TORONTO — Steven Page, the former lead singer of Barenaked Ladies, recently reflected on a memorable moment in his life: sharing the stage with Brian Wilson, the iconic musician behind the Beach Boys. This dream came true during Wilson's 2000 tour stop at the Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto, where Page experienced a surreal moment as Wilson performed the song "Brian Wilson," an ode that Page had penned about him.

Recalling that summer night in 2000, Page expressed the thrill of hearing his song performed live by a musical hero. While Page anticipated that Wilson would perform the song at the concert, he didn't expect it to be the opening number. Page reminisced about the scene: as Wilson began to sing his tribute to Wilson, fellow musicians in the audience turned to look at him, recognizing the personal connection to the song.

As news of Wilson's death at the age of 82 broke on Wednesday, Page reflected with nostalgia on that night. He was deeply affected by Wilson's passing, acknowledging the challenges Wilson faced in recent years, including health issues and the loss of his wife, Melinda. Page wrote "Brian Wilson" during his time as a 19-year-old student at York University, looking to shed light on mental health issues in the music industry. Despite not being a fan of the Beach Boys initially, his appreciation for Wilson's artistry grew after being introduced to their music through a classmate's mixtape.

Page sought to portray Wilson's story in a way that avoided the common characterization of him as merely a "rock 'n' roll casualty." He recognized Wilson's music as rich with the duality of light and dark themes, resonating with his own experiences. The song "Brian Wilson" became a significant hit for Barenaked Ladies, leading to further collaborations and performances that highlighted Wilson's influence on Page and the band.

In 2008, Barenaked Ladies recorded an album in the same studio where the Beach Boys created their landmark 1966 album, "Pet Sounds." During that session, Page and his bandmates had the opportunity to meet Wilson and his wife. Remarkably, Wilson played them a live recording of "Brian Wilson," showcasing the song's impact on him. Page described it as an extraordinary moment, illustrating the connection between his youthful creation and Wilson's legacy as a composer.

One notable performance took place in 2005 at a pre-Grammy tribute for Wilson, where Barenaked Ladies sang an a cappella rendition of "Brian Wilson." Page acknowledged that the Beach Boys' harmonies significantly influenced Barenaked Ladies, especially as the band featured a similar five-member lineup. He credited Wilson's innovative studio techniques and adventurous spirit for inspiring their own musical evolution.

Other musicians have also paid tribute to Wilson in light of his passing. Randy Bachman, renowned as a former guitarist for the Guess Who and frontman for Bachman-Turner Overdrive, described the Beach Boys as "family," recalling shared stage moments in the '60s. He remarked on Wilson's contributions to music, acknowledging his role in creating a unique genre that fused jazz harmony with rock beats.

In 2011, Wilson received the honorary title of citizen of Calgary during the city's iconic white hat ceremony, marking the enduring legacy of his influence in the music world.