Legendary Beach Boys co-founder and songwriter Brian Wilson has died at the age of 82. His family announced his passing on social media, but did not give a cause.
“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away,” his family said on Instagram, “We are at a loss for words right now.”
Last year, Wilson was diagnosed with a neuro-cognitive disease.
The Beach Boys started with Wilson in 1961, along with his brothers, Dennis and Carl. Brian played bass, Carl lead guitar and Dennis the drums.
The group also included Wilson’s cousin, Mike Love, and their friend, Al Jardine. It was a group that went from a local California band to worldwide superstars.
Their first album, “Surfin’ Safari,” was released in 1962, and it was Wilson who wrote or co-wrote most of the hit songs including “Surfin’ USA,” “I Get Around,” “Help Me, Rhonda,” “California Girls” and “Good Vibrations.”
Brian Wilson’s masterpiece was the band’s 1966 album “Pet Sounds,” which is considered one of the greatest music albums of all time.
“Love & Mercy,” was the title of the opening track from his debut solo album in 1988, and it was also the name of the biopic in 2014, in which Wilson was played by John Cusack and Paul Dano during different stages of his life.
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