Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 13, 2025 · Entertainment

Mike Love Feels Brian Wilson's 'Presence' at Songwriters Hall of Fame

Beach Boys' Mike Love said he felt the 'presence' of his late bandmate Brian Wilson when he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on Thursday

BEACH BOYS' LEGACY LIVES ON: MIKE LOVE FEELS BRIAN WILSON'S 'PRESENCE' AT SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME INDUCTION

In a heartwarming and nostalgic moment, Beach Boys co-founder Mike Love felt the "presence" of his late cousin and bandmate Brian Wilson during his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame on Thursday. The emotional ceremony took place just one day after Brian's passing at the age of 82 due to complications from a neurocognitive disorder similar to dementia.

As Mike accepted his honor, he paid tribute to Brian, calling him "my first cousin by blood but brother in music." He also thanked John Stamos, who inducted him on stage. The ceremony was filled with memories and nostalgia as Mike performed some of the Beach Boys' most iconic hits, including "California Girls," "I Get Around," "Kokomo," and "Good Vibrations."

Brian passed away on Wednesday aged 82 after being diagnosed with a neurocognitive disorder similar to dementia

Brian's death sent shockwaves through the music industry, leaving fans and friends alike to mourn the loss of a true legend. The Beach Boys' impact on popular culture cannot be overstated – their unique sound, style, and harmonies captivated audiences worldwide, selling over 100 million records globally.

The band's rise to fame was meteoric, with hits like "Surfin'," "Surfin' Safari," and "Surfer Girl" dominating the airwaves in the early 1960s. But it was Brian's songwriting genius that truly set them apart. His masterpiece, "Pet Sounds," is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, with Paul McCartney famously declaring it his favorite album.

Brian's creative process was often shrouded in mystery, but it's well-documented that he drew inspiration from psychedelics like LSD. In fact, he reportedly composed the music for "Good Vibrations" while tripping on acid! This experimental approach led to some of the Beach Boys' most innovative and enduring songs.

Attending the ceremony in New York, Mike was inducted by John Stamos and paid tribute to his cousin and 'brother in music'

As Mike Love took the stage, he acknowledged Brian's significant contributions to their collective success. He reminisced about their early days as the Pendletones, when they first burst onto the scene with "Surfin'" in 1961. The brothers Dennis and Carl Wilson, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine all joined forces to create a unique sound that captured the essence of California's carefree lifestyle.

The Beach Boys' influence extended far beyond their own music. They inspired some of the most iconic acts of the 1960s, including the Beatles. In fact, Paul McCartney has credited Brian Wilson's songwriting on "Pet Sounds" as a major influence on his own work with the Beatles.

As the music world continues to mourn the loss of Brian Wilson, Mike Love's emotional tribute serves as a poignant reminder of the Beach Boys' enduring legacy. Their music remains timeless, and their impact on popular culture will forever be felt.

Accepting his honour on stage, he admitted: 'I do feel his presence' (pictured with John)

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Mike added: 'My first cousin by blood but brother in music, together we set the stage for some of the most successful music collaborations of all time'

Mike was supported by his wife Jacquelyne Piesen at the event

He performed Beach Boys classic, California Girls as well as I Get Around, Kokomo and Good Vibrations

Brian's children announced his death on his official Instagram page this Wednesday, alongside what appeared to be a recent photo (pictured in 2020)

The last time Wilson was seen in public was last April, when he emerged looking frail in a wheelchair to attend a Los Angeles Lakers game

The original Beach Boys are pictured in Los Angeles in 1962, with Brian Wilson in the center

Wilson (second from left) is pictured with the other Beach Boys in 1964