"We are at a loss for words right now. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world."
What would surfing be, today, if not for The Beach Boys? The quintet, originally made up of three brothers, Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson, cousin Mike Love and pal Al Jardine exploded onto the scene with their 1963 hit Surfin’ USA. The ode to our Sport of Kings, and The Beach Boys California-infused vibe, had kids around the world dreaming of getting their feet in the wax, of getting back on the sled and resetting.
While the sun, surf, fun themes resonated, it was Brian Wilson’s orchestration that really mattered. Considered a genius by many, Wilson had a breakdown in 1964 and stopped touring with the band but continued to make art. The album Pet Sounds widely considered one of the greatest ever made.
Wilson became more reclusive over time, battling drugs and alcohol plus severe mental health troubles, though did pop back up now and again, releasing solo albums and touring again for the last 20, or such, years, though began declining with what his family described as a “major neurocognitive disorder” in 2023.
He died yesterday at the age of 82, his family announcing, “We are at a loss for words right now. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world.”
As a surfer, do you have any strong Beach Boy opinions? Were you inspired? Frustrated with the inspiration of others? Do you have a favorite song?
Hard to beat God Only Knows, for my money.
RIP.