Brian Wilson, an eclectic genius whose sunny Beach Boys songs like "God Only Knows" and "Good Vibrations" helped define American pop music, has died.

Sting honored his hero Brian Wilson hours after news of his death during a concert in Germany Wednesday evening. While on stage, Sting played a guitar-backed rendition of the Beach Boys' "God Only Knows.

Carnie Wilson, the Beach Boys, John Cusack, John Stamos, Elizabeth Banks, and more paid tribute to Brian Wilson following the 'God Only Knows' songwriter's death: 'The world mourns a genius today.'