Elton John Calls Brian Wilson ‘Musical Genius’ in Moving Tribute

On June 11, friends and family of “Beach Boys” cofounder Brian Wilson mourned the passing of the 82-year-old musician. His family posted a statement on social media announcing the sad news, and fans and loved ones expressed their shock at the news.

“Brian …. you and your music has made my life a far more beautiful journey than it ever would have been,” actress Kim Basinger wrote.

“Your dad was always so kind to me. I’m sorry for your loss,” wrote country singer Lyle Lovett. People far and wide called Wilson their hero, inspiration, and mentor, and thanked him for his music.

Adding to all of these tributes is Elton John, who posted a photo and a heartwarming memory of the “Pet Sounds” singer and songwriter on his social media.

Elton John Calls Brian Wilson His ‘Biggest Influence’

“Brian Wilson was always so kind to me from the day I met him,” John wrote on Instagram. “He sang ‘Someone Saved My Life Tonight’ at a tribute concert in 2003, and it was an extraordinary moment for me. I played on his solo records, he sang on my album, The Union, and even performed for my AIDS Foundation.”

“I grew to love him as a person, and for me, he was the biggest influence on my songwriting ever; he was a musical genius and revolutionary,” he continued. “He changed the goalposts when it came to writing songs and shaped music forever. A true giant.”

Brian Wilson’s daughter, Carnie, responded to John’s sweet message, writing, “Love you so much.”

Wilson’s Music Influenced a Diverse Range of Musicians

Brian Wilson has influenced so many musicians over the past several decades. Artists ranging from Bruce Springsteen to Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong expressed their heartache and devastation at his passing.

“Brian Wilson was the most musically inventive voice in all of pop, with an otherworldly ear for harmony,” Springsteen wrote on Instagram. “He was also the visionary leader of America’s greatest band, The Beach Boys. If there’d been no Beach Boys, there would have been no “Racing In The Street.” Listen to “Summer’s Gone” from the Beach Boys’ last album “That’s Why God Made The Radio” and weep. Farewell, Maestro. Nothing but love and a lovely lasting debt from all of us over here on E Street.”

“Thank you Brian Wilson. I recorded a cover of “I get around” a few years ago.. never got to share it,” Armstrong wrote. “One of my all time favorite songs ever.”