In a touching revelation, John Stamos opened up about the emotional moment he had to inform Beach Boys co-founder Mike Love about the death of his cousin and bandmate, Brian Wilson. Wilson, a legendary figure in music, passed away at the age of 82, as confirmed by his family on Wednesday. Stamos recounted the poignant experience during an interview with ABC Audio at Love's induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame held in New York City.
Stamos described the moment he received the devastating news while at the airport with Love. “It’s absolutely heartbreaking. I had to tell him, and I’ve never seen him that quiet. He just shut down,” Stamos shared. He emphasized the depth of the bond between Love and Wilson, stating, “You know, 84 years with his cousin. He loved his cousin. They loved each other.” This heartfelt reflection highlights the profound connection that existed between the two iconic musicians.
Stamos, who has had a longstanding relationship with the Beach Boys since 1985, took the opportunity to honor Mike Love during the Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony. The ceremony featured a memorable performance that included a medley of classic hits such as California Girls, I Get Around, Kokomo, and Good Vibrations. On the red carpet, Stamos praised both Love's and Wilson's significant contributions to the timeless music of the Beach Boys.
“He painted the cinematic tableau of California ... and it was all about love and positivity and optimism and joy,” Stamos remarked, highlighting Love's artistic vision. He went on to acknowledge the genius of Brian Wilson, referring to him as “the biggest genius that ever walked this earth.” Stamos noted that Wilson's brilliance sometimes overshadowed Love’s contributions, yet Wilson was always generous in acknowledging Love’s pivotal role, stating, “Mike wrote that, Mike did this, Mike did that.”
In his own remarks to ABC Audio, Mike Love articulated Wilson's remarkable talent, describing him as a “mastermind of the tracks.” He urged listeners to appreciate the groundbreaking nature of the Pet Sounds album, explaining, “If you were to listen to the tracks of 'Pet Sounds,' it's mind-blowing.” Love elaborated on the collaborative process behind their music, recalling how he would often write lyrics while Wilson crafted the melodies, as seen with their hit California Girls.
Following Wilson's passing, numerous tributes have poured in, including a heartfelt acknowledgment from Bruce Springsteen, who referred to the Beach Boys as “America's greatest band.” Love praised Springsteen’s sentiment, stating, “I think that's a wonderful thing for him to say. He's The Boss.” Additionally, Love responded to recent comments made by Elton John, who expressed his belief that Pet Sounds is destined to be an album that will be cherished forever. Love remarked on the significance of such praise, saying, “That's pretty amazing, coming from Elton John.”
As the music community mourns the loss of Brian Wilson, both John Stamos and Mike Love continue to celebrate his extraordinary legacy and the timeless joy he brought through his music.
