Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson has died. His family didn't announce the exact date or cause of death, but he was diagnosed with dementia and placed in a conservatorship last year. He was 82.
Wilson was considered one of the great pop songwriters of all time. Under his guidance, the Beach Boys' output rivaled that of the Beatles.
But Wilson was plagued by drug addiction and mental illness throughout his life. By 1964 he had stopped touring with the band.
This led to hiatuses and outright feuds with his bandmates, along with several reconciliations over the years.
Wilson is survived by his daughters Carnie and Wendy . . . who found success in the group Wilson Phillips . . . and five adopted children from his second marriage.
The Beach Boys issued a statement on their website saying, in part, "Brian Wilson wasn't just the heart of The Beach Boys. he was the soul of our sound.
"The melodies he dreamed up and the emotions he poured into every note changed the course of music forever."
Ron Wood from the Rolling Stones summed up what a lot of people are probably feeling right now . . . quote, "Oh no Brian Wilson and Sly Stone in one week . . . my world is in mourning."
Brian's daughter Carnie posted a statement on Instagram, saying, quote, "I have no words to express the sadness I feel right now. My Father was every fiber of my body.
"I love you Daddy . . . I miss so much you already."
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