Bob Dylan, Carole King, Keith Richards and more celebs react to the
death of Brian Wilson
[June 12, 2025]
By The Associated Press
Notable reaction to the death of the Beach 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." — Beach Boys founding
member Al Jardine, in a statement.
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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 Facebook.
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"I think ‘God Only Knows’ that song is like one of the best written
songs ever and thank you, Brian, for that. May you rest in peace, we’re
going to miss you.” — Metallica frontman James Hetfield, in an interview
with The Associated Press. ___
“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 played Wilson in 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 Wood, 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, adding 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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[to top of second column]
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A sunflower lies on the Beach Boys' star on the Hollywood Walk of
Fame after the announcement of the death of the band's main
songwriter Brian Wilson at 82, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Los
Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
 “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 only 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 term used too often and too
loosely. “Tortured Genius” even more so. Brian’s astonishing output
of musical brilliance will bring joy while it influences generations
to come. Thank you Brian and Rest In Peace.” — Paul Stanley, Kiss
co-founder, on X.
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"His falsetto voice
And iconic vocal blend were the sound of our generation
One of the Greatest Songwriters of our time
“God Only Knows“ is a classic that has influenced us all! Surfing,
cars and chicks!
Thanks for the music, Brian !" — David Paich, top 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.
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