Summer's Gone

It was inevitable, like life and taxes. One of my lifelong musical heroes, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, has passed away.

The Beach Boys: Al Jardine, Carl Wilson, Brian Wilson, Dennis Wilson, and Mike Love

When the news first appeared this week, I wasn't exactly surprised. Brian's health had declined over the past few years, especially after his beloved wife, Melinda, died last year. Neil and I saw him in concert for the the final time on June 29, 2022, when he opened for Chicago at the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in Alpharetta, Georgia. I noticed Brian participated when he wanted to, but his wonderful backing band, the Wondermints, with fellow Beach Boy Al Jardine and one time member, Blondie Chaplin, carried the show. He stopped touring a month later.

In contrast, in 2016, we saw Brian and his band for the 50th anniversary of Pet Sounds at the Fox Theater in Atlanta. Again, Brian sang when he wanted to and was delightfully quirky, but this one was different. It was a glorious celebration of Beach Boys music, some of which I never dreamed I would hear live. Of course, there were the gigantic hits...California Girls, I Get Around, Fun Fun Fun, Good Vibrations. But then he also presented deep album cuts...Sail On Sailor, California Saga (California), Wild Honey, Add Some Music to Your Day. Neil thought I was crazy...I knew all the words and cried tears of joy as I sang along. Then Brian lead the band as they presented Pet Sounds in its glorious entirety, from Wouldn't It Be Nice to Caroline, No.

That's the magic of the Beach Boys and their architect, Brian Wilson. Some people whistle as they work. I turn on the Beach Boys and get lost in their lush, sun-drenched vocal harmonies.

I began my journey with the Beach Boys in junior high. We had the best music in the 70s with acts like the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Boston, the Bee Gees, Rod Stewart, Linda Ronstadt, and Chicago, but one of my favorites was a husband-wife duo, the Captain and Tennille. I loved singing along with Toni Tennille. She had an amazing contralto range that I could duplicate on a good day. When I discovered she and the Captain, Daryl Dragon, were touring musicians for the Beach Boys, I became a fan. My brother, Tim, gave me my first Beach Boys album, 15 Big Ones. I was hooked. I wanted to hear more.

By that time, the Beach Boys had begun a rejuvenation as an oldies act, based on the popularity of the movie, American Graffiti, which featured two of their songs (Surfin' Safari and All Summer Long) and the release of Endless Summer, a collection of their early hits. They were approaching forty by then, and I recall Daddy once quipping that they should be called the Beach Men. I remember going to see them at Six Flags twice at the Southern Star Amphitheater, which was located in the shadow of the Scream Machine. Seats were first come, first served. The first concert we attended was in 1981. The Beach Boys that night was Brian, his brother, Dennis on drums, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, and their usual backing musicians, but brother Carl was touring separately promoting a solo album. It was the only time I ever saw Dennis in concert. The second time I saw them in 1982, Brian and Dennis were absent, but Carl was at his rightful place playing his 12-string electric Rickenbacher. I walked up to the stage to take a photo and just stood there in front of him, watching him play. It was a surreal moment I still remember. My pictures ended up blurry because I was in awe.

Carl Wilson was my favorite Beach Boy. He was cute, reliable, and sang like an angel. It is his voice singing lead on Good Vibrations and God Only Knows. Brian always used studio musicians (the legendary Wrecking Crew) while recording their classic hits, but Carl always played guitar on the records. It was Carl who quietly led the band after Brian quit touring to work in the studio to craft his masterpieces, including Pet Sounds. And it was Carl who picked up the pieces to lead them after Brian's mental health caused him to abandon the Smile album. The man could sing a phone book and make it sound good...I adored his lead vocals on Surf's Up, Long Promised Road, Feel Flows, Darlin', Full Sail, and my personal favorite, Heaven. His last recording was Like a Brother, a joint effort by Carl, Robert Lamm of Chicago, and Gerry Buckley of America. Give it a listen on your favorite streaming platform. You can hear Brian's influence throughout.

Another great Beach Boys-related concert we attended (again at Six Flags) was Richard Marx, with Wilson Phillips as the opening act. It was one of my favorite concerts ever. The members of Wilson Phillips included Chynna Phillips, who was the daughter of the Mamas and the Papas singers John and Michelle Phillips, and Brian Wilson's daughters, Carnie and Wendy. It was clear who were their kinfolk. (A side note...we loved Richard Marx, too! My sister, Lesia and I actually got to meet him. There's photos somewhere!)

Neil and I saw the Beach Boys at the Georgia Dome in 1994. Atlanta oldies station, Fox 97, hosted their Ultimate Oldies Concert, and they were the headlining act. I took a morning off to head over to Turtles Records on Maple Street to get the tickets when they went on sale. They did not disappoint. It was a neat evening culminating with a hot air balloon display in the parking lot after the show.

When Carl passed away in 1998, I lost interest in seeing the group live. Mike Love and Bruce Johnston continued as the official group, but without the Wilson brothers, I really couldn't get on board. So when the opportunity to see Brian as a solo act became reality, I wanted to make that pilgrimage to the Fox Theater. And I am so thankful I did.

There was a movie made about Brian entitled Love & Mercy, that featured Brian's life in various stages. If you haven't seen it, take an afternoon to watch it. The centerpiece of the movie is the meticulous studio recreation of the making of Pet Sounds and Good Vibrations. You'll also see Brian's comeback from obscurity as he meets his future wife, Melinda, who was his champion.

Beach Boys Funko Pop! The guys are decked out in their Pet Sounds finery.

While Brian Wilson is no longer with us, his music lives on, not only in the tunes he created, but in the countless musicians influenced by his immense talent. I am forever grateful for the many songs he left behind for us to cherish and enjoy for generations to come.