Mike Love Pays Emotional Tribute to Late Beach Boys Founder Brian Wilson

In a poignant moment, Mike Love, 84, one of the surviving members of the iconic band The Beach Boys, paid a heartfelt tribute to his late bandmate and co-founder Brian Wilson during a recent concert in Napa, California.

On October 12, 2025, while performing at the Meritage Resort, Love was visibly emotional as he introduced a photo montage honoring Wilson, who had passed away just four months prior in June. "We want you to see this," Love told the audience, wiping a tear from his eye. "We lost Brian earlier this year, but he will always be in our hearts, it's like he is still here."

The tribute slideshow featured cherished images of the band's legendary songwriter, whose musical genius had defined The Beach Boys' signature sound. Throughout the concert, the audience was treated to beloved Beach Boys hits like "California Girls," "Surfin' Safari," "Wouldn't It Be Nice," and "God Only Knows" - all of which were co-created by the duo over their decades-long collaboration.

Love, who was one year older than Wilson, had known his bandmate since their childhood days. In the wake of Wilson's passing, Love had spoken about the enduring bond they shared, both in life and beyond. "Brian Wilson wasn't just the heart of The Beach Boys -- he was the soul of our sound," Love had reflected. "From the first time we sang together as kids in my living room, I knew there was something otherworldly in him."