Musician made revelations in his autobiography, I am Brain Wilson, released in 2016; artist brings stories and “antagonists” that have gone through his life
Brian Wilsonformer leader of Beach Boysconsidered one of the greatest composers of all time, died on Wednesday, 11, at the age of 82. The cause of death was not revealed, but the musician had been diagnosed with a cognitive neuro disorder in 2024.
The artist had a troubled life and full of personal dramas and psychological trauma. Much of the mishaps he went through were well covered by the press. In 2016, taking advantage of the reception of the biographical film The Beach Boys: A success story (2014), Wilson launched an autobiography, originally called I Am Brian Wilson.
In fact, this is the second autobiography credited to Brian Wilson. In 1991, it was released WOULDN’T IT BE NICE: My Own Storybook that was poorly received by critics. The author, Todd Goldon top of that, it was accused of plagiarism. Wilson also reneged on the work, saying that he had been manipulated by his psychiatrist at the time, Dr. Eugene Landyto participate in the book and say it was an “autobiography” – the artist stated that he briefly talked to Gold and did not know how the material would be used later. Amid a series of legal processes and action (including some of Mike Love and Al JardineAlso Beach Boys members), the book was taken from the stores and was never relaunched.
But I’m Brian Wilson It is in another category. Wilson narrated his poignant story to the journalist Ben Greenman And the artist appears true and transparent in the pages of the work, without losing the confessional and informal way. Humble and generous, Wilson makes it clear that music has always been above all in his life and praises his heroes, how Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Phil Spector and George Gershwinbesides the vocal group The four freshmen. It is also worth reading what he says about the conception and recording of PET SOUTHS (1966), Beach Boys album that changed the history of popular music and is considered to this day a great masterpiece of rock.
For decades Brian Wilson fought against mental health problems. He was diagnosed schizophrenic and confesses that “Listen to voices in your mind”. The musician does not hide any of this and says that he was a sick, depressed, paranoid, obese man full of fears and insecurities. Attributed a period of stability to Melindayour second wife. Wilson also talks about the decades of drug abuse, first with marijuana and LSD and then with cocaine. It counts all with honesty, still reporting its many losses, like those of the brothers Dennis and Carl Wilsonkilled respectively in 1983 and 1998.
In the work there are some “villains”. The main one is Murry WilsonBrian’s father, a tyrant and violent man. He was responsible for the beginning of the Beach Boys success, but also psychologically traumatized his son forever. Another antagonist is Eugene Landywho helped the musician out of the well in the mid -1970s, but also became his “owner” for a while. It was hard for the star to get rid of the late Landy and Wilson does not hide the discomfort when talking about it in the book. The third of these is Mike Lovethe main singer of the Beach Boys and Cousin of the Wilson brothers. Love was fundamental in the band’s success and helped create mythology around the Californian band, but Frontman never respected the creative force of the sensitive and talented cousin, often appealing to bullying to see his ideas accepted within the Beach Boys core.
Brian Wilson to this day is a good soul, like a grown child who has never found his place in the world, but thanks to the genius of music he has created yet touches the lives of millions of people around the world. Already the essential book I’m Brian Wilson It is proof that success, fame and money do not always bring happiness and do not prevent anyone from being devoured by a legion of internal demons.
+++ Read more: The 8 indispensable songs for Brian Wilson, founder of the Beach Boys
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
