Has anyone met Brian Wilson?

[buddhahat]

After reading the Pitchfork inteview, it made me realise how disappointing it could be to meet or talk with BW if you're a fan. Conversely it could probably be a great experience, but definitely a gamble I would say.

So has anyone here, talked, met or even interviewed him and if so, how did it go?

[SG7]

Twice in 2005, 2006 and 2007. The first time was freaking amazing. It was after the Smile show in Philly and for some reason he was so on that night! We got some pictures together and even though we didn't talk a whole lot, I was so taken aback by his presence! I just remember being shocked how really blue his eyes are. Second time was later that year with the Katrina calls. I remember I had just gotten done playing a Doors album when he called. I just remember being in panic mode that this was Brian Wilson on the phone. I asked some stupid question I probably already knew and he thanked me a billion times for the collage box I gave him when I met him the first time. I was so excited he called, immediately after I got the call, I called my dad from work to tell him. My dad was all like "why would Brian Wilson ever call you?" and then he found out why later.  Third time in 2006 was cool because he remembered me but I was so distracted talking to other people that night. 2007 had to be the worst because he was SO out of it! Jeff got him to come over to where me and my mom were, but he just looked so sad.

[The Heartical Don]

I could attend a meet&greet after the March 2004 SMiLE-show in Amsterdam. I offered him two items to sign (one being the SMiLE programme of course) but he stammered: 'no, just the one, please', but not in any unfriendly way. We shook hands, his turned out to feel clammy and cold (which is natural after such a show). His face was quite pale, but he looked good in general. Because he was sitting on quite a low stool at a table, he actually seemed to be small (which was intimidating for me!). We exchanged a few lines. The photo, taken by another attendee, misfired totally, so I only have a very cherished memory.

[warnakey]

Brian is a very spacey guy. There are points where he will say some god damned clever things, but I think he's very socially awkward. It's tough being a hero, and pretty easy to disappoint people.

[Andrew G. Doe]

Met Brian first in 1985, and many times since then, in varying situations. If he's comfortable, he's great company, and one of the funniest guys on earth. Peversely, he's probably least comfortable during the post-gig meet-and-greets, and it shows.

[The Heartical Don]

Met Brian first in 1985, and many times since then, in varying situations. If he's comfortable, he's great company, and one of the funniest guys on earth. Peversely, he's probably least comfortable during the post-gig meet-and-greets, and it shows.

Andrew, were you at that BBs Britain convention in 1988? I recall Q Magazine running a news story then that left me flabbergasted... there was a decent BBs tribute band at work, a technical glitch was announced, pause, curtain fell, then was lifted again, and there was Brian behind an electrical piano. First sighting of the recuperated legend after all those years... must've been magical.

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

  Peversely, he's probably least comfortable during the post-gig meet-and-greets, and it shows.

Likewise during the Q/A portion on the yahoo live performance linked in another topic. He was stammering, and looked like he was nervous. Not because of mental illness but rather extreme shyness. Interview wise he varies, but during the Rolling Stone interview he apparently was much more relaxed.

[Andrew G. Doe]

Met Brian first in 1985, and many times since then, in varying situations. If he's comfortable, he's great company, and one of the funniest guys on earth. Peversely, he's probably least comfortable during the post-gig meet-and-greets, and it shows.

Andrew, were you at that BBs Britain convention in 1988? I recall Q Magazine running a news story then that left me flabbergasted... there was a decent BBs tribute band at work, a technical glitch was announced, pause, curtain fell, then was lifted again, and there was Brian behind an electrical piano. First sighting of the recuperated legend after all those years... must've been magical.

I was there, and one of maybe six people who knew what was going to happen. As the NME memorably had it, "when the curtain lifted again, the silence was broken only by the sound of 300 jaws simultaneously hitting the floor".

Damn, I wish I'd written that.

The place then proceeded to go bananas for fifteen minutes. Guess who else was there that day, but was too shy to go up and meet Brian ? Hint - big hair. 

[TdHabib]

Met Brian first in 1985, and many times since then, in varying situations. If he's comfortable, he's great company, and one of the funniest guys on earth. Peversely, he's probably least comfortable during the post-gig meet-and-greets, and it shows.

Andrew, were you at that BBs Britain convention in 1988? I recall Q Magazine running a news story then that left me flabbergasted... there was a decent BBs tribute band at work, a technical glitch was announced, pause, curtain fell, then was lifted again, and there was Brian behind an electrical piano. First sighting of the recuperated legend after all those years... must've been magical.

I was there, and one of maybe six people who knew what was going to happen. As the NME memorably had it, "when the curtain lifted again, the silence was broken only by the sound of 300 jaws simultaneously hitting the floor".

Damn, I wish I'd written that.

The place then proceeded to go bananas for fifteen minutes. Guess who else was there that day, but was too shy to go up and meet Brian ? Hint - big hair. 

Sahanaja. That's so funny that he was too shy, since we know what happened later...

[buddhahat]

These are great stories - thanks for sharing

[tonysurf]

I was at the Stomp convention in 1988, funny thing was I only found out about it the day before and almost wasnt going to go, but decided last minute to do it - I would have been sick if I had missed it. it's true that the curtain opened and everyone in the room thought "who is that person who looks JUST like Brian Wilson but cant be" and then the place went ballistic for, yeah, probably at least 10 minutes - Brian played "Surfer Girl" "Night Time" and (I think) "Love and Mercy" just him playing Sean McCreavys DX7 (which I later offered him my car for, turns out he didnt need an old Datsun!)and then signed autographs for everyone, My turn came, completely surreal, I had a promo poster from the BW '88 album, I said "Hi Brian, My Name is Tony (which he signed to me) I shook his hand said thanks and moved on. fortunately My Dad was there and organised someone to take my picture at the time (A guy named Ken, who if you are reading this, thanks again!) I was a skinny 18 year old with a Stripe shirt on, BW, was wearing a red Hawaiian Shirt, White Pants.

the poster he signed now resides, framed on the wall in my studio, cant believe that its 20 years! good memories.

[The Heartical Don]

I was at the Stomp convention in 1988, funny thing was I only found out about it the day before and almost wasnt going to go, but decided last minute to do it - I would have been sick if I had missed it. it's true that the curtain opened and everyone in the room thought "who is that person who looks JUST like Brian Wilson but cant be" and then the place went ballistic for, yeah, probably at least 10 minutes - Brian played "Surfer Girl" "Night Time" and (I think) "Love and Mercy" just him playing Sean McCreavys DX7 (which I later offered him my car for, turns out he didnt need an old Datsun!)and then signed autographs for everyone, My turn came, completely surreal, I had a promo poster from the BW '88 album, I said "Hi Brian, My Name is Tony (which he signed to me) I shook his hand said thanks and moved on. fortunately My Dad was there and organised someone to take my picture at the time (A guy named Ken, who if you are reading this, thanks again!) I was a skinny 18 year old with a Stripe shirt on, BW, was wearing a red Hawaiian Shirt, White Pants.

the poster he signed now resides, framed on the wall in my studio, cant believe that its 20 years! good memories.

Can we change identities now?

[Surfer Joe]

I went to a tiny ESQ convention in San Diego in about 1991. Brian surprised everybody by showing up (with Landy).  I bought a nice little print of the SMiLE cover and he inscribed it for me, and it's beautifully matted and framed in my entrance hall, where I smile at it every day.

I shook his hand and told him that I thought his 1988 solo album was the best album of the eighties.  He got a serious look and pulled me closer to repeat that to his good ear.  When he got the comment, he looked stunned by it, and said "My album?  WOW, Thanks!"

Whatever album he puts out, whatever show he does, I'll be there to support it. It's impossible to say "thank you" to that guy enough times.

[Chris Brown]

Really awesome stories guys, keep them coming!

[The Heartical Don]

Really awesome stories guys, keep them coming!

Brian Wilson once came to me in a dream. He whispered in my ear: there's a life after this one. I already have booked Western & Gold Star for many, many sessions; and I'm planning to draw in Carl, Denny and the rest there. So: there's no real need to worry. All we all need is a little bit of patience. That, and a good vinyl turntable.

[GLarson432]

I met the Beach Boys for the first time (Bruce, not Glen) in the summer of 1965.  I never had any contact with Brian until 2000.

The PS Tour came to Minneapolis on September 14th of that year.  I was at the venue early just to see what I could see and etc...  Most of the band arrived earlier but Brian, Melinda and Jeff got there at 4:15.  Jeff assured the few of us there that Brian would be available for autographs later.

After sound check, about 6:15, Jeff and Brian emerged and spent 20 or so minutes walking/jogging through a wooded area on the campus of the University of Minnessota.  There were 8 people (only) waiting for Brian to have something signed.

During the course of this 'contact' Brian only...grunted...when some question or comment was directed his way.  It really seemed like it was the best he could do, not something intentional.

I was the last person and asked Brian to sign my David Leaf book.  When he took about ten seconds to do so I thought..."Great, I'm getting a full signature, not just the famous Brian squibble"!  Once they were gone I looked and saw tha Brian had taken that time to write a shakey "BW" in my book.

I knew I'd be telling this story from time to time during the rest of my life so I thought about this carefully.  Hypothetically, if I had asked Brian if he were in Minneapolis or on Pluto I don't think he would have been known what to answer.

90 minutes later he put on a very good show.  No signs of any disfunction at all.  AGD and others have talked about this kind of scenario before and that is if he doesn't feel comfortable in a situation then Brian withdraws.  This was early in his tourning career and undoubtly (mostly) the case.  But boy!!!  The experience sort of rattled me at the time and certainly affected how I watched the concert (which again, was great for Brian 2000).

[The Heartical Don]

GLarson432 wrote:

Hypothetically, if I had asked Brian if he were in Minneapolis or on Pluto I don't think he would have been known what to answer.

...didn't you know that Pluto's too far to see?

[Shady]

I think Brian should have about 10 women around him constantly wherever he goes.

That's when he's most chilled...with the ladies.

It would be quite easy, you could get 200 volunteers from the blueboard

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

And probably a few of the guys, too

[Ethan]

The STOMP convention in 88.. (TWENTY YEARS !!!??)
I was there, two rows back from the stage ( a very nice,slightly balding chap* sat just in front and I noticed a cassette recorder in his bag 'ready to go'.. something was going to happen.. surely he was'nt recording Mr Rivers and friends?)
Tech hitch curtains close... a few fingers (THE Fingers) hit a few keyboard keys..silence....   ..curtains pull back as keyboard plays (Surfer Girl I think was the song)..   My only thoughts were 'my god I can tell everyone I 've met Brian Wilson from now on !!!'.

He did three songs , S.G, N.T and L&M (w/ extra 'praying to ' verse)
There is a video of the event somewhere so I won't comment on Brians movements as such but we now know the cause which has long gone.

Great day.. I subsequently met ( in 1989) via work, another fan (still friends today) . Probably by our third conversation things turned to music -- B.W/Beach Boys - was I brave to admit I attend conventions? Only after realising what a real fan he was (i.e. he'd done Brighton early 70's, Knebworth etc) and what do you know?.. he too was there in '88!  BUT.. left early and missed Brian !!!

Ofcourse I still have my signed 'Brian Wilson' poster.
*Sorry Mr G.H  if your reading

[Pretty Funky]

Hey GLarson432. Any memory of the 65 BB meeting?

Maybe not many of us around at the time. Other posters early 60s Beach Boys memories would be appreciated.

 

[Peter W]

Like some others on here, I was fortunate to meet Brian at the Stomp Convention in 1988. Since then, and owing to a long standing friendship with a member of Brian's band, I have met him several times but probably the most memorable would have to be the 25 January 2002 Pet Sounds concert at the Clyde Auditorium in Glasgow.

I managed to get eight of us into the sound check that afternoon, sitting in the same row, but spread out near the wings, as Melinda and a couple of sound engineers. We were asked quite forcefully before we entered the hall to refrain from staring at Brian, as this was liable to freak him out . Of course, that proved impossible, as nobody could tear their eyes away from him. He sat there behind his keyboards, dressed in the mightiest padded jacket we'd ever seen, and sporting huge wrap-around sunglasses. For the best part of 45 minutes he ran through about half of Pet Sounds, but seemed to spend a disproportionate amount of time on "Friends", where he struggled with the high notes until Melinda finally suggested that he should try it in a lower key.

After this, I got invited to the band's pre-gig dinner which, given the occasion, gave everyone the opportunity of sampling traditional haggis, 'neeps and tatties. Most went for it, but Nick Walusko bottled out and had mackerel instead. Jeff, on the other hand, had two portions of each course and growled like a pit bull if anyone (er, like me) approached him for a photograph. Brian decided that he would have dinner in his dressing room whilst having a massage, so he left early. Which was probably a good thing, as there was a definite atmosphere in the room.

I found out from Andy Paley that this had to do with their previous show a couple of nights earlier in Berlin, where the band had arrived wearily on the morning and had mostly gone to bed for some rest. The caterers had laid out a sumptuous buffet in a room at the venue, and Brian, who obviously had different sleep patterns to the rest of them, stumbled upon it and seemingly scoffed the lot The others were not happy bunnies when they arrived hungry that afternoon for the sound check.

The show at Glasgow was phenomenal, and quite colourful too, as many Scots had turned out in fancy dress for the celebration of their bard. Brian kept his enormous parka on during the meet and greet afterwards and as I sat next to him I said "Who have you come as - Eskimo Nell?" There was the briefest of pauses then he just erupted in laughter, very genuine and very warm. He met many fans that night and was the happiest and most comfortable that I can remember. Very different to the next time, which was Newcastle on March 6 2004 during the Smile tour.

[SG7]

Nice to see you on here Peter!! I know which band member you are talking about by the way 

[smile-holland]

The show at Glasgow was phenomenal, and quite colourful too, as many Scots had turned out in fancy dress for the celebration of their bard. Brian kept his enormous parka on during the meet and greet afterwards and as I sat next to him I said "Who have you come as - Eskimo Nell?" There was the briefest of pauses then he just erupted in laughter, very genuine and very warm. He met many fans that night and was the happiest and most comfortable that I can remember. Very different to the next time, which was Newcastle on March 6 2004 during the Smile tour.

I heard that as well (about Glasgow). Wish I'd been there. Instead I went to Newcastle... darn, those bodyguards were terrible, a very tense atmosphere. On top of that Brian wasn't feeling very well. We heard that the afternoon before the concert when I was at the SMiLE-party at the Pet Sounds Shop. That explained that the 1st part of the concert that evening was a bit shorter than usual.
Got backstage afterwards. Still a very awkward atmosphere, with nervous and unfriendly bodyguards. We were divided in 2 groups for the signing, unfortunately I was in the 2nd... after the 1st, Brian decided it was enough and left. Vibrations were apparently not that good for him... So far my "meeting" with Brian. But I must mention that meeting the band was a great thing as well. Several of them (Hines, Foskett, Gregory) attended the SMiLE-party, John P. introduced us to Jeff, telling him we (I was there together with a friend of mine) were the Dutch freaks.... ehm and - yes - we were then.     Good memories...
O, and I got an autograph from VDP so that was cool. Which means my SMiLE tourbook has every single autograph, except for BW's...

[Andrew G. Doe]

He sat there behind his keyboards, dressed in the mightiest padded jacket we'd ever seen...

... which he was still wearing days later in London and when accosted by some fans while out for a walk, explained why.

Fan: Hey Brian, how are you ?

BDW: I'm fucking freezing !