Bryan Wilson's death: Beach Boys legend left us

Legendary Brian Douglas Wilson, a key figure in the Beach Boys, passed away on June 11, 2025 at the age of 82. His death was reported by his family on social media.

Bryan Wilson, born June 20, 1942 in Inglewood, California, began his musical journey as a child, honing his accordion and piano skills. Soon he began writing his own songs and experimenting with harmonies. In 1961, along with his brothers Dennis and Carl, as well as his cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine, he formed the Pendletones, which released their first single, "Surfin'."

After changing the band's name to the Beach Boys, thanks to the success of "Surfin'", signing with Capitol Records and the release of "Surfin' Safari" (1962), the Beach Boys became one of the most influential bands in music history. Their groundbreaking albums, including Pet Sounds (1966), with hits such as Good Vibrations and God Only Knows, had a huge impact on the development of pop music. Wilson was one of the principal songwriters for the Beach Boys, experimenting with styles and collaborating with other artists.

However, in the mid-1960s, Bryan faced serious mental health problems caused by regular auditory hallucinations and drug use. He subsequently led a reclusive lifestyle, but continued to pursue music. After 1985, he stopped working with the Beach Boys, but briefly reunited with the band in 2012.

Despite the success of the Beach Boys, Bryan suffered from health problems and his life was marked by difficult periods. His life ended after the death of wife and manager Melinda Ledbetter in early 2024, when it was revealed he suffered from dementia, and his manager Leanne Hard and Jean Sivers applied for custody of him. Brian outlived his brothers Dennis and Carl. The original members of the Beach Boys are Mike Love, Alan Jardine and Bruce Johnston.