Triumph, tragedy and 'insanity': Here's what happened to the legendary Beach Boys
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'The Beach Boys', directed by Frank Marshall and Thom Zimny, is set to premiere on Disney+ on May 24, 2024.
The documentary provides a comprehensive look at The Beach Boys, tracing their origins from humble family beginnings to their rise as one of the most influential bands in music history.
Additionally, the documentary also includes interviews and old footage of The Beach Boys' founding members. According to Disney+, the documentary serves as a tribute to the iconic band that revolutionized pop music.
The Beach Boys are among the most successful American bands ever, having sold over 100 million records and charted more than 80 songs worldwide. Let's take a look at where The Beach Boys are currently.
Brian Wilson
Brian Wilson was born on June 20, 1942, in Inglewood, California, United States.
Brian co-founded The Beach Boys in Hawthorne, California, in 1961. Subsequently, Brian became famous for his innovative approach to music and his role as the creative force behind The Beach Boys.
While he initially performed with the band, Brian transitioned to become a full-time studio artist in 1964. Following a near-fatal drug overdose in 1982, Brian's bandmates intervened and urged him to seek assistance. This pivotal moment marked a turning point in his life and career.
Today, Brian is a successful American musician, singer, and songwriter, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to music.
In June 2022, Brian reached a significant milestone as he celebrated his 80th birthday.
Currently, he is being put under legal conservatorship. After the tragic death of his wife of nearly 30 years, Melinda, in January, Brian's family expressed concern for his well-being and decided to seek conservatorship.
According to a report by NPR, a Los Angeles judge ruled that Brian be placed under legal conservatorship due to a “major neurocognitive disorder."
Mike Love
Mike Love was born on March 15, 1941, in Los Angeles, California, United States.
Love, an American singer and songwriter, is best known as the lead vocalist of the iconic band, The Beach Boys. Throughout his career, Love has also been a prolific songwriter, contributing to many of The Beach Boys' most famous songs.
In addition to his work with The Beach Boys, Love has also pursued a solo career, releasing four solo albums.
In 2023, he released 'Mike Love Not War' album, highlighting his enduring presence in the music industry.
Recently, Love expressed his hope for a future collaboration between The Beach Boys existing members and Brian during an interview with BBC 4.
Al Jardine
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Al Jardine was born on September 3, 1942, in Lima, Ohio, United States.
Jardine is an American musician who played a pivotal role in the formation of The Beach Boys, co-founding the band alongside Brian, his brothers Carl and Dennis Wilson, and their cousin, Mike Love.
Throughout his career with The Beach Boys, Jardine's musical talent and dedication to the band's success were evident. His contributions helped shape the band's distinctive sound and contributed to their enduring popularity.
Some of his notable works include 'Help Me, Rhonda', 'Then I Kissed Her', 'Cottonfields', 'I Know There's an Answer', and 'Vegetables'.
Currently, Jardine continues to showcase his musical talents by performing his own music on tour.
David Marks
David Marks was born on August 22, 1948, in the United States. He joined The Beach Boys, taking over for Jardine on rhythm guitar, in 1962.
Later on, David left the group early in 1963. However, in the late '90s, David returned to tour with the group.
In 2007, David published an autobiography titled 'The Lost Beach Boy: The True Story of David Marks one of the founding members of the Beach Boys'. In 2015, he appeared in 'No Pier Pressure' along with Brian.
He continues to showcase his talent by performing his own music on tour.
Bruce Johnston
Bruce Johnston was born in Peoria, Illinois, United States, on June 27, 1942. He was later adopted by a wealthy Chicago family.
He joined The Beach Boys in 1965. After performing with the group for many years, he eventually left the group in 1972 to pursue his solo career.
Bruce Johnston is one of the producers of The Weeknd'salbum ‘Dawn FM’ (2022), in which he wrote and co-produced ‘Here We Go... Again’ featuring rapper Tyler, the Creator.
He continues to captivate audiences with his musical talents by performing his own music on tour.
Ricky Fataar
Ricky Fataar was born on September 5, 1952, in Durban, South Africa.
His first encounter with The Beach Boys occurred in 1969, marking the beginning of his long and influential association with the band. However, he left the group in 1974 and started to work with top musicians in the business.
Since 1979, he has been working with Bonnie Lynn Raitt, an American blues rock singer, guitarist, and songwriter.
Blondie Chaplin
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Blondie Chaplin was born on July 7, 1951, in Durban, South Africa.
He played in the band the Flames in the mid to late 1960s. During his tenure with The Beach Boys from 1972 to 1973, he made significant contributions to the band's music, particularly on the albums 'Carl and the Passions – So Tough' and 'Holland.'
Later in his career, he collaborated with renowned musicians like the Rolling Stones, where he played a supporting vocal role.
In 2023, he was seen with Los Lobos, a Mexican-American rock band from East Los Angeles, California, United States.
He remains an avid supporter of live music and continues to attend various shows featuring leading bands.
Dennis Wilson
Dennis Wilson was born on December 4, 1944, in Inglewood, California, United States.
He was an American musician who co-founded The Beach Boys. He was the second-oldest brother of bandmates Brian, Carl, and cousin of Mike Love.
He was one of the best musicians, singers, and songwriters. On December 28, 1983, Dennis died of drowning, marking the end of his significant contributions to music.
Carl Wilson
Carl Wilson was born on December 21, 1946, in Hawthorne, California, United States.
During the early years of The Beach Boys, Carl played a key role in shaping their sound, blending elements of rock, surf music, and vocal harmonies to create a unique and iconic sound.
As the band's lead guitarist, Carl contributed to their signature sound with his skillful guitar playing and harmonious vocals.
He died on February 7, 1998, at the age of 51, after a battle with lung cancer.
'The Beach Boys' trailer