Photo credit: Sharon Alagna

Music legend and co-founder of the Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, has passed away at the age of 82, according to Pitchfork. His family announced the news of his death but withheld details regarding the exact time, place or cause. However, in early 2024 it had been made public that Wilson was dealing with a neurocognitive condition similar to dementia and placed under conservatorship as he was unable to care for himself. 

“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away,” his family said in a statement. “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.”

Originally, Wilson’s wife was his conservator but unfortunately passed away leaving his business manager. LeeAnn Hard and Jean Sievers, his publicist to serve as co-conservators. His children will remain consulted in any necessary medical decisions.

Wilson formed what would become the Beach Boys alongside brothers Dennis and Carl, cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine. But by the mid-1960s, Wilson stepped back from live performances following a panic attack, dedicating himself instead to studio work. 

Jardine has released a statement in response to Wilson’s unfortunate passing.

“Brian Wilson, my friend, my classmate, my football teammate, my Beach Boy bandmate and my brother in spirit, I will always feel blessed that you were in our lives for as long as you were,” he wrote. “I think the most comforting thought right now is that you are reunited with Carl and Dennis, singing those beautiful harmonies again. You were a humble giant who always made me laugh and we will celebrate your music forever. Brian, I’ll really miss you…still I have the warmth of the sun within me tonight.”

As a two-time Grammy winner, Wilson was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and honored at the Kennedy Center in 2007. His influence on music has been chronicled in multiple documentaries, the most recent being 2021’s Long Promised Road.