How The Beach Boys’ 1967 masterpiece started with Brian Wilson’s childhood
A core memory.
Beach Boys
Credits: Far Out / Alamy
The Beach Boys are an American rock band whose innovative songwriting, vocal harmonies and studio experimentation transformed popular music. Formed in Hawthorne, California, in 1961, the group initially became synonymous with songs celebrating surfing, cars and youthful Californian culture before evolving into one of the most artistically ambitious bands of the 1960s.
Led creatively by Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys produced landmark albums including ‘Pet Sounds’, widely regarded as one of the greatest albums ever recorded, and influential singles such as ‘Good Vibrations’ and ‘God Only Knows’. Their pioneering recording techniques, sophisticated arrangements and enduring catalogue have influenced generations of musicians across rock, pop and beyond. They remain one of the best-selling and most critically acclaimed bands in music history.
Beach Boys News
“I broke down”: The 1966 song that reduced Paul McCartney to tears
“During the soundcheck, I broke down…”
The six best ‘songs of the summer’ from the 1960s
The concept didn’t really exist back then, but the candidates were endless.
The tour that ruined Brian Wilson’s love of performing
“I felt I had no choice, I was run down mentally and emotionally”
Five family bands that ended in a blood feuds
Shared DNA has rarely prevented the bitterness and jealousy of a rock and roll fallout.
“The only song we ever did that I don’t like at all”: Brian Wilson’s big Beach Boys regret
“I absolutely don’t like it at all…”
The one song Brian Wilson never wanted to release: “It could never be a single”
Not the hit that he thought.
More About Beach Boys
The Beach Boys are an American rock band formed in 1961, widely regarded as one of the most influential groups in popular music history.
What is The Beach Boys' most famous album? => 'Pet Sounds', released in 1966, is widely considered The Beach Boys' masterpiece and one of the greatest albums ever made.
Who were the original members of The Beach Boys? => The original line-up consisted of brothers Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson and Dennis Wilson, their cousin Mike Love and their friend Al Jardine.