Mike Love Cries During Emotional Tribute to Late Beach Boys Founder Brian Wilson: ‘He Will Always Be In Our Hearts’

Mike Love is honoring his late bandmate Brian Wilson — and shedding a few tears.

During a show at the Meritage Resort in Napa, California, on Sunday, Oct. 12, Love, 84, one of the surviving members of the Beach Boys, was overcome with emotion when introducing a photo montage of Wilson, who died in June.

“We want you to see this,” Love told the audience, per the Daily Mail, while wiping a tear away from his eye. “We lost Brian earlier this year, but he will always be in our hearts, it’s like he is still here.” A tribute slideshow then played, displaying pictures of the band’s late founder.

Among the Beach Boys songs played at the concert on Oct. 12 were “California Girls,” “Surfin’ Safari,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “God Only Knows.”

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Wilson died in the early morning hours of June 11 at 82. “We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away,” the statement shared on Instagram read. “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.”

Two weeks after he died, Wilson’s cause of death was revealed to be respiratory arrest, along with sepsis and cystitis. Other associated factors listed included neurodegenerative disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic respiratory failure and chronic kidney disease.

Love spoke with PEOPLE at the 2025 Songwriters’ Hall of Fame induction ceremony the day after Wilson died, reflecting on their relationship.

“Well, I think what it is, is Brian’s with us tonight. I can feel his presence. You know, we co-created these great songs together, and so we’re inseparable really in life and afterlife too, so, I do really feel his presence and, yeah, I’ve known him all his life. I’m one year older,” Love said at the time.

He also paid tribute to Wilson on Instagram, penning a lengthy caption about their decades-long relationship, accompanied with old home videos and clips of the band performing.

“Brian Wilson wasn’t just the heart of The Beach Boys — he was the soul of our sound,” he wrote in part. “From the first time we sang together as kids in my living room, I knew there was something otherworldly in him. His musical gifts were unmatched.”

The Beach Boys also released a statement following Wilson’s death on the band’s official Instagram page. “We will continue to cherish the timeless music we made together and the joy he brought to millions over the decades,” they wrote. “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.”