How did John Stamos break the news of Brian Wilson’s death to Mike Love? Actor says "life would be a mistake" without The Beach Boys Guitarist

Actor and musician John Stamos opened up about his feelings following the death of The Beach Boys’ guitarist Brian Wilson. Although not many details are known about his death, he lost his life a few days after his 83rd birthday.

Meanwhile, Stamos was at the Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction ceremony on June 12, 2025, where he shared his sentiments with People Magazine. He said:

“The Beach Boys are everything to me. And Brian’s passing yesterday was just such a blow. I say without Brian Wilson, life would be a mistake. They have given me so much joy and love, and I’ve been able to spread it to so many people.”

At the ceremony, John Stamos also inducted The Beach Boys' member, Mike Love. The two were together when the news of Brian Wilson’s death reached him. They deboarded a plane, and Stamos realized he must break the news to Love.

It is noteworthy that Love is also Wilson’s cousin. Speaking to The New York Post, Stamos said:

“I was like, ‘Oh boy, I guess I better [tell him].’ I said, ‘Mike, your cousin passed away,’ and his face went blank. And we sat in the car for 2½ hours or so, he didn’t say one word. And I didn’t ask him anything, ask him how he was feeling. I knew how he was feeling.”

John Stamos also reiterated that life would be a mistake with the guitarist, saying his death was like a big blow to everyone.

John Stamos called Brian Wilson the “soundtrack” of his life

John Stamos also occasionally performed with the band. He recalled a memorable night when Brian desired to play the piano after a show. They were staying at the Four Seasons and ended up getting into a ballroom with a piano.

Brian Wilson opened it up and spent around two hours playing, singing, and even starting to write a new song. He involved Stamos and Bruce Johnston, assigning them parts to sing, making it one of Stamos’s favorite memories. John Stamos shared his tribute to Wilson in a heartfelt Instagram post, writing:

“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. It’s hard to put into words what it meant to stand beside him, laugh with him, play his music with him.”

John Stamos shared that Brian Wilson was much more than a talented musician. He was kind, funny, and complex. He had a rare ability to hear and feel things on a much deeper level than most people.

The actor wrote that Wilson managed to turn all those emotions and insights into music that reached people across the world and helped them feel connected and understood.

Trending

Speaking about Mike Love, Stamos said that watching him perform his music was powerful because of how it touched people. He had performed with Mike for many years, and in recent years, Stamos felt that audiences needed uplifting music more than ever.

He described Mike as having a fun, youthful energy and a strong love for his music, fully aware of its value and impact.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback