Brian Wilson dies at 82

June 11, 2025 • 1:50 pm

One of the sad parts about having lived through the best era of rock music is watching the musicians drop away, one by one, mown down by the Grim Reaper. The latest musician to go, and a great one, was Brian Wilson, who just died at 82 (the date and cause of death wasn’t revealed).

His family announced the death on Instagram but did not say where or when he died, or state a cause. In early 2024, after the death of his wife, Melinda Wilson, business representatives for Mr. Wilson were granted a conservatorship by a California state judge, after they asserted that he had “a major neurocognitive disorder” and had been diagnosed with dementia.

I have to run, but I do want to list and put up versions of what I think are his best songs. The guy was a fricking musical genius. I’ll post five, but I haven’t had time to ponder, so this is a gut reaction.  Feel free to add your own choices.

Caroline No (1966), performed at the Royal Festival Hall in London, England.

Don’t Worry Baby (1964), performed below in Japan in 2012. I think this is the best of the “early” Beach Boys songs, though it preceded God Only Knows by just two years.

Darlin’ (1967). This live version is from 1980:

Wouldn’t it Be Nice? (1966). This version was performed in 2012.

And his best song, the one Paul McCartney called his favorite song: God Only Knows (1966).  This is a fantastic and complex song that took days to record (you can find takes on YouTube). What amazes me is that Wilson had it all in his head to begin with.

There are so many more good songs, but no time to write about them.  RIP, Brian.

Lagniappe: George Martin, a big fan, meets Wilson, who talks about how he writes his songs. I’ve watched this video a gazillion times.

30 thoughts on “Brian Wilson dies at 82”

  1. Oh no .. this is how I found out…

    Yes indeed, a rare composer … there’s a video of him with George Martin… I’ll see about putting it up later…

  2. All wonderful songs from a true genius, though a dreadfully tormented one at that. But, no list of the Beach Boys’ greatest is complete without Sloop John B.

  4. Jings! I wasn’t a huge fan, but he was a bona fide musical innovator, and hugely gifted songwriter and musician. I remember hearing Good Vibrations on the radio whilst at work. I must have been in that particular state of mind that allows you to listen with an unbiased ear.
    The song knocked me sideways. Absolutely astonishing. So R.I.P Brian Wilson. If there is a Heaven, it’ll be a place he can jam with all of the best.

  5. Wonderful stuff. I am going to add Darlin to my rather large and varied iTunes collection.

    Their music will last, that is for sure.

  6. As a 10 yr old I saw the Beach Boys at the Auckland Town Hall NZ 1964. I had a newspaper run to pay for it. Unfortunately Brian Wilson did not tour.
    All I remember is the harmonies were still very good without him, the song Good Vibrations I was curious even as a kid how they would do the part of the electro-theremin, I think they used a keyboard but sounded good to me. In My Room which I liked and Barbara Ann which I didn’t really like… sometime later they released Sail on Sailor which is a great tune.

  8. That’s a solid Top 5. Mine would have to include: Good Vibrations. In My Room. Sloop John B. If my big brother Ken Kukec (RIP too) was here to comment I think he would have added Sail On, Sailor. WXRT had been splicing in some sweet BB songs here all day. Nice tribute there and here, thanks, Jerry.

    1. Oh no, I didn’t know Ken had died, though I wondered where he went and missed his unique comment style. Very sorry to hear that.

  10. A loss for sure. I saw the Beach Boys several times in concert. Great stuff, usually. Brian signed an E ticket I had on me at Disneyland one evening – we teens would go there in the evenings to dance – when he played a few songs with a band called Papa Do Run Run. Very fond memories. Thanks, Brian!

  11. 😭
    Brian, thank you so much.
    Your music brought so much joy into the world.
    I forgive you for Barbara Ann.
    I sincerely believe you are now in a better place.
    🕊️

  12. One of the guys on my dorm floor in freshman year at college had a 45 of “Catch A Wave,” and he played it over and over. I have never gotten it out of my head–it’s the definition of ‘catchy.’

  13. IANAM and I guess that is why I just can’t see why “God only knows” is special. To me this isn’t even in their top five. I am sure Paul McCartney is a better judge of music than me, but I just can’t get excited about this song.

    2. I actually agree with you. Unlike the Beatles, whose best songs were their most popular, the Beach Boys’ strength was in their hidden gems.

  16. I don’t know much about the music of the time, but I sure do remember the Beach Boys and liked their songs.

  18. The first album I ever bought was All Summer Long. They were one of the great bands of the decade.

  20. In a very strong field, I have to go with “Warmth of the Sun,” Wilson’s and cousin Mike Love’s heartfelt response to JFK’s assassination.

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