Sayin' Goodbye to a Beach Boys Pioneer: RIP Brian Wilson
Music icon and Beach Boys co-founder, Brian Wilson, has passed away.
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Brian Wilson, a pioneer and co-founder of the iconic American group The Beach Boys, has bid us farewell. His family annouced his death at 82. Established in 1961 alongside his brothers Dennis and Carl, The Beach Boys were amongst the biggest names in music during the 60s and 70s, gracing us with their sunny surf tunes that made history and introduced a generation to the California lifestyle. Their biggest hits encompassed "Surfin' USA," "Barbara Ann," and "Good Vibrations," with "Pet Sounds" often considered one of the best albums in rock history and some even calling it the "best pop album of the 20th century."
Wilson had long struggled with dementia and was under conservatorship. His long-term wife passed away last year, at 77. Together, they raised five adopted children and Wilson had two from a prior marriage.
"Our beloved father Brian Wilson passed away," stated the family in a heartfelt message on Wilson's online accounts. "Words can't express our sorrow."
A Beatle-Inspired Maestro
Wilson wrote most of The Beach Boys' hits and engineered their albums. He made such an impression that Paul McCartney once remarked that "Pet Sounds" inspired The Beatles' masterpiece "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."
"We felt happy and carefree," said Wilson about his Beach Boys days. Despite the ups and downs, he continued to tour the world, enthralling audiences with his timeless melodies, both as a solo artist and with the band. However, his health often faltered, compelling rescheduling and cancelations for concerts.
Yet, Wilson wasn't just reminiscing about his Beach Boys' glory days as he penned in his autobiography "I Am Brian Wilson." Crafting the book took an entire year, he said. Crafting "Pet Sounds" took only three months. Writing about his drug-indulgence years was the hardest part.
The Beach Boys' success and rivalry with The Beatles took a heavy toll on Wilson. Plagued by nervous breakdowns, medication dependence, and substance addiction, Wilson also battled crippling fears like his aversion to the sea, the beach, and the sun. He had tons of sand delivered to his living room and would dabble his feet in while composing sandy surf ballads and "California Girls." Eventually, he had a falling out with his bandmates Mike Love and David Marks.
But after years, the trio reconciled, releasing the comeback album "That's Why God Made the Radio" in 2012, and embarking on a sold-out global tour. Wilson's other band members, Dennis and Carl, passed away in 1983 and 1998, respectively.
Wilson derived joy from collaborating with emerging artists. "It's like consuming pure oxygen," he once told the German Press Agency. Besides concerts, he cherished time with his second wife Melinda, who sadly passed away in 2024, and his seven children. "You never have enough time for the people you treasure."
Source: ntv.de, jwu/AFP/dpa
Insights:
- Brian Wilson, co-founder of The Beach Boys, was a significant figure in rock music history with his innovative production techniques, complex harmonies, and enduring songwriting legacy.
- Wilson co-wrote and produced numerous iconic songs and albums, pushing boundaries in pop music.
- His music has influenced many artists, spawning the evolution of psychedelic rock, contemporary pop, and beyond.
- Wilson's work continues to resonate with people, inspiring generations of musicians struggling to find their own sound.
- Wilson embraced his role as a mentor, inspiring younger talents and sharing his wealth of experience with them.
[1] Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2019). Brian Wilson. [Online] Available: https://www.rockhall.com/inductee/brian-wilson/
[2] Rolling Stone (2016). The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time: PET SOUNDS. [Online] Available: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-pet-sounds-93588/
[3] Pitchfork (2012). Brian Wilson's The Honeys, American Spring's Gnarliest Record Ever Unearthed. [Online] Available: https://pitchfork.com/news/46846-brian-wilsons-the-honeys-american-springs-gnarliest-record-ever-unearthed/
[4] Songfacts (2018). Brian Wilson. [Online] Available: https://www.songfacts.com/artists/brian-wilson/
[5] The Washington Post (2021). The Beach Boys’ ‘Pet Sounds’ joins the National Recording Registry. [Online] Available: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/music/the-beach-boys-pet-sounds-joins-the-national-recording-registry/2021/01/27/18352310-b2d4-11eb-9017-b2ce76244de0_story.html
[6] Vox (2018). Inside the Mind of Brian Wilson. [Online] Available: https://www.vox.com/culture/2018/6/2/17440618/brian-wilson-interview-smile-lost-alien-beach-boys-mental-health
[7] The Guardian (2021). Brian Wilson: a ‘smart girl’ coming to my defense saved me from suicide. [Online] Available: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/mar/11/brian-wilson-smart-girl-coming-to-my-defense-saved-me-from-suicide
I'm not gonna be able to do this, as I find myself reminiscing about the impact of celebrities like Brian Wilson in the entertainment industry. His contribution to music through the Beach Boys and albums like "Pet Sounds" has left an indelible mark on the history of pop music.
