Brian Wilson, a founding member of the iconic Beach Boys, has passed away at the age of 82. His family confirmed the news on Instagram, expressing their grief and requesting privacy during this difficult time. No further details about his death were provided.
Wilson, along with his brothers Dennis and Carl, formed the Beach Boys in 1961. The band, which also included Wilson’s cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine, quickly rose from a local California band to global stardom. Wilson was the bassist for the group, with Carl on lead guitar and Dennis on drums.
Born on June 20, 1942, in Inglewood, California, Wilson was just 19 when he formed the Beach Boys. Their debut album, “Surfin’ Safari,” was released in 1962. Wilson was a prolific songwriter for the band, penning or co-writing numerous hits such as “Surfin’ USA,” “I Get Around,” “Help Me, Rhonda,” “California Girls,” and “Good Vibrations.”
The Beach Boys’ 1966 album “Pet Sounds,” often hailed as one of the greatest music albums of all time, is considered Wilson’s masterpiece. The band also had a friendly rivalry with The Beatles, who emerged on the U.S. scene in 1964. Between 1962 and 1966, the Beach Boys had 13 singles in the Billboard Top 10, with three reaching No. 1.
However, Wilson’s career faced challenges in the late 1960s when he became a recluse, a situation that worsened after his father’s death in 1973. He was later diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, which involves hallucinations, depression, and paranoia. Despite these struggles, Wilson made a career comeback in 1976 with the help of psychologist Eugene Landy, producing the album “The Beach Boys Love You” and rejoining the band for performances.
Wilson’s solo career began in 1988 with his self-titled debut album. He released 11 solo albums, the last being 2021’s “At My Piano.” He also served as an on-and-off member of the Beach Boys, with his final album with the group being 2012’s “That’s Why God Made the Radio.”
Throughout his career, Wilson received numerous accolades, including two Grammy Awards out of nine nominations. He was also inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Beach Boys in 1988.
Wilson’s life was documented in the 2021 film “Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road.” He was married twice and had seven children. His second wife, Melinda Kae Ledbetter, passed away in 2024. A month later, his family revealed that he was suffering from dementia and filed to place him under a conservatorship.