Mike Love and Brian Wilson Remember Late Tour Member Billy Hinsche
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The Beach Boys members pay tribute to their late tour pal after he passed away at the age of 70, just a couple of weeks following a giant cell carcinoma diagnosis.

AceShowbiz - The Beach Boys' Mike Love and Brian Wilson have paid tribute to touring bandmate Billy Hinsche following his death at the age of 70.

The passing of the longtime member of the "Surfin' USA" hitmakers' touring unit was confirmed by actress Lucie Arnaz - the daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, whose brother Desi Arnaz Jr. was a member of the 1960s trio Dino, Desi and Billy, along with Hinsche and Dean Martin's son Dean Paul Martin.

"Only diagnosed a couple weeks ago," Lucie wrote on Instagram on Saturday (20Nov21), revealing Billy lost his battle with giant cell carcinoma. "It ravaged him like an out of control train."

"We lost a great friend, family member, and forever member of The Beach Boys band on Saturday. We'll miss him greatly, especially his family members will feel his loss most deeply," Love tweeted on Sunday.

"All of us who had the pleasure of knowing him will miss his jovial nature and immense talent and sense of humor. Billy was a loving son to his mother Celia, who incredibly passed Saturday as well."

Rolling Stone reports Hinsche's 95-year-old mother died on the same day as her musician son.

"Very few of us knew the seriousness of his illness and Billy right up until his last couple of months didn't let on to how serious his condition was," Love continued. "His wonderful sister Annie let us know that he was not long for this world... The world misses you Billy, we were better for having your spirit, laughter, Talent, Friendship & Love."

Wilson, who no longer performs with Love's version of the surf-rock band but is still an official member, also paid tribute to Hinsche, sharing a snap of himself with Billy and writing, "Love & Mercy Billy Hinsche"

Born in the Philippines, Hinsche and his family moved during his childhood to Beverly Hills, California where he became friends with the sons of Arnaz and Martin. The three teenagers formed a trio in the early 1960s and opened for The Beach Boys. Hinsche co-wrote The Beach Boys song "Lady Love" with Wilson.

Hinsche eventually joined the "California Girls" hitmakers as a member of their touring unit and session musician. In addition to playing keyboards and rhythm guitar, Hinsche sang the band's 1973 hit "Sail On, Sailor" on tour, filling in for original vocalist Blondie Chaplin.

As his sister Annie was also married to Brian's late brother, Carl Wilson, Hinsche was also uncle to Brian's daughter Carnie.

"I can't believe you are gone. My memories of you growing up laughing, joking, playing the keyboards, Carl's bestie, Annie's brother, Celia's son, Dino Desi and You... my Uncle Billy," the "Wilson Phillips" star wrote on Instagram.

"You're (sic) hair that was always great... I watched it turn gray over the years but your energy never got old. Thank you for making this world a better place with your relentless spirit and sense of humor. (Your) talent was so huge and you were always one step ahead of us all with your ideas and creativity."

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