John Stamos honored The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson after his death with an emotional tribute.
“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,” Stamos, 61, wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, June 11. “It’s hard to put into words what it meant to stand beside him, laugh with him, play his music with him.”
Stamos noted how Wilson “wasn’t just a musical genius,” adding, “He was a gentle, soulful, funny, complex, beautiful man. He heard things no one else could hear. He felt things deeper than most of us ever will. And somehow, he turned all of that into music that wrapped itself around the world and made us all feel less alone.”
The actor, who played with The Beach Boys over the years, recalled building a bond with Wilson after admiring his work.
“I grew up worshipping the Beach Boys, never imagining one day I’d get to play with them, let alone call Brian a friend,” Stamos continued. “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.”
He added: “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. So much of my life and career, so much of me, exists because of what Brian created.”
Stamos ended his tribute by offering support to Wilson’s loved ones, writing, “To Carnie, Wendy, the lovely Marilyn, to everyone who loved him, and especially to Mike. My heart is with you. Brian once said, ‘Music is God’s voice.’ I believe he was right, and now that voice, his voice, is part of the divine chorus. The music didn’t end. Rest easy, Brian. Thank you for the music. Thank you for the moments. I’ll carry them with me -forever.”
Wilson’s family confirmed his death at 82 years old in a statement shared via social media on Wednesday.
“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away,” the statement read. “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.”
In addition to Stamos, other celebrities honored Wilson’s memory with heartfelt tributes.
Sean Ono Lennon, the son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, took to X to praise Wilson for his impact on others, writing, “Anyone who really knows me knows how heart broken [sic] 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.”
Meanwhile, guitarist Brian Ray, wrote, “Oh geez, I’m so saddened to hear this news. I was just walking through a hotel lobby less than five minutes ago, and I thought of them, wondering how he’s doing and now [sic].”
