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Tributes pour in for Brian Wilson, legendary Beach Boys star dead aged 82

June 11th 2025 at 9:12PM
Tributes pour in for Brian Wilson, legendary Beach Boys star dead aged 82

The worldwide music community is in mourning.

Today (June 11), the family of Brian Wilson has confirmed that the legendary co-founder of the Beach Boys has passed away, aged 82.

Speaking in a statement online, the 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."

As the co-founder of the Beach Boys, Wilson was part of a band that sold over 100 million records worldwide on the back of timeless classics such as God Only Knows, Wouldn’t It Be Nice, Good Vibrations, and many, many, many more.

Widely regarded as their magnum opus – it was also second only to Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On in Rolling Stone’s 2024 list of the 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time – 1966’s Pet Sounds stands on sales of 699,921 in the UK since Official Charts Company records began in 1994. The group currently have over 12 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone. 

According to the Official Charts Company, the Beach Boys have two UK No.1 songs in Good Vibrations and Do It Again. They similarly have 13 UK Top 10 singles, two UK No.1 albums and 15 top 10 records. 

The group were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.

In 2021, Wilson released his 11th – and, now, final – album, At My Piano via Decca.

Al Jardine, founding member of The Beach Boys, is among a host of prominent names to comment on Wilson's passing so far: "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."?

Also speaking on Wilson's passing, Sir Lucian Grainge, chairman and CEO, Universal Music Group, said: "Brian Wilson was one of the most talented singer-songwriters in the history of recorded music. Not only did his songs capture the spirit of youth, joy and longing in ways that still inspire millions of fans around the world, his innovative work in the studio transformed the way musicians record even to this day. Brian made an indelible mark, and our thoughts are with his family in this time of loss."

Brian Wilson was one of the most talented singer-songwriters in the history of recorded music

 Sir Lucian Grainge, chairman and CEO, Universal Music Group

Bruce Resnikoff, president & CEO of UMe, the global catalog division of Universal Music Group, added: "Brian Wilson changed popular music forever as one of its most influential and visionary artists. He redefined pop by blending The Beach Boys signature harmonies with rich, complex arrangements, introspective lyrics, and groundbreaking studio innovations. From the carefree spirit of the early surf hits to the emotional depth of Pet Sounds, he elevated pop to an art form. His impact is immeasurable, and his music, spirit, and genius will live on. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and fans around the world."

 Over the years, works by Wilson and the Beach Boys have ranked high among Music Week’s surveys of the industry’s favourite songs and albums.

Speaking about the enduring power of God Only Knows in 2019, Biffy Clyro’s Simon Neil told us, “It really impacted my life – God Only Knows is one of those songs that has always been there. I love the fact it sounds so simple and so complex.”

A host of top names have taken to social media to pay their respects to the visionary songwriter and producer. More will be added as they come in.

 
 
 
 
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Photo credit: Mark Sagliocco/FilmMagic)/Getty
 


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