11 June 2025 is a sad day for the music community, and for the world in general. Brian Wilson caught the Big Kahuna Wave and rode it towards the Heavens. Although the world has lost such a pure soul, he is now reunited with his brothers, Carl and Dennis. I take solace in this.
When I woke up this morning, I saw four phone messages with Brian Wilson as the headings. I knew.
This is my way to grief and pay my personal tribute to a prodigious Music Giant who made the world a better and more harmonious place to live in.
I trust that today, and the weeks that follow, as I am typing this tribute blog, everywhere around the world there are Beach Boys and Brian Wilson songs being played over the airwaves and at homes. “I Get Around” is blasting in the next room right now.
It is of no surprise that even iconic music composers regard Brian Wilson as America’s Mozart. Brian was an undisputed genius in complex song composition, three-part vocal harmonies and multi-layered recording studio wunkerkind.
Me and my hero, Brian Wilson (above image). Me in the presence of greatness.
Note: most rock photographers choose to be attired in discrete black (shirts and pants), I chose to wear an aloha shirt in keeping with the aloha spirit of the band. I figured it will be alright with the band.
My personal collection of Brian Wilson and Beach Boys concert passes (above image) collected over the decades.
Brian Wilson lived a tragic and drama-filled life but he channeled his pain into crafting upbeat, hope-filled, melodic songs that healed and uplifted the world.
My portrait of the Music Maestro (above image).
My personal collection of Beach Boys CDs (above image).
I am glad Brian Wilson managed to re-visit his abandoned enigmatic magnum opus, the 1967 “Smile” album 37 years later. Mega-credit must be given to music prodigy Darian Sahanaja (born in Indonesia) for sensitively guiding back and giving confidence to Brian in finally completing the long-awaited mythical missing masterpiece in Brian’s music legacy in 2004. Brian even staged numerous “Smile” concerts around the world.
I am honoured that The Beach Boys featured my iconic image of them bowing to their audience on the cover of their “50th Anniversary Live Album” (above image). It is the only one amongst their colourful album cover catalogue to be in B/W.
Brian Wilson signs my three Mini Surfboards (above image).
Brian Wilson signing my three Mini Surfboards image (above image) is featured in their “50th Anniversary Live” album.
My signed three Mini Surfboards (above image). Signed by all five Beach Boys. With my used 2016 USA “SURFS UP” license plate.
My personal collection of Brian Wilson CDs (above image).
My treasured signed Beach Boys 50th Anniversary Concert Program (above image).
The solitary and deep thinking Brian Wilson during his performance (above image), giving his best to his adoring fans.
I was ten feet away from him, soaking in his piano brilliance, putting my camera away after I captured this precious moment.
The Bass of Brian Wilson (above image).
My Colorado “Beach Boys” used car license plate (above image). Amongst my rock photography themed used license plates.
Do give my previous tribute blog, “Brian Wilson” a read.
R.I.P. / Surf’s Up, Brian Wilson!
