The Beach Boys tell their own story
A Wairarapa bookseller who has rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest names in roll ‘n’ roll is excited to be be showcasing a book by musical superstars The Beach Boys.
It’s an obvious follow for David Hedley, of Hedley’s Books as he has been involved with publishing previous books on other rock greats, including The Beatles.
The Masterton bookshop will be holding a mini exhibition showing some of the images from the book.
“It’s pretty amazing. A lot of the photographers are not with us any more. This is the first time the Beach Boys have got together and done a project. Traditionally, they’ve never worked together outside of the studio.”
Hedley met George Harrison back in 1984 and co-published a book titled Fifty Years Adrift by the Beatles’ publicist Derek Taylor, which was edited by Harrison.
There began a connection for Hedley to the inner circle of famous 60s and 70s musicians, with Harrison visiting New Zealand on Hedley’s invitation to market his friend Derek’s book.
Hedley’s co-publisher on that project was pre-eminent rock royalty publisher Genesis Publications, based in the UK.
Genesis has gone on to publish more than 100 books on a raft of legendary musicians including The Rolling Stones, Ringo Star, Jimmy Page, Bob Marley, Eric Clapton and Paul Weller. Hedley’s Books has represented these projects in Australia and New Zealand for nearly 50 years – even linking in as a publisher on some, most notably the magnum opus Blinds & Shutters by Michael Cooper, probably most well known as the photographer of the Sgt Pepper album cover for The Beatles.
This latest project, The Beach Boys by The Beach Boys, is the first official book by the band and features text drawn from extensive interviews by all living members: Brian Wilson, Mike Love and Bruce Johnston alongside archive text from band members, Carl and Dennis Wilson.
In the book, the band members describe their story from the beginning such as signing their first recording contract with Capitol Records and creating some of the most flawless, sun soaked singles of all time. Unlimited access to their personal archives creates an exciting visual journey, combining never-before-seen negatives with iconic images.
Lead band member Brian Wilson said: “There's love in the music and people can relate to the love, regardless of whether you're 2 years old or 92 years old. For me, music is about love. Love is the message I want to share. I hope people feel that in my music. That makes the hard work worth it.”
Hedley’s was now helping Genesis Publications and The Beach Boys management to represent the book in New Zealand and is honouring their legacy with an official Beach Boys exhibition of photos and books in store from Masterton from July 9-27 and at Ponsonby Central in Auckland from June 3-16.
– The Beach Boys by The Beach Boys is available now from www.booksonline.co.nz