Legendary Beach Boys lead member Brian Wilson has died at the age of 82. His passing leaves behind an almost incalculable legacy in America’s music capital. His family released a statement regarding his passing on the home page of his official website. For fans and fellow musicians alike, this news means the end of an era. Known for his pioneering sound that blended jazz harmonies with rock beats, Wilson’s contributions to music have earned him a place among the greats, comparable to Beethoven and Paul McCartney.
Though Wilson’s journey through life was stricken with challenges. He underwent very public mental health challenges that he paid for with his personal and professional lives. These challenges were further compounded after the passing of his wife, Melinda, shortly before his own death. Despite these hardships, his influence in the music industry remained profound, inspiring countless artists, including Steven Page of Barenaked Ladies.
Page reflected on Wilson’s impact, stating, “He really is one of the greats. He is like Beethoven and Paul McCartney all mixed together.” Even in death, this comparison highlights Wilson’s pioneering spirit and the monumental impact he made on modern music.
Largely during this period with the Beach Boys, Wilson’s pioneering work completely changed the landscape of American pop music. Initially perceived by Page as “lightweight and not as musically evolved,” Wilson’s harmonies soon proved to be “hugely” influential on the Barenaked Ladies. His adventurousness in the studio actually expanded the possibilities of what popular music even allowed, inspiring a whole generation of musicians.
The 2005 honoree was given the ultimate honor of being named MusiCares Person of the Year. This honor recognized not only his phenomenal musical genius, but his resilience in dealing with mental health issues. Wilson’s penchant for elaborate melodies and vocal harmonies laid the groundwork for a new style that fused the improvisational quality of jazz with the catchy aspects of rock. Randy Bachman noted, “We lost one of the greatest composers and messengers who took jazz harmony, put it to a Chuck Berry beat and made a new genre of music.”
Wilson’s bond with Page hit a magical high point during an emotional performance in Toronto. There, he passionately sang Page’s song “Brian Wilson.” Page went on to call the experience ‘mind-blowing’. He was understandably blown away to hear a song he wrote in his parents’ basement played live by one of music’s most influential leaders.
“It was amazing to hear this song that I wrote in my parents’ basement when I was a teenager being sung by one of the most important composers in the history of mankind,” Page remarked. This brief exchange revealed the deep esteem these two luminaries had for one another. It was a testament to Wilson’s willingness to welcome new voices while never shying away from his legacy.
Wilson and Barenaked Ladies clicked, due largely to their producer, Don Was. He first unveiled them on a summer 2000 tour, highlighted by scenic stops like Toronto’s Molson Amphitheatre. Page recalled how the energy in the room shifted when he realized he was surrounded by fellow musicians who revered Wilson’s work as much as he did.
“Every musician in Toronto was sitting around us, and they all kind of turned their head to look at me,” Page reminisced about that fateful introduction. And I’m thinking, like, do I get up and wave, or do I duck in the corner, or what do I do? Just total make-a-wish-dream-come-true.
Throughout his final years, Wilson’s health deteriorated rapidly—ultimately affecting his professional and personal life. But even through these struggles and challenges, he kept pushing music forward and inspiring the movement until his untimely death. Page said he was saddened by Wilson’s death, adding that the last several years of his life were very difficult.
Clearly, (I’ve been) upset to hear that Brian had died. It’s been a rough few years for him. He’s gotten sicker, he lost his wife,” Page said.
Brian Wilson’s legacy continues to be incredibly important to the music industry. His creative approach to songwriting and production has an unprecedented scar on many artists today. Now fans are praising Wilson on remarkable and groundbreaking work. He will be missed both for this country’s musical genius and most of all, for his transcendent ability to overcome personal darkness.
