Al Jardine is speaking out about the death of Brian Wilson.

If you didn’t know, the iconic Beach Boys founding member passed away at the age of 82, his family confirmed.

Now, his 82-year-old bandmate is speaking out with a statement on Wednesday (June 11).

“Brian Wilson, my friend, my classmate, my football teammate, my Beach Boy bandmate and my brother in spirit, I will always feel blessed that you were in our lives for as long as you were,” he began in a statement provided to Just Jared.

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“I think the most comforting thought right now is that you are reunited with Carl and Dennis, singing those beautiful harmonies again. You were a humble giant who always made me laugh and we will celebrate your music forever. Brian, I’ll really miss you…still I have the warmth of the sun within me tonight ☀️ 🎶 ❤️”

The two first met as high school football teammates, with Al as fullback and Brian as backup quarterback. Their friendship deepened in college, where they reconnected at El Camino College and began harmonizing and discussing forming a band, planting the seed for what would become the Beach Boys. Although Al initially preferred folk music, Brian and the others steered the band toward rock and roll.

Brian invited Al to fully rejoin the Beach Boys in 1963, showing trust in his musical contributions. Decades later, Al continued to perform with Brian, touring with him since 2013 and appearing on collaborative projects, indicating a strong and lasting personal and professional bond.

Get more details about Brian Wilson‘s passing. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time.