Brian Wilson – the co-founder of The Beach Boys – has died at the age of 82.
In a statement, published on his website, his family said: “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 realise that we are sharing our grief with the world.”
Wilson is believed to have suffered ill health in recent years, with court documents filed in 2024 saying he had “major neurocognitive disorder (such as dementia)”.
He cofounded The Beach Boys in the early 1960s with his brothers, Dennis and Carl, their cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine.
Wilson – the eldest and last surviving of the three brothers – was their visionary leader and songwriter, penning hits including Surfin’ USA, Good Vibrations and God Only Knows.
Their 1966 album Pet Sounds, penned and produced by Wilson, was voted No.2 in a 2003 Rolling Stone list of the best 500 albums – losing only to the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club.
The Beach Boys have inspired acts on both sides of the Atlantic, with the likes of Sir Elton John, Bruce Springsteen and Carole King lauding their work.
Paul McCartney has cited Pet Sounds as a direct inspiration for the Beatles, naming ballad Gold Only Knows as one of his favourite songs and saying it often brings him to tears.
The Beach Boys after being inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. Pic: AP
Brian Wilson performing at Glastonbury in 2005. Pic: PA
The band’s innocent appeal survived despite the group’s increasingly troubled backstory.
Brian, suffering from stress and exhaustion, had a breakdown in 1964 and retired from touring, choosing to instead focus on writing and recording, though he later returned to the stage.
Dennis, who struggled with substance abuse and alcoholism, drowned in 1983. Carl died of lung cancer in 1998.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.
Please refresh the page for the latest version.
You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
Content Source: news.sky.com