Brian Wilson, the legendary co-founder and creative genius behind the most innovative American rock band the Beach Boys, has died at 82. His legacy will continue throughout the innumerable musicians and vocalists he inspired. Mike Love, Wilson’s cousin and former bandmate, shared emotional thoughts in the wake of Wilson’s passing. He was understandably and beautifully emotional about their unique bond, but spoke to Wilson’s incredible contributions to music.
Actor and musician John Stamos, who most people first met on Full House, has been playing with the Beach Boys since 1985. He said having to break the news of Wilson’s death to Love was “truly gut-wrenching.” Stamos was with Love in the airport when he got the text telling him about Wilson. Even with a flood of change looming, he immediately shared the heartbreaking truth with Love.
Love went further to explain his appreciation for Wilson’s genius, referring to him as “the mastermind” behind most of the Beach Boys’ classic songs. He pointed out that Wilson’s contributions to the Beach Boys classic album “Pet Sounds” have never been trumped.
“If you were to listen to the tracks of ‘Pet Sounds,’ it’s mind-blowing. You’d say, how the heck did he ever do that? But he did it, and then we slaved over the vocals,” – Mike Love.
Stamos stressed Wilson’s impact beyond the music world. He acknowledged Love is a key player who sometimes gets lost in the limelight.
“Mike is a songwriter’s songwriter. Brian Wilson was the biggest genius that ever walked this earth. He was so big and he was so powerful that sometimes Mike got overlooked,” – John Stamos.
Elton John paid tribute to Wilson, asserting that “‘Pet Sounds’ will be the only album that will be played forever.”
Wilson and Love had a close family relationship. Wilson was privately close to his maternal aunt and guardian. Collectively, they were instrumental in defining the sound of American music. Wilson extended his reach in other ways, too. Perhaps most famously through his personal friendship with Love, whom he often called “The Boss.”
During a recent performance at the 2025 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Love honored Stamos and expressed his appreciation for their shared musical journey. Together, they performed a medley of classic Beach Boys songs, including “California Girls,” “I Get Around,” “Kokomo,” and “Good Vibrations.”
Bruce Springsteen acknowledged Wilson’s legacy, calling the Beach Boys “America’s greatest band” in his tribute.
