Sad news: Iconic musician Brian Wilson is dead at 82 years old.
In a profound loss for the pop music world, the legendary Brian Wilson, the mind and soul behind the Beach Boys, departed on June 11 at 82. Famous for crafting rock'n'roll classics and projecting an idyllic American image, his contribution to pop history is indisputable.
Never one to shy away from challenges, Brian was, in essence, a five-in-one superstar: songwriter, composer, interpreter, ideator, and innovator. His impact on pop music was as profound as that of the Beatles, often pitched against them in the 60s music press.
Raised in Inglewood, California, Brian discovered his immense musical talent early, Learning piano and eventually joining forces with his brothers Dennis and Carl, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine to form the Beach Boys in 1961. Their sunny pop-rock songs, inspired by various influences, quickly won over listeners.
From the get-go, "Surfin' U.S.A." and "I Get Around" became chart toppers, establishing the Beach Boys as America's most popular rock group, until the Beatles' debut on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. Brian later retired from touring due to anxiety attacks, leaving the other boys to perform while he focused on the Beach Boys' next musical masterpieces.
The Masterpiece Era
The release of "Pet Sounds" on May 16, 1966, marked a significant turning point in Wilson's career. With a fine collection of studio musicians from the Wrecking Crew, the album combined psychedelic elements with light pop-rock songs and brilliant vocal harmonies, providing a touching exploration of transitioning from youth to adulthood.
This groundbreaking album, released nearly three months before the Beatles' "Revolver," stands among the most important albums in pop history. Tracks like "Wouldn't It Be Nice," "Sloop John B," "God Only Knows," and "Caroline, No" continue to resonate six decades later, influencing modern indie artists such as Sufjan Stevens, Fleet Foxes, Perfume Genius, Stereolab, Weyes Blood, and many others.
Brian went on to pursue his most ambitious project, "Smile," an epic journey inspired by Gershwin's work, which unfortunately became a nightmare for Wilson. Recording it consumed countless hours, and the pressure from his record label and band members exacerbated his mental health struggles. In the end, Capitol Records released "Smiley Smile," a watered-down version of Wilson's grand vision, in 1966.
A Comeback and Farewell
The following years were difficult for Wilson, who grappled with his mental health and isolation. He returned to music part-time in the 1980s and embarked on a solo career in 1988, working closely with his therapist Eugene Landy before experiencing a resurgence in the late 1990s.
Two concerts at the Royal Albert Hall in London in January 2002 marked a new beginning for Wilson. For the first time, surrounded by a dozen supportive musicians, he performed "Pet Sounds" from start to finish, reigniting his passion for music and solidifying his well-deserved place in the annals of pop history. His career culminated in the completion of "Smile" in 2004 and a subsequent tour, attracting millions of admirers before his retirement from the stage in 2022. Wilson leaves behind his daughters, Carnie and Wendy, and a legacy that continues to captivate generations.
Celebrate Brian Wilson's life and music by revisiting his timeless classics and discovering contemporary artists who draw inspiration from his innovative spirit.
In the realm of pop music, Brian Wilson's impact was as significant as the Beatles, and his contribution transcended his roles as a songwriter, composer, and innovator. Though troubled by mental health struggles, his groundbreaking albums like "Pet Sounds" and "Smile" remain influential to modern indie artists, cementing his legacy in the annals of pop culture and entertainment.
