The Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson dies aged 82

Brian Wilson - the co-founder of The Beach Boys - has died at the age of 82.

In a statement, published on his website, his family said: "We are heartbroken to announce 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 is grieving. We realise that we are sharing our grief with the world."

Wilson cofounded The Beach Boys in the early 1960s with his brothers, Dennis and Carl, their cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine.

Wilson - the eldest and last surviving of the three brothers - was their visionary leader and songwriter, penning hits including Surfin' USA, Good Vibrations and God Only Knows.

Their 1966 album Pet Sounds, penned and produced by Wilson, was voted No.2 in a 2003 Rolling Stone list of the best 500 albums - losing only to the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club.

The Beach Boys have inspired acts on both sides of the Atlantic, with the likes of Sir Elton John, Bruce Springsteen and Carole King lauding their work.

Paul McCartney has cited Pet Sounds as a direct inspiration for the Beatles, naming ballad Gold Only Knows as one of his favourite songs and saying it often brings him to tears.