BRIAN Wilson, legendary singer-songwriter who founded the Beach Boys – one of rock's most treasured groups – has died at 82.
It was revealed early last year that he had been living with a degenerative disorder similar to dementia, and his death has sparked an flood of tributes from celebs.
- Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones leads tributes
- Watch Wilson's last performance of iconic Beach Boys hit
- Tragic health battle in his final days
In a post shared on Instagram on Wednesday, Wilson's family wrote: "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 realize that we are sharing our grief with the world. Love & Mercy."
Celebrated as a spectacular songwriter, Wilson was responsible for initial successes including Surfin' USA, Surfer Girl, and I Get Around.
Other famous tunes include All Summer Long, Don't Worry Baby, and California Girls.
Born in Inglewood, California, Wilson formed the band – first called the Pendletones – as a teenager with his brothers Dennis and Carl.
Also on the line up was Wilson cousin Mike Love and childhood friend Al Jardine.
Brian was the eldest and last surviving of the brother trio.
He played bass, Carl lead guitar and Dennis was on drums.
Their first song, Surfin', was released by Candix Records in November 1961.
The record label changed the band's name without their permission to play to the band's laid back, surfer sound.
A year later, they signed with Capitol and released their debut album, Surfin' Safari.
The Beach Boys rocketed to fame during the 1960s, going from local California band to national hitmakers – and international ambassadors of surf and sun.
They grew to become one of the most popular-ever groups of the rock era – with more than 30 singles cracking the Top 40 and more than 100million sales worldwide.
Their 1966 album Pet Sounds was voted No. 2 in Rolling Stone's list of the best 500 albums published in 2003.
It lost out on the top spot to the Beatles' Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Paul McCartney cited Pet Sounds as a direct inspiration on the Beatles and the ballad God Only Knows as among his favourite songs.
As much as Wilson had a gift, he also had demons.
He was tormented by his obsession with achieving perfection, which inflicted stress and exhaustion.
Celebs have clamoured to pay tribute to the musician, whose music was held dear by so many.
Broadcaster Piers Morgan wrote: "RIP Brian Wilson, 82.
"Co-creator of the Beach Boys, and the man who wrote one of the greatest pop songs in history, God Only Knows, when he was just 23.
"A complex man but a musical genius and showbusiness icon. What a legacy he leaves."
Ronnie Wood, guitarist for the Rolling Stones, wrote: "Oh no Brian Wilson and Sly Stone in one week – my world is in mourning […] so sad."
The Beach Boys inspired acts on both sides of the Atlantic, with the likes of Sir Elton John, Bruce Springsteen and Carole King revering their work.
More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.
Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSun
Post a Comment