Billy Mac
June 11, 2025
1:06 pm

CO-FOUNDER OF THE BEACH BOYS, BRIAN WILSON DEAD AT THE AGE OF 82

Brian Wilson, the co-founder and creative force behind the Beach Boys, died on June 11, 2025, at the age of 82. His family announced his passing via an Instagram post, expressing their grief and requesting privacy, signing off with “Love & Mercy,” a reference to his 1988 solo single and the 2014 biopic about his life. No specific cause of death was disclosed by his family. Wilson had been diagnosed with a major neurocognitive disorder, likely dementia, and was placed under a conservatorship in May 2024 following the death of his wife, Melinda Ledbetter Wilson, in January 2024. Despite his health challenges, he remained in his Beverly Hills home, cared for by longtime associates Jean Sievers and LeeAnn Hard, who were appointed as co-conservators. Wilson’s legacy includes defining the “California sound” through iconic Beach Boys albums like Pet Sounds and hits such as “Good Vibrations,” influencing generations of musicians with his innovative songwriting and production techniques