Brian Wilson’s Death: Celebs Mourn Beach Boys Legend

Many stars are remembering Beach Boys cofounder Brian Wilson after his death at 82 years old.

The Grammy winner’s family confirmed the news of his passing in a statement shared via Facebook on June 11, 2025. “We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away,” the statement read. “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.”

After the announcement, tributes from fellow musicians and more celebs began pouring in.

“Oh no Brian Wilson and Sly Stone in one week ~ my world is in mourning so sad xx,” Rolling Stones member Ronnie Wood wrote on X, referring to Sly Stone’s passing two days prior.

Keep scrolling to see other celebrity tributes to Wilson:

Sean Lennon

Sean Ono Lennon, the son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, took to X to reflect on how much Wilson meant to him.

“Anyone who really knows me knows how heart broken I am about Brian Wilson passing,” Lennon wrote. “Not many people influenced me as much as he did. I feel very lucky that I was able to meet him and spend some time with him. He was always very kind and generous. He was our American Mozart. A one of a kind genius from another world.”

Mark McGrath

Sugar Ray singer Mark McGrath left his tribute on the Instagram post announcing Brian’s death.

“Truly heartbroken … may his memory and music always bring you joy and comfort,” he wrote.

Margo Price

Country singer Margo Price commented on the post, “So grateful for all the beautiful music and compassion he brought into the world.”

Brian Ray

Brian Ray, a guitarist who’s worked with Paul McCartney’s touring band, wrote, “Oh geez, I’m so saddened to hear this news. I was just walking through a hotel lobby less than five minutes ago, and I thought of them, wondering how he’s doing and now.”

Piers Morgan

Journalist and media personality Piers Morgan paid tribute to Wilson on X.

“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,” he wrote. “A complex man but a musical genius and showbusiness icon. What a legacy he leaves.”

Disclosure

The band Disclosure also left a note on the Instagram announcement, writing, “Favorite producer & composer of all time. Pushed the boundaries further than anyone had before. Lost for words. We love you Brian. Rest in peace to the greatest.”

Gavin DeGraw

Musician Gavin DeGraw shared a message for Wilson’s family. “Sending my condolences. Thank you for sharing him with the world,” he wrote on the Instagram post.

Related: Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson’s Family Seeks Conservatorship After Wife’s Death

Beach Boys cofounder Brian Wilson’s family has requested a conservatorship over his person in a new court filing. “Following the passing of Brian’s beloved wife Melinda, after careful consideration and consultation among Brian, his seven children, [housekeeper] Gloria Ramos and Brian’s doctors (and consistent with family processes put in place by Brian and Melinda), we […]

John Cusack

Actor John Cusack paid tribute to Wilson on X.

“The maestro has passed — the man was [an] open heart with two legs — with an ear that heard the angels. Quite literally. Love and Mercy for you and yours tonight. RIP Brian,” he wrote.

Beach Boys

The Beach Boys posted a touching tribute to their late bandmate on Instagram hours after his death was announced.

“The world mourns a genius today, and we grieve for the loss of our cousin, our friend, and our partner in a great musical adventure. Brian Wilson wasn’t just the heart of The Beach Boys — he was the soul of our sound. The melodies he dreamed up and the emotions he poured into every note changed the course of music forever,” the post began.

The statement continued, “The melodies he dreamed up and the emotions he poured into every note changed the course of music forever. His unparalleled talent and unique spirit created the soundtrack of so many lives around the globe, including our own. Together, we gave the world the American dream of optimism, joy, and a sense of freedom — music that made people feel good, made them believe in summer and endless possibilities.”

After noting that they were “heartbroken” by Wilson’s passing, the band — which currently includes Mike Love and Bruce Johnston — said they would “continue to cherish the timeless music we made together and the joy he brought to millions over the decades. And while we will miss him deeply, his legacy will live on through his songs and in our memories.”

The post concluded, “Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and his loved ones during this difficult time.”