What a week. The loss of two of the most inventive musicians and writers to grace our airwaves. For some reason the passing of Brian Wilson hits me very hard. He suffered immensely for the gift of genius. His struggles with mental health were well documented for decades - through childhood abuse & trauma, drugs, crippling bouts of depression, you name it....yet he never gave up on himself. He gave us so much beauty, joy and hope in his music. Nothing short of miraculous. He influenced endless tides of songwriters - the Velvet Underground's John Cale counts him as one of his primary influences. What a legacy he leaves. Kudos.
I've seen my share of great concerts - including legendary gigs by Frank Zappa (Halloween '77 & '78), Patti Smith, Blue Oyster Cult, The Grateful Dead & Jefferson Starship (with Grace Slick). However ranking amongst my top three gigs is easily The Beach Boys Central Park free concert on September 1, 1977. I was 17 and about to start my junior year of high school in a few days. I went with my rather young uncle Scott ( Two years older than me - through marriage, I may add) and his wife playfully called my " Auntie Jewels." We got there early enough to get reasonably close. The weather was perfect (early September in New York is always gorgeous), the Great Lawn was packed, the crowd easy going, varied and really into it. Joints, hash pipes and beer circulated around freely. I quite literally copped the best high I ever had in my life (it was all downhill from there). The Beach Boys were flawless, playing everything you wanted to hear At 17, being a way too cool kind of guy to dance or move at a gig, I somehow managed to dance n' sway along with the rest of the crowd. I had a blast. It was exhilarating. It was also the first time I got to hang out in NYC & the first time I ever rode the subway!
I've chosen my personal favorite Beach Boys song to share here. It was a toss up between this, Good Vibrations or Wouldn't It Be Nice. First thought, best thought! This song has always resonated with me.
So, sending Good Vibrations to Mr. Wilson, thanking him from the bottom of my heart, wishing him God Speed, celebrating the peace he has finally found. Leaving this plain on Tibetan Buddhism's most high holy day is certainly auspicious. Sail on Sailor! God Bless Brian Wilson, an American Original!
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