’60s icon Wilson feeling creative ahead of Edinburgh gig
Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson insists he’ll never give up writing – after penning some of the greatest classics of all time. The founder of the 1960s group that had a string of global hits including Good Vibrations, Sloop John B, Barbara Ann and I Can Hear Music, is heading to Edinburgh for a concert next month.
And the musical genius, the driving creative force behind the band’s groundbreaking Pet Sounds album, says his songwriting passion is as strong as ever.
“I just love music,” said Brian, 76, who wrote or co-wrote more than two dozen of the band’s biggest hits.
“I still wake up a lot with a melody or a line in my head and I think I’ll be writing songs until my dying day.” The Beach Boys were formed in California in 1961 by Brian, along with brothers Dennis and Carl, cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine.
Brian quit touring with the band when they were at the height of their fame. He went on to have long struggles with mental illness as well as drink and drug problems.
But he says he’s loving his return to the stage. “It brings back good memories,” said Brian, who will be performing the 1966 Pet Sounds album with Al and former bandmate Blondie Chaplin as part of Summer Sessions.
“Even now I still get a little bit nervous before I go on but I just try to sit and relax. I want to make people happy and hearing them applaud makes me happy.
“I still have a great time with Al and Blondie, they’re really good singers. I like having them on stage with me. We’ll be doing the whole of Pet Sounds. I always liked that album, it’s still close to my heart. We worked real hard on it.”
Brian knows Scotland well and despite a US touring schedule he insists he’s looking forward to performing over here again.
Sir Tom Jones and Paloma Faith are among the other acts appearing at Summer Sessions which begins on August 6. Brian will close proceedings at Princes Street Gardens on August 19.
He said: “I’ve always loved Scotland, I really like the people. I was in Edinburgh just a couple of years ago. Usually on tour you only see the hotel room, but it’s a beautiful city. I saw the Castle last time and I’ll try and see what I can.” With an almost unrivalled back catalogue, picking out just one highlight may seem impossible, but Brian has no problem.
“California Girls is the song I’m proudest of, I just really like Mike’s singing,” he says.
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