The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson Dies At 82

Brian Wilson, the co-founder and primary songwriter of The Beach Boys, died at age 82. Wilson’s family announced the news on social media with the following statement,

“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 realize that we are sharing our grief with the world. Love & Mercy.”

Wilson’s cause of death has not been disclosed, however, in 2024 after the passing of Wilson’s wife Melinda, it was revealed that Wilson had been diagnosed with a serious neurocognitive disorder.

“Following the passing of Brian’s beloved wife Melinda, after careful consideration and consultation among Brian, his seven children, Gloria Ramos and Brian’s doctors (and consistent with family processes put in place by Brian and Melinda), we are confirming that longtime Wilson family representatives LeeAnn Hard and Jean Sievers will serve as Brian’s co-conservators of the person,” the Wilson family announced via Brian Wilson’s official social media page.

“This decision was made to ensure that there will be no extreme changes to the household and Brian and the children living at home will be taken care of and remain in the home where they are cared for by Gloria Ramos and the wonderful team at the house who have been in place for many years helping take care of the family. Brian will be able to enjoy all of his family and friends and continue to work on current projects as well as participate in any activities he chooses.”

Apart from contributing to the success of The Beach Boys, Wilson was known for his work in pioneering recording studio techniques, specifically using the studio as a part of the creative process when it came to songwriting.

The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations” was famously recorded in four separate studio locations, and is an early example of Wilson’s innovative approach to the recording and songwriting. In 1988, the world renown rock band were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and throughout Wilson’s career, he’d won two Grammy awards and had been nominated a total of nine times.

Wilson was one of three of the last surviving members of The Beach Boys’ original lineup. Mike Love and Al Jardine are the only two founding members still alive today, alongside Bruce Johnston who joined the band in 1965 shortly after they formed.