Brian Wilson: Inheritance of a music genius and his fight against dementia

Brian Wilson: Inheritance of a music genius and his fight against dementia

Brian Wilson, co -founder and leading songwriter of the legendary Beach Boys, died on June 11, 2025 at the age of 82. His family announced death on Instagram, but details remain unclear at the time and place. Wilson suffered from a severe neurocognitive disorder and dementia, which was diagnosed in 2024 after the death of his wife Melinda Wilson. A judge in California then expressed a guardianship for his business partners to maintain his interests. The New York Times reports of Wilson's struggle over the years that have often been linked to his creative work.

born on June 20, 1942 in Inglewood, California, Wilson became famous in the early 1960s with the founding of the Beach Boys. Together with his brothers Dennis and Carl as well as Cousin Mike Love and school friend Al Jardine, he produced hits like "Surfin 'U.S.A.", "California Girls" and "Fun, Fun, Fun". These compositions had a profound influence on the perception of Southern California as paradise, characterized by topics such as cars, sex and leisure. In the first five years, the group produced over ten albums and numerous hitsingles, including three, who achieved first place on the Billboard charts: "I Get Around", "Help Me, Rhonda" and "Good Vibrations". Tagesspiegel emphasizes how the band devoted itself from traditional surf songs and developed more complex musical structures.

difficult fights and creative heights

Each of his albums testifies to a unique musical talent, and his masterpiece "Pet Sounds", which appeared in 1966, is one of the best albums ever. The use of rock and classic instruments as well as innovative production techniques shaped the album and set new standards for pop music. Despite these creative heights, Wilson increasingly fought anxiety disorders, paranoid hallucinations and drug addiction that has burdened his career over the years. Biography describes how Wilson fought against his mental illnesses, whose roots may go back to his childhood.

The magic of "Pet Sounds" and the unfinished suite "smile", which was published in a reduced form as "Smiley Smile", Wilson could never reach again. In the period after a nervous breakdown in 1967, Wilson retired from tours and took a more reserved role within the band. However, his image of a creative genius was increasingly complex due to the challenges with which he was confronted. Over the decades, he managed to publish some comeback albums and perform again.

the legacy of Brian Wilson

Wilson married his second wife Melinda in 1995 and together they adopted five children. Friends praise the support that Wilson received from his family and Melinda, causing him to seek the necessary medical help. Despite all the obstacles, his influence on music remains unbroken. Many of his songs and albums not only define an era, but also reflect the fights that he went through. Tagesspiegel summarizes that Wilson has led a truly complex life, characterized by both indescribable heights.

Brian Wilson leaves an unprecedented musical heritage that will inspire future generations of artists. His life was a mixture of fame, artistic revolution and personal struggle, which made him one of the most iconic figures in music history.