His passing, announced by his family on June 11, has been met with mourning across the globe, including in Shepparton, where fans were treated to a taste of his legacy just last year.
Musician and The News columnist Joe Matera had the opportunity to be in Wilson’s orbit.
“I was four years old in 1969 when I was introduced to the music of The Beach Boys through their 1966 musical masterpiece of an album, Pet Sounds,” Mr Matera said.
“Though the actual album that was bought for me, at the Retravision store in Kyabram, (which at the time also sold records and tapes), was the 1969 Australian reissue that was retitled, The Fabulous Beach Boys.
“Imagine my surprise when decades later, in 2002, I was granted a phone interview with Brian Wilson, who was doing pre-tour promo for his upcoming Australian tour.
“I found Brian convivial and open to all my questioning, which he answered, even though some were very brief in content.
“One of the memorable moments of my interview was when I asked Brian where the inspiration for the groundbreaking sounds of the Beach Boys hit Good Vibrations had come from.
“’The idea for that main motif came to me because of my mother,’ he answered.
“’She had told me that dogs bark at some people and don’t bark at others because they pick up on vibrations from people.
“’Then later on Mike Love came over to my house and I started playing some music, and he’s going ‘I’m picking up good vibrations’ and instantly got into it.
“’So, we wrote it there and then. It took six recording sessions to do that song.’
“At that point, Brian suddenly broke out into song, singing, ‘I’m pickin’ up good vibrations…’ to drive home his point to me.
“Even over the phone, Brian’s voice sounded rich and majestic.”
Shepparton may be a long way from California’s sandy beaches, but Wilson’s music continues to strike a chord with local audiences.
On May 10, 2024, Riverlinks Eastbank hosted The Beach Boys Experience, a tribute act dedicated to recreating the sunshine-soaked harmonies of the original band.
The evening was filled with classics such as Surfin’ USA, California Girls and Good Vibrations, drawing a full house of local fans who came for the nostalgia.
While the tribute band brought joy to long-time Beach Boys fans, many said the magic of the real deal was unmatched.
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