The Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson dies

BRIAN WILSON

Brian Wilson, the creative force behind The Beach Boys, has passed away, his family confirmed in a heartfelt statement posted on his official website. Wilson, who wrote some of the band’s most iconic hits such as Surfin’ USA, Good Vibrations, and God Only Knows, was remembered by his family as a beloved father whose loss leaves them “at a loss for words.” They asked for privacy as they grieve and acknowledged that their sorrow is being shared by fans across the world.

Wilson had reportedly faced significant health issues in recent years. Court documents filed in 2024 indicated that he was suffering from a major neurocognitive disorder, believed to be a form of dementia. As the eldest and last surviving of the three Wilson brothers, he co-founded The Beach Boys in the early 1960s alongside his siblings Dennis and Carl, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. Known for his musical innovation and lush harmonies, Wilson's influence helped define the sound of an era and the spirit of California pop.

Tributes have poured in from across the music industry. Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones said his “world is in mourning,” while broadcaster Piers Morgan described Wilson as “a complex man but a musical genius.” Radio 2’s Tony Robinson called The Beach Boys' music “the sound of summer” and thanked Wilson for his enduring contributions. Electronic duo Disclosure praised him as their “favourite producer and composer of all time,” writing, “Pushed the boundaries further than anyone had before… Rest in peace to the greatest.”

The Beach Boys