The Beach Boys’ Al Jardine on Brian Wilson: “I’ll really miss you… still I have the warmth of the sun within me tonight”

The Beach Boys‘ Al Jardine has paid tribute to his late bandmate Brian Wilson in a new statement – see his full quote below.

Wilson’s death was announced yesterday (June 11) via his family – he was 82. Following the news of the singer’s death, Jardine issued a statement to the press briefly detailing their history together: “Brian Wilson, my friend, my classmate, my football teammate, my Beach Boy bandmate and my brother in spirit, I will always feel blessed that you were in our lives for as long as you were.”

He continued, also honouring their late bandmates and Brian’s brothers Carl and Dennis, who died in 1998 and 1983 respectively: “I think the most comforting thought right now is that you are reunited with Carl and Dennis, singing those beautiful harmonies again.

“You were a humble giant who always made me laugh and we will celebrate your music forever. Brian, I’ll really miss you… still I have the warmth of the sun within me tonight.”

Jardine co-founded The Beach Boys along with brothers Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson, and their cousin Mike Love in 1961. Prior to the formation of the band, Jardine grew up with Brian, as the pair were football teammates in high school. They later reunited in 1961 at the El Camino college, where they toyed with the idea of forming a band together.

Following Brian’s semi-retirement from touring with the band, Jardine took over as co-lead vocalist during live performances.

In late 2006, Jardine went on to join Brian Wilson and his backing band for a short tour celebrating the 40th anniversary of Beach Boys’ acclaimed ‘Pet Sounds’ album. In 2010, released his debut solo album that featured contributions from Brian on songs like ‘Drivin’, and late last month (May 30), released a new EP ‘Islands In The Sun’.

Along with the release of the EP, Jardine also confirmed that he is also set to take Brian Wilson’s solo band out on tour to promote the new release this summer. Dubbing the group the Pet Sounds Band, they will play a range of shows across the US in July, August and September and you can find any remaining tickets here.

Following the news of Brian Wilson’s death, the remaining members of Beach Boys paid tribute to the singer on social media: “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. Brian Wilson wasn’t just the heart of The Beach Boys—he was the soul of our sound. The melodies he dreamed up and the emotions he poured into every note changed the course of music forever. His unparalleled talent and unique spirit created the soundtrack of so many lives around the globe, including our own.”

“Together, we gave the world the American dream of optimism, joy, and a sense of freedom—music that made people feel good, made them believe in summer and endless possibilities,” they continued. “We are heartbroken by his passing. We will continue to cherish the timeless music we made together and the joy he brought to millions over the decades. And while we will miss him deeply, his legacy will live on through his songs and in our memories.”

A number of figures have since paid tribute to Wilson – Ringo Starr wrote a simple message: “God bless Brian Wilson. Peace and love to all his family.”

John Lennon and Yoko Ono‘s son and acclaimed solo artist Sean Ono Lennon wrote: “Anyone who really knows me knows how heart broken I am about Brian Wilson passing. Not many people influenced me as much as he did. I feel very lucky that I was able to meet him and spend some time with him. He was always very kind and generous. He was our American Mozart. A one of a kind genius from another world.”

You can find more tributes from other musical greats here.

The post The Beach Boys’ Al Jardine on Brian Wilson: “I’ll really miss you… still I have the warmth of the sun within me tonight” appeared first on NME.