WATCH Brian Wilson’s last ever performance after it was announced that the Beach Boys founder has died aged 82.
The legendary singer-songwriter – who was living with a degenerative disorder similar to dementia – last sang publicly in 2022.
Performing at the Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston, Michigan, the icon belted out a range of historic tracks.
He performed the famous tune Surfin’ USA, Help Me Rhonda and California Girls.
Wilson appeared onstage as part of his 2022 US Summer Tour in July of that year.
Today, the music legend’s family announced the tragic news that he passed away.
In a post shared on Instagram on Wednesday, Wilson’s family wrote: “We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away.
“We are at a loss for words right now. Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving.
“We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world. Love & Mercy.”
Tributes are starting to roll in from fans and celebrities alike.
The Rolling Stones legend Ronnie has lead the tributes to the star and confirmed his world is “in mourning” following the passing of Brian and fellow musician, Sly Stone.
Celebrated as a spectacular songwriter, Wilson was responsible for initial successes including Surfin’ USA, Surfer Girl, and I Get Around.
Other famous tunes include All Summer Long, Don’t Worry Baby, and California Girls.
Born in Inglewood, California, Wilson formed the band – first called the Pendletones – as a teenager with his brothers Dennis and Carl.
He was the eldest and last surviving of the trio.
Brian played bass, Carl lead guitar and Dennis was on drums.
The Beach Boys rocketed to fame during the 1960s, going from local California band to national hitmakers – and international ambassadors of surf and sun.
A judge signed off on a conservatorship for Beach Boys legend Wilson just months after he was diagnosed with dementia in 2024.
He consented to the agreement and had no objections.
Wilson’s doctor said the musician suffered from a “major neurocognitive disorder” and needed help making healthcare decisions.
The judge’s decision to approve Wilson’s conservatorship came as the pop icon prepared to launch new music this year.
In 1970, the Beach Boys star started working on a country album with the band’s former manager Fred Vail on lead vocals.
The project was paused but was later picked up again by the two musicians.
The album had been due for release in 2025 and Wilson was due to be featured on guest vocals, according to Rolling Stone.
Brian Wilson's illness and conservatorship
A judge signed off on a conservatorship for Beach Boys legend Wilson just months after he was diagnosed with dementia in 2024.
He consented to the agreement and had no objections.
Wilson’s doctor said the musician suffered from a “major neurocognitive disorder” and needed help making healthcare decisions.
The judge also agreed to a stipulation requested by an attorney for Wilson’s eldest daughters, Carnie and Wendy Wilson.
Wilson’s daughters asked that all of his children be added to a text chain from his nurses to receive updates on their father if they choose.
The addition was added to the petition before it was signed by Judge May.
Wilson has seven children, two of whom lived with him.
In his decision, May wrote that “the conservatee lacks the capacity to make his own healthcare decisions.”
His new conservators, manager-publicist Jean Sievers and business manager LeeAnn Hard, were ordered to “consult with the conservatee’s children regarding all material related healthcare decisions.”
Wilson’s lawyer, Robert Frank Cipriano, reported that his client agreed that he needed a conservatorship after his wife’s death.
Melinda, who died at age 77, was previously in charge of her husband’s affairs.
Cipriano said that Wilson was “mostly difficult to understand and gave very short responses to questions and comments” and had issues remembering the names of his other children.
The petition said there wouldn’t be major changes to Wilson’s living arrangements under the conservatorship.
The judge’s decision to approve Wilson’s conservatorship came as the pop icon prepared to launch new music this year.
