Elton John offered: “Brian Wilson was always so kind to me from the day I met him… I grew to love him as a person, and for me, he was the biggest influence on my songwriting ever; he was a musical genius and revolutionary. He changed the goalposts when it came to writing songs and shaped music forever. A true giant.”

The Velvet Underground’s John Cale said: “To me, Brian Wilson was not merely about surf music, rather a true musical genius toiling away at melding POP into startling sophistication. He will he be missed mightily.”

Carole King posted: “Brian Wilson was my friend and my brother in songwriting. We shared a similar sensibility, as evidenced by his 4 over 5 chord under “Aaaah!” in Good Vibrations and mine under I’m Into Something Good. We once discussed who used it first, and in the end we decided it didn’t matter. The world will miss Brian, but we are so lucky to have his music.”

John Cusack, who portrayed the older Brian Wilson in the 2014 biopic, Love & Mercy, said: “The maestro has passed – the man was a open heart with two legs – with an ear that heard the angels. Quite literally. Love and Mercy for you and yours tonight.”

Vintage Rock would also like to pass on its condolences to Brian Wilson’s family, friends and fans. He will be missed but his music remains.

Featured picture credit: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

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