Beach Boys Legend Brian Wilson Dies at 82 — Months Before Release of Long-Lost Country Album “Cows in the Pasture”

Brian Wilson, iconic Beach Boys co-founder and music visionary, has passed away at the age of 82, leaving behind a powerful legacy — and an unreleased country album fans may finally hear in 2025.

On June 11, 2025, the music world lost one of its most influential figures. Brian Wilson, the creative force behind The Beach Boys and the genius behind timeless hits like “California Girls” and “God Only Knows,” has died at the age of 82.

The announcement was made by Wilson’s family through his official website and social media channels. Though the cause of death was not disclosed, Wilson had been battling dementia since 2024. In their statement, his family wrote:

“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away.
We are at a loss for words right now.
Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving.
We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world.
Love & Mercy.”

 

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A Surprising Project: Brian Wilson’s Unreleased Country Album

In a twist few fans expected, Brian Wilson had quietly been working on a country music album since the early 1970s. The project, titled “Cows in the Pasture,” was originally conceived with Beach Boys manager Fred Vail, who was invited by Wilson to provide lead vocals — despite having no prior singing experience.

The album was a departure from the Beach Boys’ surf rock roots, offering a more traditional, heartfelt country sound. According to Rolling Stone, the project reportedly includes 14 tracks, some featuring Wilson himself, and even rumored contributions from members of Elvis Presley’s famed TCB Band.

However, the album was shelved due to Wilson’s personal and mental health struggles at the time. Vail later shared in an interview:

“He was dealing with a lot of issues. He had gained weight and was sleeping a lot. He didn’t have any interest in finishing the project, so the tapes were stored away in the Beach Boys’ vault.”

Album Resurrection and 2025 Release

On February 13, 2024, it was officially announced that “Cows in the Pasture” would be completed and released in 2025, over 50 years after it was originally recorded. The release will also include a docuseries chronicling Fred Vail’s life and country music background.

Vail, a former country DJ, humorously recalled how he used to play Johnny Cash and Marty Robbins in the car when picking up the band at the airport:

“I’d be singing along to country songs, and they’d flip the dial to the pop station playing their latest hit. Then I’d flip it back. It became our running joke.”

While no exact release date has been given, fans can expect the long-awaited country album next year — a project that showcases a different, more intimate side of Brian Wilson’s artistry.

A Lasting Legacy

Though Brian Wilson will never see the official release of “Cows in the Pasture,” his voice and creative influence live on. From his groundbreaking work with The Beach Boys to his quiet experimentations in country music, Wilson’s contributions helped shape the sound of generations.

As fans mourn his passing, they also look forward to celebrating his life through never-before-heard music that has waited over five decades to be discovered.