Brian Wilson, the iconic co-founder and singer of The Beach Boys, has passed away at the age of 82. His family announced his death with a heartfelt statement, expressing their profound sorrow and asking for privacy. Wilson was a central figure in The Beach Boys, performing alongside his brothers Dennis and Carl Wilson, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. He was not only a vocalist but also the primary songwriter for many of their classic hits, including "Wouldn't It Be Nice," "Good Vibrations," and "God Only Knows."

The Beach Boys first gained prominence in 1961, achieving significant chart success throughout the 1960s with songs like "Surfin' U.S.A." and "I Get Around." Their debut album, "Surfin' Safari," was released in 1962. During the 60s, Brian Wilson experienced significant mental health challenges, including a widely reported breakdown on a plane in 1964. He later spoke about how a conversation with his mother, Audree Wilson, helped him address long-standing personal struggles. Subsequently, Wilson decided to stop touring with the band but continued to write music for them, believing it was the best way for the group to achieve a "beautiful future."

Throughout his life, Wilson was candid about his ongoing battles with mental health and the negative impact of past drug use, which he stated had "screwed" his brain but paradoxically made it "more creative." He also revealed that he experienced daily auditory hallucinations. Despite these challenges, he remained musically active with The Beach Boys into the '70s and '80s, contributing to hits like "Lady Lynda," "Wipeout!," and "Kokomo." The band's lasting impact was recognized with their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys in 2001.

In addition to his work with The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson pursued a solo career. His first solo album, self-titled, was released in 1988, and his most recent work, "At My Piano," came out in 2021. A long-lost country album, "Cows In The Pasture," recorded in the early 1970s, was also scheduled for release in 2025. Following the death of his wife, Melinda Ledbetter, who had been his caregiver, Wilson was placed under a conservatorship due to a dementia diagnosis, as he could no longer care for himself.

The surviving members of The Beach Boys paid tribute to Wilson, describing him as "the soul of our sound" and a genius whose melodies "changed the course of music forever." Al Jardine, a fellow co-founder, shared a personal tribute, remembering Wilson as his friend, classmate, teammate, bandmate, and "brother in spirit." Jardine expressed comfort in the thought that Brian was reunited with his brothers Carl and Dennis.

The music community has widely mourned Wilson's passing, with numerous tributes pouring in from fans and fellow musicians. Figures like Elton John, Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Ronnie Wood, and Seán Ono Lennon expressed their sorrow and lauded Wilson's immense talent and influence. Elton John called him "the biggest influence on my songwriting ever," while Seán Ono Lennon referred to him as "our American Mozart." Fans also shared their grief on social media, acknowledging his creative genius and the impact of his music.