Questlove also posted a lengthy message about Brian Wilson and his own experiences with the 1966 masterpiece Pet Sounds. “if there was a human being who made art out of inexpressible sadness….damn it was Brian Wilson,” the Roots’ drummer wrote. “I hate he went thru what he went thru to create this album (also: Smile Outakes in my North Star) but man——without him I dunno how so many that came after felt safe to express a feeling of sadness that most humans would be otherwise ridiculed/punished for.”
Speaking with Rolling Stone, the Beach Boys’ former manager Fred Vail said, “Sixty-two years, that’s how long we were buddies. Some great memories, some great moments. They all fly back at me: meeting them at the old house in Hawthorne; sitting on the floor at Capitol, when he mastered Pet Sounds; at Columbia, when we recorded ‘Good Vibrations’; and then all the shows at the auditorium in Sacramento that I emceed.”
Sir Lucian Grainge, the chairman and chief executive of Universal Music Group, said in a statement: “Brian Wilson was one of the most talented singer-songwriters in the history of recorded music. Not only did his songs capture the spirit of youth, joy and longing in ways that still inspire millions of fans around the world, his innovative work in the studio transformed the way musicians record even to this day. Brian made an indelible mark, and our thoughts are with his family in this time of loss.”
Bruce Resnikoff, the president and chief executive of Universal Music Enterprises, added: “Brian Wilson changed popular music forever as one of its most influential and visionary artists. He redefined pop by blending the Beach Boys’ signature harmonies with rich, complex arrangements, introspective lyrics, and groundbreaking studio innovations. From the carefree spirit of the early surf hits to the emotional depth of Pet Sounds, he elevated pop to an art form. His impact is immeasurable, and his music, spirit, and genius will live on. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and fans around the world.”
Additional figures to pay tribute to Wilson include Nancy Sinatra, Fleetwood Mac’s Mick Fleetwood, Jeff Rosenstock, the Walkmen’s Hamilton Leithauser, Primal Scream, the Avalanches, Dam Funk, the Velvet Underground’s John Cale, the Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood, Home Is Where, No Joy’s Jasamine White-Gluz, Anamanaguchi, Ekko Astral’s Jael Holzman, Speedy Ortiz’s Sadie Dupuis, the Beatles’ Ringo Starr, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation.
