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On June 11, Brian Wilson's family shared the sad news that the Beach Boys co-founder passed away at the age of 82. "We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away," reads a statement on Instagram. "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."
Although his cause of death has yet to be revealed, Wilson was diagnosed with dementia in 2024 and put in conservatorship.
Wilson is arguably the greatest songwriter of the 21st century and influenced countless artists. Icons like Mick Fleetwood, Ringo Starr, Keith Richards, Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and more took to social media to pay tribute to the legendary musician.
"Anyone with a musical bone in their body must be grateful for Brian Wilson’s genius magical touch !! And greatly saddened of this major worldly loss!!" Fleetwood wrote on X. "My thoughts go out to his family and friends"
"Sadly, Brian Wilson has passed away. Songwriter, visionary. Thank you for a lifetime of wonderful melodies that spanned decades," Simmons lamented on X. "I’m going to spend the day listening to the Beach Boys and reminiscing."
See these and other reactions below.
To honor Wilson iHeart60s Radio on iHeartRadio is celebrating his imprint in music with Beach Boys music at the top and bottom of every hour all day today (June 11th) and tomorrow (June 12th). Listen on the free iHeartRadio app.