Notable response to the demise of the Seaside Boys’ Brian Wilson at age 82.
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“Heard the sad news about Brian today and thought about all the years I’ve been listening to him and admiring his genius. Rest in peace dear Brian.” — Bob Dylan, on X.
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“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 beautiful harmonies again.” — Seaside Boys founding member Al Jardine, in an announcement.
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“Brian Wilson was my friend and my brother in songwriting. We shared a similar sensibility, as evidenced by his 4 over 5 chord under ‘Aaaah!’ in ‘Good Vibrations’ and mine under ‘I’m Into Something Good.’ We once discussed who used it first, and in the end we decided it didn’t matter. The world will miss Brian, but we are so lucky to have his music.” — Carole King, on Fb.
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“I know Orbison is the king of emo, but man if there was a human being who made art out of inexpressible sadness …. damn it was Brian Wilson.” — Questlove, on Instagram.
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“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. RIP Brian.” — John Cusack, who performed Wilson within the 2014 biopic “Love & Mercy,” on X.
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“Rest in Peace!” — Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, on Instagram.
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“Oh no Brian Wilson and Sly Stone in one week – my world is in mourning. so sad.” — Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wooden, on X.
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“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!! My thoughts go out to his family and friends.” — Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood, on X.
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“First Sly, now Brian … this is really just …” — Maggie Rogers wrote on her Instagram Story, including a heartbreak emoji.
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“God bless Brian, peace and love to all the family, peace and love Ringo and Barbara.” — Ringo Starr, on X.
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“Anyone who really knows me knows how heart broken I am about Brian Wilson passing. Not many people influenced me as much as he did. I feel very lucky that I was able to meet him and spend some time with him. He was always very kind and generous. He was our American Mozart. A one of a kind genius from another world.” — Sean Ono Lennon, on X.
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“SO very sad to hear that our dear friend, inspiration and mentor for decades has passed away. Rest In Peace BRIAN WILSON…with love, Dewey & Gerry” — Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley, the one remaining founding members of the band America, on Instagram.
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“His cherished music will live forever as he travels through the Universe and beyond. God bless you, sweet Brian. One of the biggest thrills of my life was singing “California Girls” with Brian.” — Nancy Sinatra, on Instagram.
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“To me, Brian Wilson was not merely about surf music, rather a true musical genius toiling away at melding POP into startling sophistication. He will he be missed mightily. xx jc” — John Cale, Velvet Underground musician and producer, on X.
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“Brian Wilson was a musical and spiritual giant. His melodies shaped generations, & his soul resonated in every note. I was fortunate to know him; we all were blessed by his genius. Rest peacefully, Brian.” — Micky Dolenz of The Monkees, on X.
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“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. Dennis, Carl and Brian are all together now. Other worlds to sing in.” — Randy Bachman, co-founder of Bachman-Turner Overdrive, on X.
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“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.” — Gene Simmons, Kiss co-founder, on X.
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“Brian Wilson Has Died. “Genius” is a time period used too typically and too loosely. “Tortured Genius” much more so. Brian’s astonishing output of musical brilliance will deliver pleasure whereas it influences generations to return. Thanks Brian and Relaxation In Peace.” — Paul Stanley, Kiss co-founder, on X.
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“His falsetto voice
And iconic vocal mix have been the sound of our era
One of many Best Songwriters of our time
“God Solely Is aware of“ is a traditional that has influenced us all! Browsing, automobiles and chicks!
Thanks for the music, Brian !” — David Paich, high session keyboardist and founding member of Toto, on Instagram.
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“Words can’t express what Brian Wilson meant to me as a songwriter. I was so fortunate to call him a friend. He was a genuine hero who taught me everything I know about music. Rest in peace, my friend.” — Christopher Cross, on X.
