The Beach Boys icon Brian Wilson dies aged 82

RIP to a legend.

The death of the iconic co-founder and main songwriter of the band was announced today by his family.

They wrote on a post to social media: "We are heartbroken to announced 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 grieving.

"We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world. Love & Mercy.”

While the family has not given a cause of death for the musician, it has been known that Wilson was living with a neurocognitive disorder akin to dementia.

The band is notable for being one of the most famous bands of the 1960s with hits including Wouldn't It Be Nice, Surfin' U.S.A and I Get Around.

Born in Inglewood California, Wilson was a co-founder of the band with brothers Dennis and Carl as well as their cousin Mike Love and a high school friend Al Jardine.

His brothers Dennis died in 1983 and Carl in 1998.

The band was first formed under the names the Pendletones before the name was changed to The Beach Boys by Candix Records without the band's permission.