Brian Wilson Dies: Beach Boys Co-Founder & Singer, Acclaimed And Troubled Genius Of Rock Generation Was 82

Brian Wilson, co-founder of the Beach Boys, an inventor of what would be called the surf rock sound of the 1960s, a profound voice of the era’s adolescent experience and one of universally acclaimed geniuses of the rock generation, has died at age 82.

His family announced the death on social media.

“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away,” his family wrote in a statement shared on Wilson’s official Facebook. “We are at a loss for words right now. 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 led The Beach Boys to become one of the most successful groups in rock — and one with a singular catalogue. From sun-drenched surfing anthems to deeply felt incantations on love and loss and so many other topics, Wilson’s songs touched multiple generations of fans, critics and peers.

MORE TO COME…