BRIAN Wilson, legendary singer-songwriter who founded the Beach Boys, has died aged 82.
He was revealed to be living with a degenerative disorder similar to dementia early last year, and his death has sparked a flood of tributes from celebs.
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In a post on his website, Wilson’s family wrote: “We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away.
It comes as…
- Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones leads tributes
- Watch Wilson’s last performance of iconic Beach Boys hit
- Tragic health battle in his final days left him “unable to feed himself”
- Wilson planned to continue work despite his diagnosis
- One of his albums was ranked second-best of all time
“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.”
Celebrated as a spectacular songwriter, dead-set on perfection, and gifted with perfect pitch, Wilson was hailed as one of popular music’s most innovative figures.
He was responsible for crafting the Beach Boys’ initial successes including Surfin’ USA, Surfer Girl, and I Get Around.
Other famous tunes include All Summer Long, Don’t Worry Baby, and California Girls.
A month after his wife Melinda died in January 2024, Wilson’s family announced he had been diagnosed with a “neurocognitive disorder” and, with his backing, sought a conservatorship over his affairs.
It was granted after the judge ruled Wilson was unable to make his own decisions, and his lawyer said he had become “most difficult to understand”.
His condition meant he was “unable to properly provide for his […] personal needs for physical health, food, clothing, or shelter”, according to court docs.
Wilson’s final live performance was in Michigan in July 2022, closing off his summer tour, when he performed old favourites including Surfin’ USA.
Born in Inglewood, California, Wilson formed the band – first called the Pendletones – as a teenager with his brothers Dennis and Carl.
His talent was obvious from boyhood, when he played the piano with accomplishment and taught his brothers to sing in harmony.
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Also on the line up was Wilson cousin Mike Love and childhood friend Al Jardine.
Brian was the eldest and last surviving of the brother trio.
He played bass, Carl lead guitar and Dennis drums, with Love on vocals and Jardine on rhythm guitar.
Their first song, Surfin’, was released by Candix Records in November 1961, when the label changed the band’s name without their permission.
A year later, they signed with Capitol and released their debut album, Surfin’ Safari – but their big break came in early 1963 with Surfin USA.
The Beach Boys rocketed to fame during the 1960s, going from local California band to national hitmakers – and international ambassadors of surf and sun.
They grew to become one of the most popular-ever groups of the rock era – with more than 30 singles cracking the Top 40 and more than 100million sales worldwide.
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Their 1966 album Pet Sounds was voted No. 2 in Rolling Stone’s list of the best 500 albums published in 2003.
It lost out on the top spot to the Beatles‘ Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Paul McCartney cited Pet Sounds as a direct inspiration on the Beatles and the ballad God Only Knows as among his favourite songs.
As much as Wilson had a gift, he also battled demons – and was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 1984.
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He was tormented by his obsession with perfection, which inflicted stress and exhaustion.
This led to a breakdown in 1964, and he retired from touring with the band.
His place in live performances was taken by Bruce Johnson, who stuck with the outfit for decades.
Celebs have clamoured to pay tribute to the musician, whose music was held dear by so many.
Broadcaster Piers Morgan wrote: “RIP Brian Wilson, 82.
“Co-creator of the Beach Boys, and the man who wrote one of the greatest pop songs in history, God Only Knows, when he was just 23.
“A complex man but a musical genius and showbusiness icon. What a legacy he leaves.”
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Ronnie Wood, guitarist for the Rolling Stones, wrote: “Oh no Brian Wilson and Sly Stone in one week – my world is in mourning […] so sad.”
Radio DJ Tony Blackburn also wrote online: “So sorry to hear that Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys has passed away.
“So many hits and to me it was the sound of summer. RIP Brian and thanks for the music.”
The Beach Boys inspired acts on both sides of the Atlantic, with the likes of Sir Elton John, Bruce Springsteen and Carole King revering their work.
Conservatorship after diagnosis
It was revealed in early 2024 that Wilson was living with a degenerative disorder similar to dementia.
The musician’s family sought to place him under a conservatorship after it was deemed he was “unable to properly provide for his own personal needs for physical health.”
A petition to oversee Wilson’s affairs was filed in January after the death of his wife, Melinda Ledbetter Wilson.
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Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Gus T. May said there was “clear and convincing evidence that a conservatorship of the person is necessary,” reported Variety.
Wilson’s doctor said the musician suffered from a “major neurocognitive disorder” and needed help making healthcare decisions.
The judge also agreed to a stipulation requested by an attorney for Wilson’s eldest daughters, Carnie and Wendy Wilson.
Wilson’s daughters asked that all of his children be added to a text chain from his nurses to receive updates on their father if they choose.
The addition was added to the petition before it was signed by Judge May.
Carnie and Wendy requested a stay on the decision but when the stipulation was granted, they didn’t ask for any further delay.
In his decision, May wrote that “the conservatee lacks the capacity to make his own healthcare decisions.”
His new conservators, manager-publicist Jean Sievers and business manager LeeAnn Hard, were ordered to “consult with the conservatee’s children regarding all material related healthcare decisions.”
Wilson’s lawyer, Robert Frank Cipriano, reported that his client agreed that he needed a conservatorship after his wife’s death.
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Content shared from www.the-sun.com.