Passing of Brian Wilson, Leader of The Beach Boys and Poet of Summer at Age 82

At the age of 82, Brian Wilson, the innovative and vulnerable frontman of the Beach Boys, passed away. His exceptional talent for creating catchy melodies, intricate arrangements, and heartfelt lyrics gave us classic hits like “Good Vibrations” and “California Girls,” establishing him as one of the most influential musicians in the world.

Wilson’s family posted news of his death to his website and social media accounts Wednesday. Further details weren’t immediately available.

Brian, the eldest of three musically gifted brothers, each playing a different instrument in the band – him on bass, Carl on lead guitar, and Dennis on drums. Together with the rest of the Beach Boys, they evolved from a local California group to global sensations during the 1960s, becoming icons of the carefree surf and sun culture. Despite his musical brilliance, Wilson battled personal demons throughout his life, adding a layer of complexity to his romantic and tortured persona.

The Beach Boys’ popularity is evident in their impressive record of over 30 Top 40 singles and global album sales exceeding 100 million. Their album “Pet Sounds” from 1966, regarded as a masterpiece, was ranked second in Rolling Stone’s list of the greatest 500 albums. Despite being overshadowed by the Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” in this ranking, the Beach Boys, including Wilson’s cousin Mike Love and childhood friend Al Jardine, were deservedly inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.

Wilson feuded with Love over songwriting credits, but peers otherwise adored him beyond envy, from Elton John and Bruce Springsteen to Smokey Robinson and Carole King. The Who’s drummer, Keith Moon, fantasized about joining the Beach Boys. Paul McCartney cited “Pet Sounds” as a direct inspiration on the Beatles and the ballad “God Only Knows” as among his favorite songs, often bringing him to tears.

Wilson moved and fascinated fans and musicians long after he stopped having hits. In his later years, Wilson and a devoted entourage of younger musicians performed “Pet Sounds” and his restored opus, “Smile,” before worshipful crowds in concert halls. Meanwhile, The Go-Go’s, Lindsey Buckingham, Animal Collective and Janelle Monáe were among a wide range of artists who emulated him, whether as a master of crafting pop music or as a pioneer of pulling it apart.