Brian Wilson, one of the most influential songwriters of the last century and the Beach Boys’ founder, has passed away at the age of 82.
Wilson had been battling a neurocognitive disorder similar to dementia since last year. His death comes months after that of his longtime wife, Melinda.
“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father, Brian Wilson, has passed away. We are at a loss for words right now,” the singer’s children posted on Wednesday.
“Please respect our privacy at this time, as our family is grieving. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world. Love & Mercy.”
Wilson rose to fame after forming the Beach Boys band with his brothers Dennis and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and a friend, Al Jardine, in 1961.
The band’s success started with Surfin’ and continued with Safari, U.S.A., and Surfer Girl.
Wilson, who was the band’s principal songwriter and co-lead vocalist, promptly left the band in 1964 after suffering multiple nervous breakdowns.
Despite his drug addiction and psychological struggles, Wilson masterminded the Beach Boys’ masterpiece Pet Sounds, a song that profoundly influenced Paul McCartney to write more aspiringly for the Beatles.
