When did Brian Wilson leave the Beach Boys? Career explored as iconic singer and founder passes away at 82

82-year-old Brian Wilson died on June 11, 2025, from unknown causes. He was the co-founder of a rock band, The Beach Boys. Brian worked with the group for almost three years and exited in 1964, as per People magazine.

The musician’s family members also expressed their grief on Instagram with a tribute post, writing that they don’t have the words to explain the loss they have suffered. They additionally requested everyone to respect their privacy and continued,

“We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world.”

The post featured Brian Wilson’s photo, where he was posing for the camera by sitting on a bench and had a smile on his face. Furthermore, netizens also took to the comments section, recalling the artist’s contributions to the musical world.

Apart from The Beach Boys, the singer-songwriter was associated with other bands like Kenny & the Cadets. Back in 2006, Brian Wilson appeared for an interview with Ability Magazine, where he said that his father taught him a lot of things about business. He opened up on how his band was named Beach Boys and said,

“When we cut the first album we were going to call ourselves The Pendletones, after a type of sweater everyone was wearing. Russ Regan, a promoter for Candix Records, came up with the name Beach Boys.”

In addition, Wilson disclosed the reasons behind the use of surfing as the main theme of the band’s albums, saying that it emerged from his brother Dennis, who was the only surfer in the group. Brian addressed his health problems during the conversations, saying that he used to have “auditory hallucinations” on his head.

“Every few minutes the voices say something derogatory to me, which discourages me a little bit, but I have to be strong enough to say to them, “Hey, would you quit stalking me? F**k off! Don’t talk to me – leave me alone!” I have to say these types of things all day long.”

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Brian Wilson was a part of The Beach Boys: Career and other details explained

Brian Douglas Wilson had two brothers, Dennis and Carl, as noted on his official website. He showed an interest in music as early as age two and often sang at school events. A skilled pianist, Wilson began writing his own songs in 1961, starting with the single Surfer Girl.

The website included a statement by Brian Wilson, where he said that he was inspired by artists such as Rosemary Clooney and added,

“Dennis and Carl and I had a little trio going, and I started bringing songs to the group. I brought songs by the Chordettes and the Hi-Lo’s and Nat King Cole. I brought “Ivory Tower”, which was a hit for Cathy Carr and Gale Storm when I was fourteen or so.”

In 1961, Brian Wilson also established The Beach Boys with his brothers alongside cousin Mike Love and a school friend, Al Jardine. The band’s website says that the group initially collaborated with Capitol Records, following which they brought out their debut album, Surfin’ Safari.

The group additionally collaborated with record labels like Brother and Reprise, releasing multiple albums. The list includes titles such as Little Deuce Coupe, All Summer Long, Pet Sounds, Wild Honey, Friends, Sunflower, Holland, Still Cruisin’, and more.

According to Brian Wilson’s website, he started establishing himself as a solo artist with his self-titled debut album in 1988. He even served as a producer of Joe Thomas’ project Imagination and began doing live performances, including a Japan tour, which received a positive response.

In his solo career, Brian worked with companies like MCA, leading to the arrival of projects such as That Lucky Old Sun, No Pier Pressure, and At My Piano. Brian’s journey was even covered on documentaries like I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times.

Brian also made guest appearances on the projects released by other artists, such as Tammy Wynette Remembered, Arctic Tale, and Songs from Here & Back.