Paul McCartney,a guy who knows a thing or two about songwriting, has publicly opined that “God Only Knows,” as sung by Brian’s brother Carl, is “the most perfect song ever written.” That’s pretty high praise for a song that was the B side on “Wouldn’t It Be Nice?”
Brian, God only knows what we’ll do without you
Earlier this year The Beach Boys played a concert in our little amphitheater in Key West Fl. I had great tickets but something came up and I couldn’t go. I was bummed. As I was leaving town before the concert I stopped into the our tiny PakMail/Uhaul store to check my mail and pick up a package. This place is like 600sq foot inside and in walk The Beach Boys. They came in to cash a check to get some spending cash. It was crazy. Very down to Earth guys.
Damn, Sly and Brian Wilson in a three-day period. I saw the Beach Boys three times, ’65 and twice in the 70s, but unfortunately never with Brian. He had had his breakdown on the plane and decided to stop touring about six months before.
Hang in there, Sir Paul, Sir Ray, Sir Pete, and Baseball Bob.
At least Brian is reunited with his brothers and his wife Melinda who passed away a year ago. The man is a genius and made 2 of the greatest pieces of modern music that will last eons. “Pet Sounds” and “SmiLe”. A true visionary and it should be noted that it wasn’t a singular effort as his brothers Carl and Dennis, and Al Jardine as well as people like Ricky Fataar, Blondie Chaplin, Daryl Dragon, Glenn Campbell, and David Marks all brought something to the group. Also props to the Wrecking Crew for bringing his vision to life as well as lyricists such as Tony Asher and Van Dyke Parks. The live band he had in the late 90s and into his final years.
Yes, Mike Love deserves credit for being the co-writer for some of those songs of the Beach Boys but…. he’s a fucking cunt. He always belittled Brian and said shit about him while he is responsible for making one of the worst recordings ever “Summer in Paradise” for the Beach Boys in 1992. Bruce Johnston is Mike’s bottom bitch and John Stamos is his cabana boy who is always on his hands and knees eating Mike’s asshole every day.
Bruce Johnston. LOL. The cringiest moment from any BB’s show I caught was when Love went through this lengthy intro to Bruce singing his great masterwork. I’m thinking, “Oh no, couldn’t be” But it was.- the big hit he wrote for Barry Manilow- the lose-your-lunch “I Write the Songs”.
One name missing from your list is Jeffrey Foskett, who put together the band Brian went out with about 20years ago. The Live at the Roxy CD and DVD were great, way beyond my expectations.
The Beach Boys – I Write The Songs (Live 1980)
Brian Wilson was a genius. I’m just relieved that he was able to complete Smile, and it was a masterpiece.
Don’t forget Manson!