Inside Brian Wilson's tragic health battle that left Beach Boys rock icon ‘unable to feed or clothe himself'

The Sun

a day ago

HEALTH BATTLE
The musical icon has died at 82
BRIAN Wilson's tragic health battle left the Beach Boys icon "unable to feed or clothe himself."
It was revealed in early 2024 that he had been living with a degenerative disorder similar to dementia.
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The celebrated songwriter, responsible for Beach Boys hits including Surfin' USA, Surfer Girl, and I Get Around, died aged 82.
Last year, the musician's family sought to place him under a conservatorship, noting he was 'unable to properly provide for his own personal needs for physical health.'
Following the death of his beloved wife Melinda his family believed he no longer had the capacity to provide proper consent to the administration of medications.
In a statement, they shared the extent of his battle with the disorder and said the conservatorship would help keep him properly cared for.
It read: "Following the passing of Brian's beloved wife Melinda, after careful consideration and consultation among Brian, his seven children, [housekeeper] Gloria Ramos and Brian's doctors (and consistent with family processes put in place by Brian and Melinda),
"We are confirming that longtime Wilson family representatives LeeAnn Hard and Jean Sievers will serve as Brian's co-conservators'
Celebrated as a spectacular songwriter, Wilson was responsible for initial successes including Surfin' USA, Surfer Girl, and I Get Around.
Other famous tunes include All Summer Long, Don't Worry Baby, and California Girls.
Following Wilson's death on Wednesday his family wrote: 'We are heartbroken to announce 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 is grieving.
Music video for iconic Beach Boys song Good Vibrations
"We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world. Love & Mercy.'
Born in Inglewood, California, Wilson formed the band - first called the Pendletones - as a teenager with his brothers Dennis and Carl.
He was the eldest and last surviving of the trio.
Their first song, Surfin', was released by Candix Records.
The record label changed the band's name without their permission to play to the band's laid back, surfer sound.
A year later, they signed with Capitol and released their debut album, Surfin' Safari.
The Beach Boys rocketed to fame during the 1960s, going from local California band to national hitmakers - and international ambassadors of surf and sun.
Their 1966 album Pet Sounds was voted No. 2 in Rolling Stone's list of the best 500 albums in 2003.
As much as Wilson had a gift, he also had demons.
He was tormented by his obsession with achieving perfection.
Brian played bass, Carl lead guitar and Dennis was on drums.
Celebs have clamoured to pay tribute to the musician, whose music was held dear by so many.
Broadcaster Piers Morgan wrote: "RIP Brian Wilson, 82.
"Co-creator of the Beach Boys, and the man who wrote one of the greatest pop songs in history, God Only Knows, when he was just 23.
"A complex man but a musical genius and showbusiness icon. What a legacy he leaves."
Ronnie Wood, guitarist for the Rolling Stones, wrote: "Oh no Brian Wilson and Sly Stone in one week - my world is in mourning [...] so sad."
The Beach Boys inspired acts on both sides of the Atlantic, with the likes of Sir Elton John, Bruce Springsteen and Carole King revering their work.