Why Brian Wilson’s Passing Hit Harder Than I Expected
Today, we remember Brian Wilson, the soul of the Beach Boys and a true voice of a generation. His unforgettable melodies defined an era, spanned generations, and shaped the early days of pop music. It’s time to reflect on his legendary career and the impact he had on music, and on me. RIP Brian Wilson. This is why your passing hit me harder than I expected.
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@kaztouch1
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
Wow! You said everything that I couldn’t find the words for, and I am jealous in a good way. Well done. I met Brian once for about 30 seconds. It was during the Landy years. I walked up to him with my mind racing “What the hell am I gonna say? Don’t be typical. Don’t say something ordinary. Don’t say something stupid. This is your chance.” My mind blanked. The only thing, which I barely remember, is blurting out “Thank you Brian for all of your music.” He looked up at me and kind of smiled and said “Your welcome”. It wasn’t much but I think back to that moment, and now that he is passed, I’m glad I had the opportunity to say it in my lifetime.
@cynthiarowley719
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
Missing that man, and living now for his music. The music of the Beach Boys popping up in movies still vibrate and ignite a new audience. I love his solo career, especially Gershwin and My Piano. So much stuff to find on YouTube. The last two and a half years ive been emersed in Brian Wilson. Just 🌈 the end of a rainbow. Endless
@azami123
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
I remember hearing the song he did for Jan and Dean. I asked, "Is this the Beach Boys? no, but it's a Brian Wilson song.
Brian was really ill, and he outlived Melinda. XX
@featherinthewind333
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
beatiful words,
had nothing but hs music since his passing
@Hayrange
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
Thank you for this. I feel so similar to your statement that this wasn't unexpected, but still hit hart to realize the passage of time and how it eventually caught up with him, and how it's going to catch up with us. I feel so lucky I was also exposed to the Beach Boys at a young age, although I didn't have my family to thank for it, but rather the early days of music file sharing in the late 90s. An unorganized list of files that I had built to like grew into something that feels so close to who I became as a person. The songs I Get Around, Surfer Girl, Surfin USA, California Girls, and Wouldn't it be Nice, just to name a few, became regular songs I learned to like, but would not really comprehend their songs in album format for years to come until probably about 2004 when I heard Pet Sounds for the first time and it was like nothing could beat it. Still to this day, I can't find a single album that I feel beats that. And the older I get, the more I chip away at just a little more of what made Brian tick, and explore the sounds just a little bit deeper to see if I can understand where he was when he wrote these songs. As I'm sure many of you feel, since he was so vulnerable to his soul being put into every note he composed, we feel close to him listening to his music, and in his passing, we almost feel like we lost a brother. With love, we miss you Brian. Hope we can somehow meet again as eternal souls in a better place than this. God rest you BDW.
@ron-v2x
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
A fan for decades. Sad since I heard the news.
@cmm2145
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
You said everything that I was thinking and feeling but couldn’t put into words to try to help my husband understand why I’m so heartbroken over someone I didn’t know. I read the transcript to him and paused to emphasize or explain. NOW he gets it. Not completely because he doesn’t feel it but he gets it enough to understand what I feel and think and why. THANK YOU. Now if I watch a Brian Wilson related video while he’s asleep and wake him up with my crying and sobbing he will get it even though he still won’t like it.
1:53–2:01. 4:27–4:43. 5:03–5:10 are my favorite parts.
@Skabanis
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
I have cried for 3 strangers ever Kurt cobain a lot norm McDonald Brian Wilson ….ty for being -art of my life
@Mr.DavidEzraIsaacson
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
God Bless Brian Wilson
@myronlarimer1943
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
I was privileged to see Brian Wilson live just once a few years ago when he did his Pet Sounds tour. The show was simply amazing. The band was tight. The sound was clean and the harmonies were unbelievable. The Beach Boys and Brian Wilson have been a part of my life for some 60+ years. And yes. With age you listen to some of the music from a completely different perspective. But I still hang onto that feeling of Endless Summer and youth when I hear Brian’s music.
@peterzang
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
This is beautifully written
@Roy-m8w
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
Been a Beach Boy fan for nearly 60 years. I met and talked to Dennis and Carl. Two extremely nice people who were very down to earth. What I think you’re eluding to is not that we didn’t know he was sick, but it’s the finality of him no longer being here. Knowing that we will no longer enjoy a new song that Brian would create. It’s the end of something that’s been around for 65 years. The incredible Beach Boys.
@doctordetroit4339
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
Brian Wilson.
What can anyone say that hasn't been said.
I struggle, as a consumer of music for many years, to think of someone more influential across the board. Writer….producer….composer….arranger…..then (above all else) being the leader of a band at the top and printing money and fame….and risking it all to go a completely different direction that would, without a doubt, alienate some fans and possibly destroy the band.
All at the age of 23.
Pet Sounds and Good Vibrations changed modern rock-pop entirely. Everything can be grouped into pre and post those releases. The impact they had on music that I love is still being calculated. Brian ultimately showed that a studio is an instrument in and of itself. Prior to that, music was made to be played live.
Zep, Queen, Beatles……everyone followed suit. Queen never played Bohemian Rhapsody in concert. They couldn't.
No Pet Sounds….no Sgt Pepper.
No Pet Sounds…..Jimmy Page (and JPJ) don't arrange like they did.
RIP Mr. Wilson. You were far ahead of your time.
Too far in fact. But we finally caught up.
@Labyrinth1010
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
Only because you didn’t mention it, I encourage everyone to listen to The Smile Sessions.
Brian considered Pet Sounds a 4, while Smile was a 10.
It’s truly transcendental
@HippieNiecey
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
I am having a very hard time dealing with Brian's death. I am so sad.
@jillcnc
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
It hit me hard too, and I have no idea why. None of us gets out of this level of reality alive, and who would have predicted that not only would Brian Wilson be the last Wilson brother standing, but that he would live into his 80s and be performing well into his elder years. Some of it is that I don't think I appreciated his genius until I was well into middle age. I'm a late-boomer for whom psychedelic music replaced the Beach Boys, who were regarded as decidedly uncool. Later in life, as my taste in music became more polyglot, I was able to glean things I never had before. But I think a lot of it is that Brian Wilson had a purity of soul that was reflected in his music, and that his passing takes a gentleness out of an already cruel and hateful world.
@dmk7700-u4t
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
"Surf's Up" "power shift here we go………………….."
@erikliljenwall8185
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
I still say that staccato cellos in Good Vibrations inspired heavy metal, at least in part.
God Only Knows is simply transcendent.
@corkscrewfoley
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
I was lucky to see Brian live back in 2018. I knew the hits, nearly wept in the bridge of 'Wouldn't It Be Nice,' but that night I heard All I Want To Do and 'Cool, Cool Water,' and I was hooked. I actually zoned out to Cool, Cool Water, seeing myself surfing in SoCal in the 70's. It was amazing (I was sober). Incredible.
@philnaccarato
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
Thanks for this wonderful post. I'm 66 and have a brother who is 10 years older. Thus – I got a musical education like no other in the 60's and 70's. Some of my brother's favorite music was crafted by the genius we are all mourning here. In a home filled with child abuse my older brother was my savior as was his guitar and his large record collection. As the Beatles and Beach Boys were in a healthy and robust competition, and all those records new musical discoveries were being released, each brand new record was immediately played on the stereo he bought from "Lafayette" in the Bronx.
As a child still in single digit ages, I got to hear the best era of musical creativity we may ever see. But with Brian's passing, it brings me right back to those days of soaking up the hippie culture and progressive attitudes I carry to this day, all thanks to composers like Brian. I was just starting to learn the guitar but I somehow knew (before I knew music theory) that Brain's compositions went straight through my chest and directly into my heart. Even as a very young boy I knew that there was something very different and special about those songs.
I also am reminded of an abusive alcoholic and rage-aholic father who never really wanted kids. But as I hid from my father, I had my brother and this music to save me. And like the author here, I was quite surprised how hard Brain's passing hit me. I realize now that I loved his music even more that I had ever realized, and now as a musician to this day, I'm more understanding of the magical place Brian channeled to get this music to flow through him.
Some of these chord and melody combinations really should not work in theoretical and compositional terms, but Brian somehow took odd combinations of the 12 notes in western hemispherical music and created some of the most beautiful pop music ever written – and now I miss him even more, and I'm heartbroken.
If you don't agree, then just ask Paul McCartney who was blown away by Brian's abilities. High praise indeed..! And please listen to a song called "Brain Wilson Said.." by Roland Orzabal from Tears for Fears. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBQHYAIB6tI) This is the best "tip-of-the-hat" composition you will EVER hear by an artist honoring one of his brethren, and our beloved fallen Brian.
May be finally rest in peace with the other two Wilson brothers who left us all too soon as well years ago. Thanks to the Beach Boys and Brian for all the music and beauty that saved my childhood from being even worse than it was.
@andresramos7495
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
It's strange and touching that I came back to the Beach Boys after striving through many facets and styles of music I heard and even no music at all, for a while. And now I found the Beach Boys again and dived into their style, harmonies, history and everything I coud find on YT,much deeper than ever before. I bought CD's and vinyls again and I found something beyond just hearing and enjoying, something deeper. Now Brian died in this very moment I came back to him and his music. One could say I came back just in time. When I hear again those incredible harmonies, voices, music and arrangement he left for us, then I feel they are describing a realm in Brians soul that came upon us like an idea that never became 100% real because it is something that is still up to come. Maybe to experience what he created is an ongoing task that just has begun.
@jillwentworth6711
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
His vulnerability is so touching.
@benwade7419
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
Today June 20th would have been his birthday, I guess we wish the happiest in the great beyond to the genius himself, I got to see him play live, it was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen, I was an oasis fan until Noel Gallagher berated the beach boys calling them a barbershop group, absolute clown that one, especially given they think they’re the Beatles
@SusanBlakely-pd6mp
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
I had the same thing, he's like your musical dad that shaped the way you thought/think about music. Any time you play a chord with an unlikely bass note attached to it, you think of Brian. The only other guy like that -who can completely flip how you think about chord progressions-is Barney Kessel. And er…Jobim. My brother pointed out that Brian was already gone long before his actual death..which oddly made me feel better.
@PlaidOnFlannel
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
Great analysis, well said. I've felt a similar way since Brian passed. A rare type of inventive artist who changed the world. The legend lives on as we appreciate the work he did while he was here. I've probably listened to Pet Sounds front to back 10 times in the last week. The best album of music ever made. 🎶🙌
@A5280T
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
When I first got the notification on my phone through a news alert last week. My initial reaction was like “Huh…we’ll I’ll be damned. Brian Wilson just died.” And just kinda continued on with my day.
However I found myself thinking of him throughout the day more and more. Then started seeing the news reports and the tributes pouring in. By Friday of last week, 2 days after his passing the reality of it really started to hit me. Over the weekend I watched Love and Mercy twice and I’ve been on a NONSTOP listening marathon of The Beach Boys. I’ve listened to Pet Sounds probably half a dozen times since last week.
The Beach Boys are easily one of my favorite groups. I’m 39 and my mom introduced them to me at an early age. I listen to all styles of music, all genres, I was in Metal band for a few years, but I’ve ALWAYS recognized the greatness of The Beach Boys, but more specifically the genius, and artistic creativity and just overall nature of the legend himself, Brian Wilson. I have shed tears for this man over the past week. He will be truly missed and his music and legacy will continue to live on through his beautiful music.
@ConnorTerrell
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
My biggest regret is not getting into The Beach Boys this deeply before he passed and not taking the opportunity to see Brian live. Better yet, not taking the time to see them live in 2012.
@JazzGal-i6i
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
Brian's passing has hit me hard too. I was never a huge fan of the BB. I did really like Dennis as a handsome dude. The music was nothing special to me. It was on the same level as most surf groups. But now that I'm older and appreciate what Brian accomplished musically, I realize he was a very gifted man. RIP, Brian.
@d179654582248
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
Decent video but Sloop John B was always one of my least favorite beach boys songs
@avp1874
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
What the f*<k is up with your Beety jet black eyes dude?!
@frankvilla9401
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
God bless Brian Wilson
@jeffclement2468
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
Well said. I lived that period in real time, and it's great to hear that Brian's music has remained timeless, so it can be passed down to younger generations with a discerning ear and a desire for the best, most heartfelt music.
One small quibble here tho. "Sloop John B" was and old folk song. Brian did an incredible arrangement of it, but I got the impression that you thought it was an original.
Otherwise, nice words. 😻✌️
@tonyguadagno6917
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
Beautiful tribute to our Musical North Star!
@subooking
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
Good video. Thank you Brian.
@PhilipOgden-m7z
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
When I learnt of his form of dementia I nearly wept. So cruel for him . Music will not be the same again
@southernoregoncatmom6519
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
Well said.
@nikdrown
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
It’s been on my mind everyday. I dreaded this day most of my life actually. The Beach Boys are my first music love and pretty much stayed that way until grunge and even then I found myself leaving their pop stuff and Pet Sounds enlightened my coming of age years. Perfect to it. On vinyl to boot. I’ve listened to Beach Boys and Pet Sounds particularly since the day he passed.
@robertsterner408
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
Sad 😭
@KealohaHarrison
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
Aside from The Beatles, Brian’s music has been the single biggest influence in my life. I remember skipping my last day of junior year to see the Love & Mercy biopic in theaters the day it premiered and seeing him in concert and getting his autograph the summer before senior year. I broke down and cried after I read the news and spent the next day all alone in a room to sit in my feelings. I still can’t believe it’s real almost a week later. Thank you for everything Brian, it was nice. 💚💛🤍🐐🦌🐑🏝️🌊🏄🏽♂️
@Thx1138sober
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
Dude was 83, in America most old people die in their 80s, less than 5% live to 90 or older.
@toniduffy4684
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
My mother has always watched baseball been a beach boys fan, in fact she had Fodw fan club, Friends of Denis Wilson, but she has early dementia herself now
This has been the soundtrack in the house since I was born 1972, probably my first concert with mom, at candlestick, after a sf giants game.
@evanterzakis
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
Very well said. A legend
@andylove9961
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
Beautiful tribute and you packed in so much of what many fans are feeling at this sad time. Brian's and the Beach Boys' music is joyous, beautiful and so relatable to. He was also a music innovator in so many ways although many are only just finding out about his undeniable influence on modern music. His arrangement of harmonies was incredibly unique to pop/rock music and at the same time so uplifting despite the subject of songs often dealing with emotional struggles.To hear how many celebrities and music icons also feel the loss tells you just how much he impacted on so many lives. Brian was a genius and a musical legend but he always looked a little awkward to think that is what people felt about him. He seemed to just want to make people happy listening to his music rather than be a superstar. To many, like myself, his music meant much more than just a collection of songs because his music became a soundtrack to growing-up and dealing with life's troubles and joys. Thank you Brian for the joy and comfort your music has brought me 🙏
@Crosstiewalker
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
I love the picture of him trying to drive, "like, hey get outta my way!" When I was 9, I used to stare at the photos on the back cover of "Pet Sounds" wondering what the heck was going on in all those pictures!
@shecklesmack9563
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
I’ll never get over the fact that I never took the opportunity to see him live. My fandom was at its peak about 15 years ago and only reemerged less than a year before he stopped performing forever. It’s hard not to look back and see all that time he was healthy and performing and I took it for granted. 😢
@kookadams85
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
Hit me VERY hard. R.i.p 🙏🏻
@dogsbod
August 16, 2025 at 8:59 pm
Couldn't have put it better myself sir brilliantly navigated so love the beach boys music thankyou brian from a massive fan across the pond
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