People React to Brian Wilson's Death

All around the music world, universal praise and admiration for Brian Wilson.

Mike Love:  "Today, the world lost a genius, and I lost a cousin by blood and my partner in music.

Brian Wilson wasn’t just the heart of The Beach Boys—he was the soul of our sound. From the first time we sang together as kids in my living room, I knew there was something otherworldly in him. His musical gifts were unmatched. The melodies he dreamed up, the emotions he poured into every note—Brian changed the course of music forever.

Our journey together was filled with moments of brilliance, heartbreak, laughter, complexity and most of all, LOVE . Like all families, we had our ups and downs. But through it all, we never stopped loving each other, and I never stopped being in awe of what he could do when he sat at a piano or his spontaneity in the studio.

Brian’s unique artistry and our collaboration gave the world the American dream of optimism, joy, and a sense of freedom—music that made people feel good, made them believe in an endless summer and endless possibilities. It was one of the greatest blessings of my life to experience that creative space with him.

It was our privilege to make the world believe in sunshine, surfing, and teenage dreams. My life was forever changed by Pet Sounds, God Only Knows, In My Room, Good Vibrations, The Warmth of the Sun and a hundred other pieces of his soul wrapped in music. He allowed us to show the world what vulnerability and brilliance sound like in harmony. He was fragile, he was intense, he was funny—and he was one of a kind.

My wife, Jacquelyne, and I are heartbroken. She stood beside me through so many chapters of this story, and we both send our love and prayers to Brian’s family, his children, and all who were touched by his life and gifts.

Brian, you once asked, “Wouldn’t it be nice if we were older?” Now you are timeless. May you rest in the peace you so deeply deserve, surrounded by the heavenly music you helped create. May your spirit soar as high as your falsetto, may your wings spread in effortless flight.

Thank you for the harmonies, the memories, and the love. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

I’ll miss you forever, my beloved cousin."

Al Jardine: "Brian Wilson, my friend, my classmate, my football teammate, my Beach Boy bandmate and my brother in spirit, I will always feel blessed that you were in our lives for as long as you were. I think the most comforting thought right now is that you are reunited with Carl and Dennis, singing those beuaitful harmonies again. You were a humble giant who always made me laugh and we will celebrate your music forever."

Paul McCartney:  "Brian had that mysterious sense of musial genius that made his songs so achingly special.  The notes he heard in his head and passed to us were simple and brilliant at the same time.  I loved him, and was privileged to be around his bright shining light for a little while.  How we will continue without Brian Wilson, 'God Only Knows'.  Thank you, Brian."

Elton John:  "I grew to love him as a person, and for me, he was the biggest influence on my songwriting ever; he was a musical genius and revolutionary.  He changed the goalposts when it came to writing songs and shaped music forever.  A true giant."

Graham Nash:  "Rest in Peace, Brian Wilson.  What joy, what vision, what genius he brought into our lives.  He set the musical course in a new direction.  How lucky we are to have his beautiful sound to cherish for all-time."

John Cusack, who played Brian in the 2014 movie Love and Mercy:  "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." 

Mick Fleetwood:  "Anyone with a musical bone in their body must be grateful for Brian Wilson's genius magical touch!  And greatly saddened of this major worldly loss!!"

Neil Diamond:  "Brian Wilson wasn't just a co-founder of the Beach Boys; he was a visionary who reshaped American music with his heart, harmony, and genius.  Your music gave the world Good Vibrations and so much more."

Bruce Springsteen:  "Brian Wilson was the most musically inventive voice in all of pop, with an otherwordly ear for harmony.  Farewell, Maestro.  Nothing but love and a lovely lasting debt from all of us over here on E Street."

John Lodge of the Moody Blues:  "Birmingham, where I was born, was a very long way from the California of Brian Wilson...He brought the dream of endless summers, of golden beaches, of blue skies, and the music of harmonies that "woke up" a new generation and reached across the four corners of the world.  Brian, the endless summer you created with your songs is still here, you engraved it into our minds and our lives...Thank you!"

Darlene Love:  "Today I lost a dear friend and the world lost a true musical genius--Brian Wilson.  I've known Brian since the very beginning of my career through Lou Adler, and over the years, we shared unforgettable memories, both on stage and in the studio.  His creativity knew no limits, and his heart was just as big as his talent.  I always said, 'The world always needs to see and hear Brian Wilson.'  That's never been more true than it is today.  Rest easy, Brian.  Your music, your spirit, and your soul will live on forever."

LeAnn Rimes:  "The world lost a true genius with the passing of Brian Wilson.  His music wasn't just heard, it was felt.  It changed us.  It carried beauty, longing, and hope in a way only he could express.  Brian, thank you for the gifts you gave the world.  Your music is eternal."

Sean Ono Lennon:  "Anyone who really knows me knows how heartbroken I am about Brian Wilson passing.  He was our American Mozart.  A one-of-a-kind genius from another world."

Nancy Sinatra:  "His cherished music will live forever as he travels through the Universe and beyond.  God bless you, sweet Brian."

Micky Dolenz of the Monkees:  "Brian Wilson was a musical and spiritual giant.  His melodies shaped generations, and his soul resonated in every note."

Randy Bachman:  "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.  Some of the best singles in the world."

Gene Simmons of Kiss:  "Sadly, Brian Wilson has passed away.  Songwriter, visionary.  Thank you for a lifetime of wonderful melodies that spanned decades.  I'm going to spend the day listening to the Beach Boys and reminiscing."

David Paich, founding member of Toto and amazing session musician:  "His falsetto voice and iconic vocal blend were the sound of our generation.  One of the greatest songwriters of our time."