The term “tortured genius” has been too liberally applied to a number of great and not-so-great artists over the years, but Brian Wilson is one of the few who truly qualified for both designations. The announcement of his death Wednesday at the age of 82 silences one of the most transcendent musical voices of his generation — a deeply troubled man-child whose best music exuded joy

Brian Wilson, the leader of the Beach Boys and a foundational presence in the development of modern music, has died at the age of 82. “We are at a loss for words right now,” his family wrote in a statement.

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The musician’s “heartbroken” family members announced his passing in a statement, noting, “We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world.”

John Cusack, who played Wilson in the biopic, Love & Mercy posted to X: “The maestro has passed — the man was a open heart with two legs — with an ear that heard the angels. Quite literally. Love and Mercy for you and yours tonight. RIP Brian.”

Brian Wilson died yesterday at the age of 82. Best known as the visionary behind the Beach Boys and their iconic surfer sounds, his work has deeply influenced pop, rock and many other genres of music.