Music Icon Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys Dies at 82

Brian Wilson, the renowned co-founder of the Beach Boys, has died at the age of 82, his family announced on June 11, 2025. Wilson is regarded as a musical genius and a pioneer of modern pop, with his original style and songs defining a period and influencing generations of performers.

Brian Wilson died at the age of 82, according to the claims report

Brian Wilson, co-founder of the Beach Boys and one of the most influential figures in pop music history, passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 82. His family confirmed the news via his official website and social media accounts. Details about the cause of death are unknown.

Since May 2024, a court has placed Wilson under conservatorship for his personal and medical care. Jean Sievers, the publicist, and LeeAnn Hard, the manager, managed his affairs. He was the last surviving member of the Beach Boys' founding trio of Brian, Carl, and Dennis Wilson.

The Beach Boys had over 30 top 40 hits and sold over 100 million albums worldwide. Pet Sounds, their 1966 album, is named second on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 best albums. Paul McCartney stated that the album had a direct influence on Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and "God Only Knows" is one of his all-time favourite songs.

Wilson discontinued touring in 1964 owing to a nervous breakdown and concentrated on studio work. He composed and developed elaborate arrangements inspired by Phil Spector's Wall of Sound. His record "Good Vibrations" was the Beach Boys' first million-seller. Wilson abandoned his big "Smile" project in 1967 but finished it decades later.

Wilson fought mental illness and addiction for decades. Doctors diagnosed him with schizoaffective disorder, and therapist Eugene Landy treated him until a court injunction restricted Landy's authority. Wilson divorced his first wife and later married Melinda Ledbetter in 1995, with whom he has two daughters. Ledbetter died in 2024.

He received two Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. In 2012, he reunited with the remaining Beach Boys for their 50th anniversary tour. In 2018, his high school raised his music grade from "F" to "A."