Sting Pays Tribute To Brian Wilson By Covering Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows”

During his concert in Germany on Wednesday (June 11), Sting paid tribute to the Beach Boys‘ Brian Wilson, following the news that the music legend died earlier that day. Sting performed a solo, acoustic cover of the Pet Sounds classic, “God Only Knows,” introducing his tender rendition by saying, “Today, one of my heroes died, Brian Wilson from the Beach Boys. So I want to sing a song that I love.” He shared a video of the emotional moment on Instagram, along with the caption, “Rest in peace, Brian Wilson.” Sting’s tribute joins those from Elton John, Carole King, Mick Fleetwood, and many others, who fondly remembered Wilson’s musical genius and creative influence. “Brian had that mysterious sense of musical genius that made his songs so achingly special,” Paul McCartney wrote on social media. “The notes he heard in his head and passed to us were simple and brilliant at the same time. I loved him, and was privileged to be around his bright shining light for a little while.” (Rolling Stone)