I spoke with the genius behind the Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, in August 2011. The man who penned hits such as “California Girls” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” has suffered terribly from mental illness but is back on the road and performing Aug. 25 in Napa. Here’s my story for the Press Democrat. Here’s something that’s not in the story:
I asked what he thinks of former SF Giants pitcher Brian Wilson. His reply: “Never heard of him.”
Excerpt:
Brian Wilson, founder of the Beach Boys
The California sound created in the early ’60s by Brian Wilson’s Beach Boys evokes carefree beach days, sublime surfing and parties without end. The reality of Brian Wilson’s life has been far different. And not just because he didn’t surf.
Read the full story.
