The Beach Boys co-founder Al Jardine shares tribute to Brian Wilson: “My brother in spirit”
The Beach Boys co-founder Al Jardine has honoured his former bandmate Brian Wilson with an emotional statement after his death was confirmed on June 11th.
Together, Jardine and Wilson helped form The Beach Boys in 1961, the start of a long and fruitful relationship that thrived for decades. Although Jardine left early on in the band’s tenure, he returned in 1964 and contributed to their most treasured works, such as Pet Sounds, alongside Wilson.
In 2006, Jardine was recruited to join Wilson’s band to tour Pet Sounds in celebration of the record’s 40th anniversary. They later both returned to the Beach Boys for a new album and 50th anniversary tour in 2012. Jardine and Wilson’s partnership continued to flourish as they toured together for several more years.
Now, following Wilson’s passing, Jardine honoured his friend by stating: “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.”
He powerfully continued: “I think the most comforting thought right now is that you are reunited with Carl and Dennis, singing those beautiful harmonies again. You were a humble giant who always made me laugh and we will celebrate your music forever. Brian, I’ll really miss you…still I have the warmth of the sun within me tonight.”
Wilson’s death was announced on social media by his children, who wrote: “We are heartbroken to announced 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 grieving. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world. Love & Mercy.”
His family have refrained from revealing Wilson’s cause of death. However, last year, it was revealed Wilson was suffering from dementia after a conservatorship was filed following the death of his wife, Melinda.
Bob Dylan is among those to have also paid tribute to Wilson, writing on X, 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.”
Wilson is survived by his two children, Carnie and Wendy, who he shared with his first wife, Marilyn Rovell. He also adopted five children with his late second wife, Melinda Ledbetter, who he married in 1995.
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