Brian Wilson, an eclectic genius whose sunny Beach Boys songs like "God Only Knows" and "Good Vibrations" helped define American pop music, has died.

John Stamos said he was the first to tell Mike Love about the death of the Beach Boys singer's cousin and bandmate Brian Wilson: 'His face went blank.'

For the last quarter-century, no one shared more musical moments with Brian Wilson than Darian Sahanaja, who was part of the Beach Boys architect’s solo band from his return to live shows in 1999 through his final tour dates in 2022.

John Stamos was by Beach Boys founding member Mike Love's side when news of bandmate Brian Wilson's death on Wednesday was made public. The "Full House" star was also the messenger who delivered the heartbreaking news to Love,

The actor spoke to PEOPLE at the 2025 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction, where he inducted Beach Boy Mike Love

“Brian had that mysterious sense of musical genius that made his songs so achingly special. The notes he heard in his head and passed to us were simple and brilliant at the same time. I loved him, and was privileged to be around his bright shining light for a little while. How we will continue without Brian Wilson, ‘God Only Knows.’”

Gracie Abrams, Garth Brooks and George Clinton performed at the Songwriters Hall of Fame show; Beach Boy Mike Love paid brief tribute to Brian Wilson.