My LiFe as a Beach Boy
Frontman Mike Love tells PETER SHERIDAN about hanging out with serial killer Charles Manson and how sex and drugs had tragic consequences for the band
Thursday September 1 2016 HEROES AND VILLAIN: (clockwise from top left) Carl, Dennis and Brian Wilson, Al Jardine and Mike Love in 1964. Right: Charles Manson despite Brian’s repeated promises to correct the mistake.
“It cost me millions of dollars in lost royalties,” says Love. “It was a tragedy.”
He sued in 1992 and under oath Brian admitted that Love was his frequent writing partner. Love could have been awarded up to $342million in damages but settled for just $5million from Brian. “Before the trial I was receiving about $75,000 a year in songwriter royalties. After the trial the amount jumped to over $1million a year.”
Amid the group’s debauchery Love found peace studying transcendental meditation with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, travelling to his ashram in India where he found himself alongside The Beatles, Donovan and Mia Farrow.
LOVE and Brian remained friends despite their lawsuits and even performed together for the Beach Boys’ 50th anniversary tour in 2011. But after a falling out Love hasn’t seen him since and admits: “I don’t know if Brian and I will ever play together in another concert or share a meal together or even have a conversation.”
Love laments their estrangement, saying: “If Brian and I could just be left alone in a room with a piano that would be great – but others always intervene.
“Could we get together again? I never say never. I miss him.”
Yet a revamped Beach Boys continue to thrive without Brian. Love says: “The band has never been in greater demand – for each invitation we accept we turn down two to three.”
Last year the band played 175 concerts in eight countries, including two sold-out shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Their music catalogue today is worth about £76million. And Love isn’t ready to quit yet. Though he’s 75 with four grandchildren he says: “The music itself never gets old.”
To pre-order Good Vibrations, by Mike Love (published September 15 by Faber & Faber, £20) call the Express Bookshop with card details on 01872 562310. Or send a cheque made out to Express Bookshop to Mike Love Offer, PO Box 200, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 4WJ or visit expressbookshop.com UK delivery is free.