Surviving Beach Boys Mike Love and Al Jardine Pay Tribute to Brian Wilson

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Surviving Beach Boys members Mike Love and Al Jardine have each written emotional eulogies to their late bandmate Brian Wilson following his passing on Thursday at the age of 82.

“Today, the world lost a genius, and I lost a cousin by blood and my partner in music,” wrote Love. “Brian Wilson wasn’t just the heart of The Beach Boys—he was the soul of our sound. From the first time we sang together as kids in my living room, I knew there was something otherworldly in him. His musical gifts were unmatched. The melodies he dreamed up, the emotions he poured into every note—Brian changed the course of music forever.”

Love added, “Our journey together was filled with moments of brilliance, heartbreak, laughter, complexity and most of all, LOVE . Like all families, we had our ups and downs. But through it all, we never stopped loving each other, and I never stopped being in awe of what he could do when he sat at a piano or his spontaneity in the studio.” You can find Love’s full tribute below.

In his own homage to Wilson, Jardine wrote, “My friend, my classmate, my football teammate, my Beach Boy bandmate and my brother in spirit, I will always feel blessed that you were in our lives for as long as you were. I think the most comforting thought right now is that you are reunited with Carl and Dennis, singing those beautiful harmonies again. You were a humble giant who always made me laugh and we will celebrate your music forever. Brian, I’ll really miss you…still I have the warmth of the sun within me tonight.”

Since the news of his death, numerous other music luminaries have paid tribute to Wilson, including Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Mick Fleetwood, Carole King, Elton John, Questlove, and Ronnie Wood.

Editor’s Note: Read Dan Caffrey’s personal essay on Wilson, fatherhood, and how The Beach Boys’ genius will continue to shape the world after his death.

Statement from Al Jardine, founding member of The Beach Boys, on the passing of Brian Wilson:

"Brian Wilson, my friend, my classmate, my football teammate, my Beach Boy bandmate and my brother in spirit, I will always feel blessed that you were in our lives for as long as you… pic.twitter.com/GN43LjCBZY

— CONSEQUENCE (@consequence) June 11, 2025

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