• Brian Wilson, co-founder of The Beach Boys, has passed away at the age of 82.
• His family announced his death via social media stating they are “at a loss for words right now.”
• Wilson was known for crafting hits like “Good Vibrations” and “California Girls,” transforming pop music with his innovative sound.
• He faced significant personal struggles, including mental health issues and drug addiction, which impacted his life and career.
• Wilson’s 1966 album “Pet Sounds” is hailed as one of the greatest albums in rock history.

Brian Wilson, the co-founder of the legendary band The Beach Boys, has died at the age of 82. His family announced the tragic news via social media, stating, “We are at a loss for words right now. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world,” without disclosing a cause of death. Wilson had been under legal conservatorship due to a “major neurocognitive disorder” since the death of his wife, Melinda, in early 2024, according to multiple reports, including HuffPost, BBC, and Los Angeles Times.

As a primary creative force behind The Beach Boys, Wilson crafted enduring classics such as “Good Vibrations,” “California Girls,” and “Surfin’ USA.” His talent not only helped define the sound of American pop music but also transformed the genre through innovative songwriting and production techniques that rivaled contemporaries like The Beatles. “He was one of rock’s great romantics, a tormented man who in his peak years embarked on an ever-steeper path to aural perfection,” noted NY Times and Reuters.

Wilson was recognized for his pioneering work on “Pet Sounds,” which was released in 1966 and received critical acclaim despite modest initial commercial success. Over the years, it gained recognition as a significant artistic achievement, influencing generations of musicians, including Paul McCartney, who hailed it as transformative. As Paul McCartney expressed, “No one's musical education is complete until they've heard 'Pet Sounds,'” according to BBC and SFGate.

In his personal life, Wilson faced battles with mental health, including depression and substance abuse, which led to reclusiveness and artistic struggles. He was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, a condition that contributed to his ongoing challenges, as discussed in several articles including Channel News Asia and NPR.

Brian Wilson’s storied career and life have left a profound legacy that embodies the essence of American popular music, with his melodies resonating through time in a way that continues to enchant audiences. As noted by HuffPost and CBS News, his music will live on, cherished by fans and musicians alike.