The great Brian Wilson is no longer with us. Today, family members announced his passing. He was 82. His death leaves me with mixed feelings. Part of me feels relieved for the gifted songwriter. More than a year ago, word got out he was dealing with dementia.
Clearly but sadly, suffering from impaired brain function seemed to be an ending written for him.
I was always fascinated with Brian Wilson. As much as I appreciated his music, the unique story of his life took center stage with me. Perhaps it was his continuing to overcome adversity that grabbed the spotlight with me. I always wondered, “How could a guy so troubled write so many great songs? How could he possibly make so much great music?“
Yes, I was a fan of The Beach Boys. And let the record accurately reflect I loved the fun vibes around it just as much. I attended Beach Boys shows in various places. They were always a good time. A concert on the beach in Atlantic City, New Jersey was especially fun.
Endless Summer Chills
Fast forward to tonight. This is pretty cool to share. Earlier, after talking with my son about Brian Wilson, I hopped on my bike to ride to the gym. It was 103 degrees at 5:30 p.m. Yet, as I blasted the uncut version of “Good Vibrations” through my headphones, the hairs on my arms and legs stood on end as I was again mesmerized by this music.
I told my son I always had to listen to “Good Vibrations” twice. The first time was to simply enjoy the song. The second time was to focus on the many nuances that made it so special. The pace changes and drumbeats, the harmonies, electronics, etc. The video is below if you want to check it out.
Meeting at The Mann Music Center
I recall it was in 2000. Brian was performing as a solo act at the Mann Music Center in my hometown of Philadelphia, PA. I briefly visited with him before the show. He was one of those celebrities I was truly in awe of meeting.
It was well known Brian Wilson had problems and demons (because he widely admitted it). Still, to me he came across like a big teddy bear. A guy who was grateful to be there, doing what he was doing. And I thoroughly enjoyed how funny he was.
During the summer seasons, the Mann Music Center offers big time acts in a wonderful outdoor setting in Philadelphia’s sprawling Fairmount Park. However, no one who ever took that stage owned summer like Brian Wilson. As we said our goodbyes, he said, “We’re gonna give them something good tonight.”
He opened the show by covering the Barenaked Ladies song about him, titled, “Brian Wilson.” How fun and cool and humble is that? A guy who wrote more hit songs than he could play in one night, opens with a song someone else wrote about him.
Brian and Brain
The spelling of these two words is about as close as you can get. Pertaining to the life of Brian Wilson, they were also as closely linked as you can get. He was rightfully considered a musical genius by many. However, most noteworthy is the fact that many who paid such tributes about his creative brain were also legendary songwriters in the music industry. For instance, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, and John Lennon.
He was a songwriter like no other. Not only was he a human Top 40 Hits Machine, but Brian Wilson also created a niche genre of surfing music.
He could write a classic such as “California Girls,” because he was born a California boy. Growing up in the Los Angeles area, he had a very abusive father. Brian carried the burden of being the big brother. While he couldn’t guarantee peace in their home, he did teach his brothers, Carl and Dennis to sing harmony with him. It was the foundation for what they all did so beautifully as members of The Beach Boys.
Face of Mental Illness
Brian Wilson wasn’t the first in rock and roll music to use drugs and alcohol both on and off stage. He blamed taking LSD for causing his mental illness problems. However, there were likely some inherited issues or at least those fueled by his abusive childhood.
Music was part of an escape plan for him. But it wasn’t enough. Brian became the celebrity face for mental illness with both a public nervous breakdown and panic attack. He admitted to having auditory hallucinations since the 1960s. He was diagnosed with multiple mental disorders. Keep in mind, this was long before our softened stance on mental illness today.
For years, Brian survived in a dark and lonely world of isolation. Making matters worse for was a predator doctor who took such advantage of him, it eventually led to authorities taking away his license to practice.
Brian Wilson Legacy
For me, Brian Wilson’s legacy always went beyond just his music. I always admired his courage. He was an off and on-again member of The Beach Boys over the years. This even though he had gained a lot of weight and was viewed as being a fraction of himself mentally and musically. Plus, there was the drama of internal legal battles between Brian and Mike Love, his cousin and the lead singer of the band. Consider how difficult that must have been.
I also admired Brian’s courage to tell his story and share his journey openly. For me, he never risked tarnishing my appreciation for his gifts. Perhaps I will always wonder how he could have it so good and yet so bad in life. Riding waves on top of world and being knocked down by them to the bottom of the sea.
Are there beautiful beaches in the afterlife? I sure hope so. If there are, may a chaise lounge under a palm tree be reserved in the VIP section for Brian Wilson. Who won’t want to hang out with him and hear him sing as well as tell stories of his extraordinary life, rough surf and all.
Thank you and Godspeed Brian Wilson. May you finally rest in peace sir. Fear not. There are plenty of us left to keep your music playing.