The Beach Boys icon Brian Wilson has died at the age of 82.

In a heartfelt statement, his family expressed their profound sorrow, saying: "We are heartbroken to announced 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 grieving. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world. Love and Mercy."

Brian shot to stardom with the much-adored band, performing alongside his brothers Dennis and Carl Wilson, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. Not only did Brian lend his voice to the Beach Boys, but he was also the mastermind behind many of their hits, penning classics such as Wouldn't It Be Nice, Good Vibrations, and God Only Knows.

The group first made waves in the music scene in 1961, achieving chart-topping success with tunes like Surfin' U.S.A. and I Get Around during the swinging sixties. Their initial album, Surfin' Safari, hit the shelves in 1962, reports the Mirror.

The 60s also saw Brian endure what he later termed as one of several "breakdowns", with a particularly distressing episode occurring on a plane with his bandmates in 1964. He recounted to Rolling Stone magazine how he had cried and screamed into a pillow during the incident.

He recounted a profound three-hour heart-to-heart with his late mother Audree Wilson, during which he revealed personal struggles he'd "never told anyone," and she helped him see things more clearly, noting that she "sort of straightened [him] out". He admitted it was a pivotal moment where he "dumped out a life-long hang-up".

Brian later made the significant decision to stop touring but resolved to keep writing songs for the group, expressing at the time: "I told them I foresee a beautiful future for the Beach Boys group but the only way we could achieve it was if they did their job and I did mine."

The artist, who has candidly discussed ongoing battles with mental health over the years, also reflected on how his past drug use negatively affected his mind, telling BBC News in 2016 that psychedelic substances had "screwed" his brain up. Yet Brian suggested that these experiences paradoxically made his brain "more creative", revealing to the same media outlet nine years ago that he continued to confront daily auditory hallucinations, with him sharing: "I hear them every day."

Despite the challenges, Brian remained musically active with the Beach Boys through the '70s and '80s, releasing hit singles such as Lady Lynda, Wipeout!, and Kokomo, which all enjoyed UK chart success, with Wipeout! reaching second place. In addition to commercial triumphs, the Beach Boys' enduring influence was solidified by their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 1988 and receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammy Awards in 2001.

Brian Wilson, famed for his iconic role in the band, also embraced a solo career alongside. His first solo venture, an album simply titled after himself, hit the shelves in 1988, with his latest work, 'At My Piano', released just last year.

The sorrowful revelation of Brian's dementia was made public following the passing of his wife Melinda Ledbetter, with many referring to him as a "genius" throughout his career.

The music community is now mourning the loss of Brian, as fans and fellow musicians pay their respects. A devastated fan posted on X: "The music world lost a legend today. RIP Brian Wilson."

Another remarked: "Brian Wilson has passed away at age 82. He gave us the sound of innocence, the ache of longing, and the harmony of hope. Today, the world is quieter without him. Thank you for the music, Brian."

A third admirer commented: "One of the greatest Americans to ever live has just passed. Brian Wilson, beyond being perhaps the most talented musician this country has ever produced, you were a creative titan, an innovator. Your perseverance through the jungles of mental health was inspiring. Thank you."

Meanwhile, Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones connected the heartbreak to another recent loss, saying: "Oh no Brian Wilson and Sly Stone in one week ~ my world is in mourning. So sad."

Seán Ono Lennon, son of Beatles legend John Lennon and artist Yoko Ono, expressed his sorrow, saying: "Anyone who really knows me knows how heart broken I am about Brian Wilson passing. Not many people influenced me as much as he did. I feel very lucky that I was able to meet him and spend some time with him. He was always very kind and generous. He was our American Mozart. A one of a kind genius from another world."

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