Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson dies aged 82

Brian Wilson, co-founder and longtime creative driving force of the Beach Boys, has died at age 82.

His family shared the sad news in an Instagram post today (June 11), saying: "We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world."

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Brian Wilson (@brianwilsonlive)

California-born Brian Wilson co-founded the Beach Boys in 1961 with his brothers Dennis and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and their friend Al Jardine. 

He went on to become the band's primary songwriter and producer, establishing a reputation as a major innovator in songwriting, musical and vocal arrangement, studio technique and overall creative vision.

He produced and composed the lion's share of 1966's Pet Sounds, the band's incredibly sophisticated and ambitious 11th studio album, which is widely regarded as one of the most influential records ever.

He also dealt with serious mental health issues throughout his life. In 1964, he suffered a nervous breakdown that compelled him to step back from regular touring with The Beach Boys.

MORE: Where every Beach Boys song and album has charted in the UK

Last year, it was announced that he was suffering from dementia and had been placed in a conservatorship. 

His wife of 29 years, Melinda, passed away in January 2024. He is survived by his daughters Carnie and Wendy, who are members of the vocal group Wilson Phillips, as well as by his five adopted children. 

Paying tribute to the late Beach Boy, Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood wrote on X: “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.”