The Beach Boys “hoping” to work with Brian Wilson again
Earlier this year, it was revealed Brian Wilson had entered a formal conservatorship after being diagnosed with dementia, however, his bandmates in The Beach Boys still hold out hope for him to collaborate with them in the future.
The conservatorship came into action following the death of Wilson’s wife, Melinda, who he married in 1995. In addition to being his life partner, she also served as his manager, and cared for him during his health struggles.
Following her passing, Wilson shared: “My heart is broken. Melinda, my beloved wife of 28 years, passed away this morning. Our five children and I are just in tears. We are lost. Melinda was more than my wife. She was my savior. She gave me the emotional security I needed to have a career.”
It then came to light that Wilson had been placed in a conservatorship which his family described as a supportive necessity, allowing him to “enjoy all of his family and friends and continue to work on current projects as well as participate in any activities he chooses.”
Despite his ongoing battle with dementia, The Beach Boys’ Mike Love and Bruce Johnston believe they will work together musically again. The duo are currently promoting the new Disney+ documentary about the band, set to launch on May 24th, which includes an emotional segment with Wilson.
Speaking to the Today programme on BBC Radio 4, Love provided a positive update on Wilson: “We got together at Paradise Cove (in Los Angeles) at the end of the documentary. He was remembering things I’d forgotten about our high school days. His long-term memory is right there.”
The Beach Boys icon continued: “His musical abilities, as long as he’s alive he’ll have those, but he does need medical supervision and care. His wife did take care of that.”
While news of the conservatorship has worried fans of Wilson, Love says making sure he’s receiving the best care is an important step, stating, “He (Wilson) knows that he needs the help but we’re still able to get together and we‘re going to see each other soon. It’s not so negative as it sounds. As long as he’s cared for properly. He’s seeing his children… he’s being well taken care of.”
Although a collaboration with Wilson hasn’t yet been locked in, Love is optimistic that it will happen at some point, hopefully adding, “It’s a brand new day now and I’m hoping we can do something together – all of us – and it’ll be great”.
During a recent court hearing in Los Angeles, Superior Court judge Gus T May approved the petition filed by Wilson’s family. They determined that Wilson consented to the course of action but lacked the ability to make important decisions regarding his healthcare since the passing of Melinda.
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