Brian Wilson Dies at 82: Music Industry Pays Tribute to a True Genius
Brian Wilson death marks the loss of The Beach Boys’ visionary songwriter, who passed away at age 82. Wilson was known for crafting masterworks like Pet Sounds, Good Vibrations, and God Only Knows. His influence on pop and rock music spanned more than six decades.
Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, and More React to Wilson’s Passing
Tributes to Wilson’s legacy poured in from across the music world:
- Bob Dylan reflected on “listening to him and admiring his genius” for years.
- Ringo Starr simply offered, “Peace and love,” alongside his wife Barbara.
- Carole King shared a personal story about her musical bond with Wilson: “We once discussed who used the 4-over-5 chord first and decided it didn’t matter.”
Fellow Beach Boys Remember Their Brother in Harmony
Longtime Beach Boys bandmate Al Jardine wrote:
“Brian Wilson, my friend, my classmate, my football teammate, my Beach Boy bandmate… now you sing those beautiful harmonies again with Carl and Dennis,” a friend said.
Mike Love, the band’s co-founder, has yet to issue a public statement, but fans continue to flood the band’s social media with condolences.
Metal, Pop, and Rock Icons Echo the Loss
- James Hetfield of Metallica said, “He was one of the most amazing songwriters on the planet.”
- Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones both expressed grief over losing Wilson and Sly Stone in the same week.
- Questlove called Wilson “the king of artful sadness.”
Hollywood Pays Homage to a Musical Genius
Actor John Cusack, who portrayed Wilson in the 2014 biopic Love & Mercy, called him “the man with an ear that heard the angels.”
Legacy of Harmony and Family
Wilson leaves behind his daughters Carnie and Wendy Wilson, who performed in the ’90s group Wilson Phillips. The Wilson family — including late brothers Dennis and Carl Wilson — played central roles in the Beach Boys’ story, rooted in love, genius, and tragedy.
His children and many grandchildren have spoken in recent years about his continued influence, with Wendy once calling her father “a prophet of melody.”
A Sound That Will Never Die
Wilson’s work on Pet Sounds redefined pop composition. Many music critics and fans consider tracks like God Only Knows among the finest songs ever written. Fellow artists praised his genius with harmonic layering and emotional vulnerability.
Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac said, “Anyone with a musical bone in their body should feel grateful for Brian Wilson’s genius.”
Paul Stanley of KISS said, “People use the word ‘genius’ too often, but Brian Wilson truly earned it.” But not in Brian’s case.”
A Symphony of Farewells
From Nancy Sinatra to Sean Ono Lennon, artists across genres recognized the deep spiritual and musical legacy Wilson leaves behind. His music transcended generations — and continues to inspire.
Source: AP News
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