Brian Wilson altered the course of musical history when he co-founded the Beach Boys in 1961. Now 82, the California native remains one of the 20th century’s most significant songwriters. Aside from his musical talents, Wilson has also experienced some highly public struggles with his mental health. Earlier this year, a Los Angeles judge placed the rock icon under a conservatorship due to a “major neurocognitive disorder.” And while Wilson’s bandmates had initially hoped to continue touring alongside him, they are now mulling a return to the stage sans their leader.
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Al Jardine Is Planning Shows With His Beach Boys Co-Founder’s Band
Al Jardine and Brian Wilson bonded during their football days at Hawthorne High School in California. The two later reunited at El Camino College, where they formed the Beach Boys alongside Brian’s younger brothers, Dennis and Carl, and Mike Love, their cousin.
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Jardine, 82, revealed that he is considering reviving Brian Wilson’s backing band for a few select shows this year. Those dates would lead up to a full-length tour in 2025.
Will Brian Wilson Take Part?
Unfortunately, Brian Wilson’s dementia diagnosis means he is likely unable to join in on these shows. However, Jardine says it is all being done with his former bandmate’s blessing.
“Brian has agreed to allow me to use the name of his band to resurrect that incredible Brian band that we worked with so wonderfully for the last 20 or 30 years,” Jardine told Rolling Stone. “I’m looking forward to meeting up with him shortly and working out a schedule to do a couple of benefit concerts that we can do in L.A., and then maybe kick off an actual tour from there maybe early next year.”
It is up to Wilson to decide whether he will participate in these proposed dates, but Jardine says the offer is open. “Brian just isn’t physically in shape to join us,” Jardine said. “But he’s a strong individual and he’s got stamina. It wouldn’t surprise me if he could make a few of the shows in the Los Angeles area where we intend to do a trial performance.”
Featured image by Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/Shutterstock
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