Wafricnews - June 12, 2025

The world is mourning the loss of Brian Wilson, the musical pioneer and founding genius of The Beach Boys, who passed away at the age of 82. Known for his hauntingly beautiful harmonies and an unparalleled creative spirit, Wilson's influence stretched far beyond American shores — touching hearts across continents and generations.

Sir Paul McCartney led heartfelt tributes to the icon, calling Wilson "a bright shining light" and a "musical genius with that mysterious gift that made his songs so achingly special." Reflecting on their storied rivalry during the 1960s, McCartney wrote on Instagram: “I loved him, and was privileged to be around his bright shining light for a little while. The notes he heard in his head and passed to us were simple and brilliant at the same time. How we will continue without Brian Wilson, ‘God Only Knows.’”

The world of music stood still as fellow legends — Sir Elton John, Bob Dylan, Al Jardine, and many more — echoed the sentiment. From Bob Dylan’s intimate reflection — “I’ve been listening to him for years, admiring his genius” — to Sir Elton’s declaration of Wilson as a "true giant" and revolutionary, it is clear that Brian Wilson left a mark that no time or tide can wash away.

Al Jardine, Wilson’s longtime bandmate, called him “a humble musical giant,” emphasizing that while Wilson’s intellect was vast, his focus was solely on making beautiful music — not fame. “He taught the world how to smile,” Jardine said in a touching BBC Radio tribute.

Mike Love, Wilson’s cousin and fellow Beach Boy, described Brian's gifts as “unmatched” and said they “changed the course of music forever.”

Tributes weren’t limited to classic rock royalty. Carole King, John Cale of the Velvet Underground, and hip-hop drummer Questlove each offered their own memories. King, calling him a "brother in songwriting," expressed gratitude: “The world will miss Brian, but we are so lucky to have his music.”

Questlove captured the emotional truth behind Wilson’s music in his moving tribute: “If there was a human being who made art out of inexpressible sadness, it was Brian Wilson.”

Even Nancy Sinatra joined in, sharing a nostalgic photo with Wilson and writing, “His cherished music will live forever as he travels through the Universe and beyond. God bless you, sweet Brian.”

Born in 1942 in Hawthorne, California, Brian Wilson formed The Beach Boys with his brothers Carl and Dennis, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. Their sound, rooted in surf and sunshine, would soon evolve into something far more sophisticated — culminating in groundbreaking records like Pet Sounds and Good Vibrations.

The group sold over 100 million records worldwide, with Wilson composing timeless hits like I Get Around, Help Me, Rhonda, and Wouldn’t It Be Nice. But beyond numbers, Wilson’s legacy is spiritual — he changed how we listen to and feel music.

Wilson's journey was not without hardship. Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in the 1980s, he endured mental health challenges compounded by years of psychedelic drug use. In 2024, he lost his wife, Melinda, with whom he adopted five children. Earlier this year, it was revealed Wilson had been diagnosed with dementia.

Despite personal battles, his music radiated hope, joy, and aching beauty. “Startling sophistication,” as John Cale aptly put it.

From Lagos to London, Cape Town to California, Brian Wilson’s music has echoed across radios, headphones, and open skies for decades. In a time when the world feels divided, his harmonies reminded us of something universal — a shared longing, a common joy, and the possibility of beauty even in sorrow.

As Micky Dolenz of the Monkees wrote, “His melodies shaped a generation, his harmonies changed the game, and his soul came through in every note.”

Brian Wilson may be gone, but the music — and the light — remains.