Tributes for the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson from across the music and entertainment world have flooded in following his death at 82.
Wilson’s family posted news of his death on his website and social media accounts today. Further details weren’t immediately available.
The influence of Wilson’s music was felt far and wide, which has been reflected in the tributes made by other musicians and entertainers.
“Brian Wilson was my friend and my brother in songwriting. We shared a similar sensibility, as evidenced by his 4 over 5 chord under Aaaah! in Good Vibrations and mine under I’m Into Something Good. We once discussed who used it first, and in the end we decided it didn’t matter. The world will miss Brian, but we are so lucky to have his music,” singer-songwriter Carole King said on Facebook.
“I know Orbison is the king of emo, but man if there was a human being who made art out of inexpressible sadness….damn it was Brian Wilson,” drummer and producer Questlove said on Instagram.
John Cusack, who played Wilson in the 2014 biopic Love & Mercy, said: “The maestro has passed — the man was a open heart with two legs — with an ear that heard the angels. Quite literally. Love and Mercy for you and yours tonight. RIP Brian.”
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Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards posted to Instagram. “Rest in Peace,” he wrote.
“Oh no Brian Wilson and Sly Stone in one week – my world is in mourning. So sad,” said Richards’ bandmate Ronnie Wood on X.
“Anyone with a musical bone in their body must be grateful for Brian Wilson’s genius magical touch !! And greatly saddened of this major worldly loss!! My thoughts go out to his family and friends,” Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood said on X.
“First Sly, now Brian … this is really just,” Maggie Rogers wrote on her Instagram Story, adding a heartbreak emoji.
“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,” Sean Ono Lennon said on X.
“SO very sad to hear that our dear friend, inspiration and mentor for decades has passed away. Rest In Peace BRIAN WILSON…with love, Dewey & Gerry,” Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley, the only remaining founding members of the band America, wrote on Instagram.
Nancy Sinatra posted to Instagram, saying: “His cherished music will live forever as he travels through the Universe and beyond. God bless you, sweet Brian. One of the biggest thrills of my life was singing California Girls with Brian.”
“To me, Brian Wilson was not merely about surf music, rather a true musical genius toiling away at melding POP into startling sophistication. He will be missed mightily,” John Cale, Velvet Underground musician and producer, wrote on X.
“Brian Wilson was a musical and spiritual giant. His melodies shaped generations, & his soul resonated in every note. I was fortunate to know him; we all were blessed by his genius. Rest peacefully, Brian,” Micky Dolenz of The Monkees said on X.
Randy Bachman, co-founder of Bachman-Turner Overdrive, said: “We lost one of the greatest composers and messengers who took jazz harmony, put it to a Chuck Berry beat and made a new genre of music. Some of the best singles in the world. Dennis, Carl and Brian are all together now. Other worlds to sing in.”
