How is Brian?

[Magic Transistor Radio]

I was born in 1977, but I am sure that those of you who saw him at that time were thinking it may not be much longer for Brian. His 1976 tour was strange, but hopeful. He trimmed down and started to look better in interviews and on stage. Then he went downhill again into the early 80s. Where I am sure, many were thinking, this could be the last time we see Brian! But he recovered, and it was another Beach Boy we lost!

Fast forward to 2001. The first time I saw Brian live, doing the Pet Sounds tour. I never thought I would ever see him live again, unless he rejoined the Beach Boys touring band. I thought this might be the only time I would see him live!
But I have seen him 5 times! The last was 2016! I missed the Zombie tour unfortunately. I don't think I could afford it at the time.

I know that Brian can look out of it at times. Then other time seem happy and into it. This is nothing new. I remember during a rehearsal for the Smile tour, on the Beautiful Dreamer documentary, Brian was staring off and barely participating. He then drove himself to the emergency room. He later said he was experiencing audio hallucinations. I don't know if the general public knew this had been a problem since the 60s, but it was the first time I heard it! Makes me think of his 70s shows differently.

Finally, we get to the past year. Long Promised Road was probably the saddest documentary I have seen with Brian! Other than some moments in the studio, he just seemed off. Especially, when he was riding in the car, talking about the past, and listening to songs. The moment he hears of Jack Rieley's death is heart breaking! I believe Brian has stated before that death scares him. I can't help but think that he is depressed because he knows he doesn't have much longer. Then I saw a fan video of Brian singing God Only Knows (I think last summer?). He sings the beginning, then stops. I think Matt Jardine sings the rest. Brian looks off stage and seems to be in a lot of emotional (possibly physical) pain. It's heart breaking!

All I can say is that I am thankful for what Brian has given us. In the last 20 years, we have seen moments of greatness from Brian! That Lucky Old Sun and Gershwin were top notch productions and every bit as good as his 60s work! I hope Brian is doing ok today! I don't need anything else from him. He has given us more than we ever thought possible! But I hope he can be at peace for the last (hopefully long) years Brian is with us!

I dunno about Long Promised Road being "sad"; he actually seemed to be doing pretty well in that movie and seemed to genuinely like hanging with Jason Fine.  The scene where he's calling out to a random pedestrian while in Jason's car asking them a question is pretty amusing and vintage BW quirkiness.  He was a lot more "with it" during that movie than he would be a few years later when he returned to touring.

Well, he had his moments. I was thinking specifically about when he heard Jack Rieley died.

But compared to Beautiful Dreamer, That Lucky Old Sun, and even the No Pier Pressure mini docs, he seems to be in worse shape. Possibly more of a physical issue with his back than emotional. Obviously, he had his sad moments in Beautiful Dreamer as well.

[Awesoman]

I was born in 1977, but I am sure that those of you who saw him at that time were thinking it may not be much longer for Brian. His 1976 tour was strange, but hopeful. He trimmed down and started to look better in interviews and on stage. Then he went downhill again into the early 80s. Where I am sure, many were thinking, this could be the last time we see Brian! But he recovered, and it was another Beach Boy we lost!

Fast forward to 2001. The first time I saw Brian live, doing the Pet Sounds tour. I never thought I would ever see him live again, unless he rejoined the Beach Boys touring band. I thought this might be the only time I would see him live!
But I have seen him 5 times! The last was 2016! I missed the Zombie tour unfortunately. I don't think I could afford it at the time.

I know that Brian can look out of it at times. Then other time seem happy and into it. This is nothing new. I remember during a rehearsal for the Smile tour, on the Beautiful Dreamer documentary, Brian was staring off and barely participating. He then drove himself to the emergency room. He later said he was experiencing audio hallucinations. I don't know if the general public knew this had been a problem since the 60s, but it was the first time I heard it! Makes me think of his 70s shows differently.

Finally, we get to the past year. Long Promised Road was probably the saddest documentary I have seen with Brian! Other than some moments in the studio, he just seemed off. Especially, when he was riding in the car, talking about the past, and listening to songs. The moment he hears of Jack Rieley's death is heart breaking! I believe Brian has stated before that death scares him. I can't help but think that he is depressed because he knows he doesn't have much longer. Then I saw a fan video of Brian singing God Only Knows (I think last summer?). He sings the beginning, then stops. I think Matt Jardine sings the rest. Brian looks off stage and seems to be in a lot of emotional (possibly physical) pain. It's heart breaking!

All I can say is that I am thankful for what Brian has given us. In the last 20 years, we have seen moments of greatness from Brian! That Lucky Old Sun and Gershwin were top notch productions and every bit as good as his 60s work! I hope Brian is doing ok today! I don't need anything else from him. He has given us more than we ever thought possible! But I hope he can be at peace for the last (hopefully long) years Brian is with us!

I dunno about Long Promised Road being "sad"; he actually seemed to be doing pretty well in that movie and seemed to genuinely like hanging with Jason Fine.  The scene where he's calling out to a random pedestrian while in Jason's car asking them a question is pretty amusing and vintage BW quirkiness.  He was a lot more "with it" during that movie than he would be a few years later when he returned to touring.

Well, he had his moments. I was thinking specifically about when he heard Jack Rieley died.

But compared to Beautiful Dreamer, That Lucky Old Sun, and even the No Pier Pressure mini docs, he seems to be in worse shape. Possibly more of a physical issue with his back than emotional. Obviously, he had his sad moments in Beautiful Dreamer as well.

Well yeah physically he isn't in great shape.  Yeah he seemed devastated over hearing of Jack's passing (although I can't help but wonder if someone had already told him this before...) and him listening to his brother's solo album was touching.  But other than that he seemed to be in a good place mentally for most of the film. 

[Acechaser]

While Brian is still with us, I'd like to see Andy Paley and Darian produce a "Wilson/Paley Tribute" concert in LA (and NY?).  All Wilson/Paley tunes would be featured, with other Wilson, Paley and BB songs filling out the show.  Obviously, it would be a niche event.  But, I believe many Board members would endeavor to attend. 

[Lowbacca]

How is Brian?

If you'd ask him, he'd say: "Hungry."

[MyDrKnowsItKeepsMeCalm]

How is Brian?

If you'd ask him, he'd say: "Hungry."

He's gettin' hungry?

[Awesoman]

I'm not seeing a thread for it here but it has just been announced that he will appear on that Glen Campbell duets album coming out.  There were photos from that recording session taken back in late 2022. 

[Rocker]

I'm not seeing a thread for it here but it has just been announced that he will appear on that Glen Campbell duets album coming out.  There were photos from that recording session taken back in late 2022.  

Glen Campbell Duets Album to Feature Brian Wilson, Carole King, Dolly Parton

https://consequence.net/2024/01/glen-campbell-duets-album/


Glen Campbell Duets – Ghost on the Canvas Sessions Tracklist:
01. There’s No Me… Without You (with Carole King)
02. Ghost on the Canvas (with Sting)
03. Hold on Hope (with Eric Church)
04. The Long Walk Home (with Hope Sandoval)
05. Nothing But the Whole Wide World (with Eric Clapton)
06. In My Arms (with Brian Setzer)
07. A Better Place (with Dolly Parton)
08. Strong (with Brian Wilson)
09. A Thousand Lifetimes (with Linda Perry)
10. It’s Your Amazing Grace (with Daryl Hall & Dave Stewart)
11. Any Trouble (with X)
12. I’m Not Gonna Miss You (with Elton John)



EDIT:

The song is quite dark, so it'll be interesting to hear if Brian sings any of the lead. If he added just background vocals I guess it won't sound very different to what's already been released.


Strong - Glen Campbell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkmh93Vn_uc

[PhilSpectre]

With the apparent loss of  Melinda, it's hard to imagine where Brian goes from here..

He seems destined to be truly one of life's survivors, having lost his two younger brothers too young, more recently his old friend/right hand man Jeffrey Foskett and now the huge blow of losing his wife,  who seems to have been such a rock for him over the last thirty years.


I hope he has a strong support network in his kids, family and management.