best for CELEBRITY
As a new documentary looks back at the family who became The Beach Boys, we recall the soundtrack of the Summer and the highs and lows of the group...
It’s six decades since teenage California brothers Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson formed a band with their cousin Mike Love and friend, Al Jardine.
Before long, their songs about surfing, cars and young romance made them chart toppers in the USA.
And, it wasn’t long before the band were a hit in the UK, too. Singles including IGet Around, Barbara Ann and California Girls helped them go on to become one of the world’s most successful acts of all time, selling more than 100m records worldwide.
This month sees Disney+ release an epic documentary celebration of the band and their iconic sound, including never-before-seen footage and new interviews. The story of the group and its members is a truly fascinating one, featuring feuds, drama and tragedy as well as unforgettable music. Clearly life hasn’t all been Fun, Fun, Fun…
FAMILY STRUGGLE
might be sunny, bu
mind of the group but struggled with his health and abused drugs and alcohol. point, relations between cousins Wilson and Mike Love were so tricky they ok out restraining orders on each other. Fai d romances with women, including Fleet ood Mac’s Christine McVie, along with mon worries saw Dennis Wilson turn to drink nd drugs. Homeless and often missing band erformances, he agreed to check into reha , but drowned diving from a friend’s boat n 1983, aged just 39.
Ca l Wilson was diagnosed with lung and brai cancer, but performed on a summer 1997 band tour, receiving oxygen after every son . He died the following February, aged 51. A d this January, Brian, 81, lost his wife and is family filed for a conservatorship, as h is suffering from dementia.
FAMOUS FACES
When the combination of writing and producing got too much for the band’s leader Brian in late 1964, he pulled out of touring and an up-and-coming session musician stepped in. But by 1965 his own success meant that the man in question, Glen Campbell, had to quit the band. Other celebs who’ve played with the band include married act Captain and Tennille and ER star John Stamos. He’s played with the band occasionally since 1985 and appears in the video for their 1988 hit, Kokomo!
DARK SHADOWS
In June 1968, drummer Dennis
