RIP Brian Wilson

[ParaDime77]

Early Beach Boys is the the absolute template of what great arrangements are supposed to be. Wilson was masterful at the creation of these songs. Quite the life he had when the success and mental decline set in.

Fixed. I learned something today

[Wiseacre]

There was a pretty good film about 10 years ago called “Love and Mercy” about a Brian’s life with John Cusack playing the older Brian and the situation with that guy who was basically running his life and Paul Dano playing the younger version. Both are excellent actors, but we’re kind of oddly cast look-wise which I found more than a little distracting but overall if gives some good invite into his life.

Love and Mercy trailer:
https://youtu.be/Xne-_S34T1c?si=phqLhfIv7xqIWCzX

I believe he was a true prodigy and musical genius (an overused term). I was also honored to share the same birthday with him.

[Venus Flytrap]

A little story from Alice Cooper about when Brian Wilson met John Lennon...again.
“I was sitting backstage after the 1974 Grammys with Bernie Taupin (Elton John’s lyricist) and John Lennon. This was when Brian was really having some mental issues.

During the course of the conversation, I kept seeing Brian out of the corner of my eye, just kind of staring at us from different angles. Finally, he came up to the table, bent down and whispered in my ear ‘Hey Alice, introduce me to John Lennon.’ I couldn’t BELIEVE that these two men had never met!

They were virtually neck and neck in the 60’s as the greatest bands on the planet, and I’m SURE they must have crossed paths at some point. But then I thought to myself, ‘Wow, if they REALLY have never met, I’m going to be the one to introduce them and become a part of rock history!’

So I merely said, ‘Brian Wilson, this is John Lennon. John Lennon, this is Brian Wilson.’ Lennon was very cordial and polite, saying things like ‘Hello Brian, I’ve always wanted to meet you. I’ve always admired your work, and Paul and I considered Pet Sounds one of the best albums ever made.’ Brian thanked him and walked away, at which point Lennon went right back to his conversation like nothing had happened.

About ten minutes later, Brian came by our table again, leaned down and whispered something to Bernie, and all of a sudden, Bernie was saying ‘Brian Wilson, this is John Lennon. John Lennon, Brian Wilson.’ Lennon was just as cordial and polite as the first time, saying essentially the same thing about always wanting to meet him.

As soon as Brian walked away, John looked at both of us and casually said in his typical Liverpoolian accent, ‘I’ve met him hundreds of times. He’s not well, you know.’”

[Wiseacre]

Great story. Poor guy. As someone who has dealt with severe anxiety/panic/ocd issues most of my life I do identify with the mostly misunderstood problems Brian had in his early years. Unfortunately he turned to drugs to self medicate and with a mind like his, it didn’t end well.

[LAglamrocker]

The B 52’s red head can join Beach Boys 2025 now-if she is still alive

Going be best Beach Boys ever…can we book this in Hermosa Beach? Gilby Clarke played last summer(on the beach)

Beach Boys could open with Love Shack

[kwf]

Gutted

[kreamygoodness]

This one sucks. My parents loved the Beach Boys, so I grew up with their music. In fact, my dad looked a bit like Brian. My mom would tell the story of how the two of them were at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk one day in 1964 or 65 and some kids came up to him and asked for his autograph thinking it was BW. Mom said you should have seen the looks on their faces when the kids saw the signature came back to them signed Steve B.

Such genius from a pretty tortured soul. His dad Murray was an abusive asshole of the highest degree. Not sure if it was ever confirmed but Brian said in interviews that he lost hearing in one year from getting beaten by his dad.

And if there were no Pet Sounds, there probably have never been a Sgt. Pepper, so thanks for everything, Brian.

Here's Brian with Paul at a benefit in LA, Sept. 18, 2002 doing God Only Knows: https://youtu.be/n5UqaBfolcc?si=8UOuK-HMb4wLEUIb

[poisonheart]

My grasp of post-Powerslave theology is tenuous at best, but we’re supposed to disembowel, desiccate, and entomb Mike Love and John Stamos now, as well, right?

(Asking for a friend. Keep it clean with Al Jardine, kids).

[Chip Z'Hoy]

My grasp of post-Powerslave theology is tenuous at best, but we’re supposed to disembowel, desiccate, and entomb Mike Love and John Stamos now, as well, right?

(Asking for a friend. Keep it clean with Al Jardine, kids).

We have been too nice to Bruce Johnston for too long!

[Chip Z'Hoy]

Eddie Van Halen?

Definitely Ed, especially when Wolf's "The Distance" video was released.

[LAglamrocker]

Still in shock someone at age 82 passed away
Don’t think shock will go away for weeks or perhaps years

Getting Susanna Hoffs as replacement will make Beach Girls rock for decades

[Nate S Axel]

Getting Susanna Hoffs as replacement will make Beach Girls rock for decades

Buying tickets now! They better play Vegas.