Brian Wilson, the pioneering musician who shaped the sound of the Beach Boys and modern pop music, has died at age 82.
Wilson's passing on June 11, 2025, led to tributes from family, longtime bandmates, and musical legends who honored his innovation, artistry, and enduring cultural influence, USA Today reported.
The announcement of Wilson’s death was made public on Wednesday. He is survived by daughters Carnie and Wendy from his first marriage, as well as five adopted children with his second wife, Melinda Ledbetter, who had stood by him throughout his later years.
Mike Love, Wilson’s cousin and a founding member of the Beach Boys, offered a heartfelt tribute in the wake of his passing. Recalling their shared childhood and music-making beginnings, Love said the world had lost a genius and he had lost both family and a creative partner.
“From the first time we sang together as kids in my living room," Love wrote, "I knew there was something otherworldly in him.” He reflected on the ups and downs of their decades-long relationship and concluded, “Brian, you once asked, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice if we were older?’ Now you are timeless.”
Al Jardine, another original Beach Boy, honored Wilson with warm memories, calling him his “friend,” “classmate,” and “brother in spirit.” Jardine added that it brought comfort to imagine Wilson reunited with their late bandmates, Carl and Dennis, harmonizing once more.
Wilson’s daughter, Carnie, part of the pop group Wilson Phillips, expressed heartbreak in an emotional Instagram post. “My father @brianwilsonlive was every fiber of my body,” she wrote, sharing that the pain of losing him was deeper than anything she had ever known.
She described their soul connection as everlasting and imagined him now “playing the piano for Grandma Audree, his mom.” Her tribute also emphasized the legacy Wilson leaves behind, with millions remembering his music forever.
The Wilson family released a statement on Wednesday, asking for privacy as they mourned. “We are at a loss for words,” they shared, acknowledging the deep grief that followed his death.
Paul McCartney, speaking through comments quoted by musician Mike Portnoy, credited Wilson and the Beach Boys’ album “Pet Sounds” with inspiring the Beatles' “Sgt. Pepper.” McCartney called "God Only Knows" one of the most beautiful songs ever created.
Bob Dylan also offered condolences, saying he had admired Wilson’s brilliance for many years. Ronnie Wood, reflecting on a difficult week, lamented the simultaneous loss of Wilson and fellow music legend Sly Stone.
Elton John recalled both personal and professional memories, including Wilson's performance of "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" at a 2003 tribute concert and the collaborations on each other’s music. John called Wilson a “true giant” of songwriting who transformed the art form.
Carole King described Wilson as her friend and creative sibling. She said that though the world will grieve his passing, his songs remain a constant gift to audiences everywhere.
John Cale of the Velvet Underground emphasized that Wilson's influence extended far beyond the surf music the Beach Boys are known for. He praised Wilson’s sophistication in blending pop sensibilities with experimental innovation.
Sean Ono Lennon described Wilson as “our American Mozart,” noting the impact his music had on his own life. Lennon remembered Wilson as kind and generous, calling him a one-of-a-kind visionary from another world.
Mark McGrath, lead singer of Sugar Ray, reflected on being truly heartbroken over the loss. He encouraged fans to find solace in Wilson’s music, which continues to bring joy and comfort.
Todd Sucherman of Styx said it was hard to picture a world without Brian Wilson, sharing that Wilson’s influence had played a role in shaping the life he built with his wife.
John Cusack, who portrayed Wilson in the award-winning biopic "Love & Mercy," remembered the musician as someone with an “open heart” and a divine gift for hearing harmonies. Cusack praised Wilson's ability to be vulnerable about his mental health struggles, saying it was a triumph of love and endurance.
Universal Music Group Chairman Sir Lucian Grainge said Wilson was among the most talented singer-songwriters in recorded history. Furthermore, he said Wilson’s studio innovations transformed the way producers create music and noted that his compositions captured the spirit of youth and longing.
Meanwhile, Mike Portnoy expressed shock upon hearing the news, calling Wilson’s passing monumental for the music community. He also echoed sentiments from other artists who recognized Wilson’s unique connection to his late brothers, Dennis and Carl.
Amid all the outpouring of grief, one truth rings clear: Brian Wilson was more than a musician. Indeed, he was a generational force, whose harmonies filled not only records but lives. His voice, arrangements, and artistic courage reshaped music—and that legacy will sing forever.
