Introduction
On Wednesday, the music industry lost a true icon when Brian Wilson, of the famed Beach Boys, passed away at 82. Given the legacy he created on stage and in the studio, the musician watched as the band sold over 100 million albums worldwide. Rolling Stone even considered the group one of the greatest artists of all time. And throughout their time in the spotlight, the Beach Boys produced numerous hit songs like “Good Vibrations” and “Surfin’ U.S.A.” But with Wilson passing away, dozens of celebrities and fellow musicians honored the songwriter, including Paul McCartney, who considered him a musical genius.
Already gaining over 99,000 views, McCartney posted a picture of Wilson on his Instagram page. He captioned the post, explaining just how much of a brilliant musician he was. “Brian had that mysterious sense of musical 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.”
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With Wilson having such a powerful impact on generations of musicians and singers, McCartney ended his statement, wondering how they would continue on. “How we will continue without Brian Wilson, ‘God Only Knows’. Thank you, Brian.”
Brian Wilson Went From The Beach Boys To ‘Full House’
Although a musician, singer, and songwriter, Wilson also expanded his career to television when he appeared in numerous episodes of Full House. Often portraying himself, actor John Stamos recalled how they played music together. Stamos even found himself on stage alongside Wilson during the 1980s. “Brian Wilson didn’t just soundtrack my life…he filled it with color, with wonder, with some of the most unforgettable, emotional, joyful moments I’ve ever known.”
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Sharing a collage of pictures of them together, Stamos added, “I grew up worshipping the Beach Boys, never imagining one day I’d get to play with them, let alone call Brian a friend. Brian gave the world Pet Sounds, God Only Knows, and Wouldn’t It Be Nice. Songs that didn’t just play in the background of our lives, they shaped who we were. They shaped who I became. His music made me feel things I didn’t know how to say. It made me want to make people feel the way his music made me feel.”
With Wilson having such a deep love for those who spent time with him, Stamos declared, “So much of my life and career, so much of me, exists because of what Brian created.” He concluded, “Thank you for the music. Thank you for the moments. I’ll carry them with me -forever.”