Bruce Johnston, David Marks, Brian Wilson, Mike Love and Al Jardine of the Beach Boys at the Grammys in 2012

The death of Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson at the age of 82 has caused waves of emotion all over social media.

But the most heartfelt tributes may have come from family members and his former bandmates.

After Wilson’s family announced his death on Wednesday evening, the Beach Boystook to Instagram to pay tribute to the man who helped them make a big splash in the music world.

“The world mourns a genius today, and we grieve for the loss of our cousin, our friend, and our partner in a great musical adventure,” they posted.

They also wrote:

“Brian Wilson wasn’t just the heart of The Beach Boys – he was the soul of our sound. The melodies he dreamed up and the emotions he poured into every note changed the course of music forever.

“His unparalleled talent and unique spirit created the soundtrack of so many lives around the globe, including our own.

“Together, we gave the world the American dream of optimism, joy, and a sense of freedom – music that made people feel good, made them believe in summer and endless possibilities.

“We are heartbroken by his passing. We will continue to cherish the timeless music we made together and the joy he brought to millions over the decades. And while we will miss him deeply, his legacy will live on through his songs and in our memories.

“Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and his loved ones during this difficult time.”