Musical Mastermind Brian Wilson Dies At 82

USPA NEWS - Source: People Magazine/Social Media

John Stamos describes the poignant moment when Mike Love learned of the death of his cousin Brian Wilson.

John Stamos, a longtime collaborator with the Beach Boys, paid an emotional tribute following the passing of the band's co-founder Brian Wilson on June 11, 2025. In an exclusive interview with People Magazine at the Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony, Stamos, 61, credited Wilson and the Beach Boys with filling his life with "happiness, joy, optimism, and positivity."

Stamos described standing beside Love when he received a text about Wilson's passing at age 82. "His face went blank," and noted that Love's stunned silence lasted for hours. The actor, a longtime friend and occasional Beach Boys performer, referred to Wilson's loss as a "mistake" in life's plan, as he reflected on his musical genius.

Mike Love, co-founder of The Beach Boys, paid tribute to his late cousin and bandmate, in an exclusive interview with People Magazine.

Speaking at the Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony, Love, 84, described their connection as profound, stating, “We’re inseparable, really, in life and afterlife too.” Love reflected on their decades-long collaboration, expressing gratitude for Wilson's musical genius, which defined the band's iconic sound. He recalled breaking the news of Wilson's death to John Stamos, noting the shared shock and grief. Love's emotional words underscored the enduring legacy of Wilson's contributions to music and their unbreakable bond, both personally and professionally.

Longtime friend and bandmate, Al Jardine described Wilson’s final days as both heart breaking and poignant. “It was difficult to see Brian struggle,” Jardine said in a public interview. “But even in his last moments, you could feel the music in him. It never left.” He went on to say, "We were there for him as much as we could be. Brian was more than a bandmate, he was family. We shared a lifetime of memories, and those moments will stay with me forever.”