John Stamos, known for his role in “Full House,” found himself in the somber position of conveying the news of Brian Wilson’s passing to fellow Beach Boys member Mike Love. Wilson, a founding member and the primary songwriter of the band, died on Wednesday at the age of 82.
Stamos learned about Wilson’s death upon arriving in New York City for Love’s induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. ‘I was with Mike, I got off the plane, and I got the text,’ Stamos recounted to the New York Post on the red carpet. ‘I was like, “Oh boy, I guess I better [tell him].” I said, “Mike, your cousin passed away,” and his face went blank.’
The news deeply affected Love, who sat in silence for nearly two and a half hours in the car after receiving the heartbreaking information. ‘He didn’t say one word,’ Stamos noted. ‘I knew how he was feeling.’
Mike Love, who co-founded the Beach Boys in 1961 alongside his cousin Brian and his brothers Dennis and Carl, expressed his grief during the ceremony on Thursday.
The relationship between Love and Wilson had been complicated, particularly after Love had taken legal action against him. He sued Wilson for defamation in 1991, claiming that Wilson’s memoir, “Wouldn’t It Be Nice: My Own Story,” misrepresented him and diminished his contributions to the band’s successes. A second lawsuit in 1993 sought recognition for songwriting credits on several tracks, resulting in Love being awarded $13 million and retroactive credits on 35 songs.
While the cause of Wilson’s death has not yet been disclosed, he had faced significant mental health challenges, including diagnoses of schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder since the 1960s. His passing has led to an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow musicians alike, including a heartfelt acknowledgment from his cousin, Love.