Scott Dudelson/Getty ImagesNicky Wonder, Brian Wilson’s longtime guitarist and member of the band The Wondermints, has died. He was 59.
“Today is a sad sad day,” Brian wrote in a statement on his official website. “It is with my deepest regret to tell you that our beloved Nicky Wonder passed away last night in his sleep. We are in a state of shock as you can imagine.”
“Nicky was my favorite guitar player ever. I always loved the way he used his fingers. He was a real Rock and Roll guy and great singer too,” Brian added. “He was a friendly and very nice person and he was really really funny. He had the best sense of humor. We are all crying today, he will be missed beyond words. Our hearts go out to his wife Susan and his entire family, friends and fans.”
Wonder, born Nick Walusko, co-founded The Wondermints in 1992 and released their debut album in 1995. Their power-pop sound also fit perfectly on the soundtrack of the first Austin Powers film in 1997.
After meeting Brian Wilson at a tribute show, The Wondermints were hired to back the Beach Boys legend when he toured in support of his 1998 album Imagination. In 1999, they officially became part of his live band, and contributed to his 2004 release Smile.
Wonder also played on a number of other Wilson solo albums, including 2015’s No Peer Pressure and 2010’s Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin, and appeared on numerous live albums and DVDs.
Ahead of his show last night in Lewiston, New York, part of his Pet Sounds: The Final Performances tour, Brian said he would pay tribute to Wonder.
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