Musician, producer, pop culture icon and founder of The Beach Boys Brian Wilson has passed away at the age of 82, leaving behind a profound legacy that helped define a generation.
The news of Wilson’s death was confirmed by his family, who shared a heartfelt message on social media expressing their grief.
“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away,” the statement expressed.
“We are at a loss for words right now.
“Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving.
“We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world.”
Wilson’s life was one marked by extraordinary creativity and complexity. As a founding member of the Beach Boys, he redefined modern music with his intricate harmonies, emotional songwriting, and boundary-pushing production. Songs like God Only Knows, California Girls and Wouldn’t It Be Nice remain timeless staples of pop music history.
Born in California in 1942, Wilson formed the Beach Boys with his brothers Dennis and Carl, cousin Mike Love and childhood friend Al Jardine in the early ’60s. Their sunny, surf-inspired sound captured the spirit of the American West Coast—but it was Wilson’s musical instincts that elevated the band to international acclaim.
By his early twenties, Wilson had stepped back from touring to focus on songwriting and producing in the studio. The result was Pet Sounds, now widely considered one of the most influential albums of all time.
Away from the stage, Wilson’s life was also shaped by personal challenges. He experienced periods of severe mental illness throughout his adult life, and in recent years was reported to be living with a progressive neurological condition. His wife, Melinda Ledbetter—whom he married in 1995 and described as his greatest supporter—passed away in 2024. Together, they adopted five children. Wilson also had two daughters from a previous marriage.
Though his health had declined in recent years, Wilson remained a revered figure in the music world. He continued to tour and release new music well into his seventies, and his influence could be felt in generations of artists who followed in his footsteps.
As tributes pour in from across the globe, it’s clear that Brian Wilson’s genius left an indelible mark—not just on music, but on the hearts of those who found joy, comfort and nostalgia in his sound.
His family’s farewell, signed “Love & Mercy”—a nod to Wilson’s 1988 solo song and the title of a biopic about his life—says it best.
