Paul McCartney Pays Tribute to Brian Wilson: “He Had That Mysterious Sense of Musical Genius” (2025)

Paul McCartney posted a tribute to Brain Wilson, paying homage to one of pop’s all-time great songwriters, whom he’d often called a major influence on his own music.

“Brian had that mysterious sense of musical genius that made his songs so achingly special,” McCartney wrote on Instagram on Thursday. “The notes he heard in his head and passed to us were simple and brilliant at the same time. I loved him, and was privileged to be around his bright shining light for a little while. How we will continue without Brian Wilson, ‘God Only Knows.’”

Wilson’s family had confirmed Wednesday that Wilson had died at age 82. “We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world,” his family wrote. “Love & Mercy.”

McCartney had long spoken of Wilson’s influence on his and the Beatles’ songwriting, as Pet Sounds had famously served as inspiration for Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. McCartney has also previously called “God Only Knows” among the greatest songs of all time. Most critics would agree with that sentiment; Rolling Stone listed that song at Number 11 on its 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list.

McCartney was far from the only musician and Hollywood figure paying tribute to Wilson in the wake of the news. Fellow British legend Elton John similarly called Wilson “the biggest influence on my songwriting ever.” John Stamos, who’s performed with the Beach Boys in the past, including when the band had a cameo on Full House, posted a lengthy statement as well.

“Brian Wilson didn’t just soundtrack my life…he filled it with color, with wonder, with some of the most unforgettable, emotional, joyful moments I’ve ever known,” Stamos wrote. “It’s hard to put into words what it meant to stand beside him, laugh with him, play his music with him.”

The Beach Boys themselves posted a statement as well, calling Wilson “the soul of our sound.

The world mourns a genius today, and we grieve for the loss of our cousin, our friend and our partner in a great musical adventure,” the band said. “The melodies he dreamed up and the emotions he poured into every note changed the course ofmusicforever.”