Challenges in the Life of Brian Wilson in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Brian Wilson faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Brian Wilson is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer, best known as a co-founder of the Beach Boys. Recognized for his innovative approaches to pop composition and mastery of recording techniques, he's considered one of the most significant songwriters of the 20th century. His work is characterized by high production value, complex harmonies and orchestrations, vocal layering, and introspective themes. He is also known for his vocal range and mental health struggles.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

December 1964: Psychiatrist visit due to work-related fatigue

Following a flight incident in Houston in December 1964, Marilyn arranged Brian Wilson's first psychiatrist visit, which ruled his condition was due to work-related fatigue.

December 23, 1964: Breakdown on Flight to Houston

On December 23, 1964, Brian Wilson experienced a breakdown on a flight from Los Angeles to Houston, sobbing uncontrollably due to stress over his recent marriage. He played the show in Houston but was replaced for the rest of the tour.

1964: Psychological Strain and Shift Away from Surf Themes

By late 1964, Brian Wilson faced mounting psychological strain from career pressures and began distancing himself from the Beach Boys' surf-themed material.

1964: First Nervous Breakdown and Instrumental Palette Maximization

Following his first nervous breakdown in 1964, Brian Wilson aimed to maximize his instrumental palette, drawing inspiration from Phil Spector's techniques but aiming for audio clarity.

1964: Nervous Breakdown and Shift in Focus

In 1964, Brian Wilson experienced a nervous breakdown and consequently resigned from regular concert touring to concentrate on songwriting and production.

1965: Introduction to Recreational Drugs and Hallucinations

Brian Wilson was introduced to recreational drugs by an acquaintance during a Beach Boys tour in 1965. Shortly after his first use of psychedelics, he began experiencing hallucinations.

1965: Composition of "Please Let Me Wonder"

In 1965, Brian Wilson composed his first song under the influence of marijuana, which was "Please Let Me Wonder".

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1965: Religious Experience with LSD

In 1965, Brian Wilson had what he considered to be a very religious experience after taking LSD, which taught him patience and understanding.

1965: Separation and Reconciliation with Marilyn

In 1965, Marilyn temporarily separated from Brian Wilson due to his drug-associated social circle. The couple soon reconciled, and later in 1965, they moved into a new home in Beverly Hills.

1965: LSD Experience Described Through Music

In mid-1965, Brian Wilson invited a bandmate to Studio B and played a single piano note, describing what he heard while on LSD, signaling to his bandmate that he was in trouble.

1965: Diagnosis of Schizoaffective Disorder and Auditory Hallucinations

Since 1965, Brian Wilson has regularly experienced auditory hallucinations and he was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and mild bipolar disorder.

1965: Musical Ambitions and LSD Use

Throughout 1965, Brian Wilson's musical ambitions progressed with the albums 'The Beach Boys Today!' and 'Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!)'. He also took LSD for the first time, an experience that he said "tore my head off" but also led to composing portions of "California Girls". Later in 1965, he attributed paranoia to his LSD use.

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March 1966: Release of "Caroline, No" and its Reception

In March 1966, "Caroline, No" was released as the lead single from 'Pet Sounds', marking Brian Wilson's first solo credit and fueling speculation about his departure from The Beach Boys. The single reached number 32, while Pet Sounds reached number 10. Wilson was disappointed in the album's reception.

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1966: Turning Point and Erratic Behavior

Associates often cite late 1966 as a turning point for Brian Wilson, coinciding with erratic behavior during sessions for the track "Fire" (or "Mrs. O'Leary's Cow").

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1966: Pills usage for introspection

By 1966, Brian Wilson acknowledged using pills for introspection rather than leisure and viewed psychedelic usage as benign.

1966: Spector's retirement catalysts rock/pop split

In 1981, sociomusicologist Simon Frith identified Phil Spector's self-imposed retirement in 1966 as a catalyst for the "rock/pop split that has afflicted American music ever since".

1966: Description of Breakdowns

Speaking in 1966, Brian Wilson described the December 23, 1964 breakdown as "the first of a series of three breakdowns".

1967: Decline of Smile project

In 1967, Brian Wilson's expanding circle influenced his business and creative affairs while working on Smile, the planned follow-up to Pet Sounds. Television producer David Oppenheim characterized the attended scenes as "a playpen of irresponsible people."

1967: Simon Frith on Wilson's Withdrawal

In 1981, sociomusicologist Simon Frith identified Brian Wilson's withdrawal in 1967 as a catalyst for the "rock/pop split that has afflicted American music ever since".

1968: Hospitalization and Thorazine Prescription

By 1968, following the birth of his first child, Brian Wilson's mental health concerns intensified, leading to his hospitalization and prescription of Thorazine for severe anxiety disorder.

1968: Decline in Songwriting, Emotional State, and Substance Abuse

For the remainder of 1968, Brian Wilson's songwriting output and emotional state declined substantially, leading him to self-medicate with food, alcohol, and drugs, including cocaine introduced by Danny Hutton. Hutton stated that Wilson expressed suicidal ideation, marking the onset of Wilson's "real decline".

1968: Smile Scrapped and Release of "Heroes and Villains"

In 1968, Brian Wilson explained that the Smile project was scrapped. That July, The Beach Boys released "Heroes and Villains" as a single, and its mixed reception further strained Wilson's morale, contributing to his professional and psychological decline.

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1968: Hospitalization and Seclusion

In mid-1968, Brian Wilson was admitted to a psychiatric hospital. After being discharged later in 1968, he rarely finished tracks for The Beach Boys and became increasingly withdrawn.

May 1969: Disclosure of Near-Bankruptcy and Radiant Radish Opening

In May 1969, Brian Wilson disclosed The Beach Boys' near-bankruptcy to reporters, derailing negotiations with Deutsche Grammophon. That July, he opened a short-lived health food store, the Radiant Radish.

November 1970: Performance at Whisky a Go Go

In November 1970, Brian Wilson performed with The Beach Boys at the Whisky a Go Go. However, he had to leave mid-performance during the second show due to intense discomfort.

April 1972: Limited Involvement in Carl and the Passions

During the recording of 'Carl and the Passions' in April 1972, Brian Wilson rarely left his bedroom, though his contributions were notable when he did. His unavailability was so significant that his image had to be superimposed into the group portrait.

June 1973: Brian Wilson's Seclusion After Father's Death

In June 1973, Brian Wilson secluded himself after his father's death, spending time in the chauffeur's quarters of his home abusing drugs and alcohol, overeating, and exhibiting self-destructive behavior. He rarely left his home, and his family eventually took control of his finances due to his drug expenditures.

1974: Brian Wilson's Reclusive Lifestyle

In 1974, Brian Wilson became increasingly reclusive, spending his time snorting cocaine and reading magazines like Playboy and Penthouse. He spent many nights at Danny Hutton's house in Laurel Canyon, fraternizing with colleagues like Alice Cooper and Iggy Pop. On one occasion in 1974, Wilson interrupted a Larry Coryell performance at The Troubadour by leaping on stage and singing "Be-Bop-A-Lula."

1975: Decline in Health and Intervention

In 1975, Brian Wilson's increased consumption of food, cigarettes, alcohol, and other drugs strained his marriage and health, with his weight reaching 240 pounds. An intervention involving the band's lawyers and accountants was arranged, and he was later placed in Eugene Landy's therapy program in October.

1975: Minimal Output and Continued Reclusion

In 1975, Brian Wilson's output was minimal due to a diminished capacity for sustained concentration. He continued snorting cocaine, reading magazines, and socializing at Danny Hutton's house.

1976: Landy Refutes Paranoid Schizophrenia Diagnosis

In 1976, Landy refuted the diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia for Brian Wilson, suggesting his main issue was "being scared".

1977: "Adult/Child" Not Released, CBS Contract

In early 1977, Brian Wilson produced "Adult/Child", but some bandmates voiced concerns leading to its non-release. In March, The Beach Boys signed with CBS Records, requiring Wilson to compose most of the material for subsequent albums.

October 1978: "M.I.U. Album" Sessions

During the sessions for M.I.U. Album in October 1978, Brian Wilson experienced a "mental blank-out" and was credited as the album's "executive producer."

November 1978: Institutionalization at Brotzman Memorial Hospital

In November 1978, after attacking his doctor, Brian Wilson was initially admitted to Brotzman Memorial Hospital for three months.

1978: Regress and Overdose

In 1978, after a disastrous Australian tour, Brian Wilson regressed and began secretly acquiring cocaine and barbiturates. Following an overdose in mid-1978, he hitchhiked to various locations and was eventually found in Balboa Park, leading to hospitalization for alcohol poisoning.

March 1979: Brian Asks Bruce Johnston to Take Over "L.A. (Light Album)"

In March 1979, after producing demos and early recordings, Brian Wilson asked that Bruce Johnston take over the project for L.A. (Light Album).

March 1980: Unable or Unwilling to Produce "Keepin' the Summer Alive"

In March 1980, although Brian Wilson's bandmates urged him to produce their next album, Keepin' the Summer Alive, he was unable or unwilling to do so.

1980: "Cocaine Sessions" with Dennis Wilson

In 1980, Dennis Wilson occasionally provided Brian Wilson with McDonald's hamburgers and cocaine to motivate him musically. They engaged in clandestine recording sessions that later became known as the "cocaine sessions" or "hamburger sessions."

1981: "Cocaine Sessions" with Dennis Wilson

In 1981, Dennis Wilson occasionally provided Brian Wilson with McDonald's hamburgers and cocaine to motivate him musically. They engaged in clandestine recording sessions that later became known as the "cocaine sessions" or "hamburger sessions."

1981: Simon Frith on Wilson's Withdrawal

In 1981, sociomusicologist Simon Frith identified Brian Wilson's withdrawal in 1967 as a catalyst for the "rock/pop split that has afflicted American music ever since".

1981: Assault Conviction of Pamplin and Stan Love

In early 1981, Rocky Pamplin and Stan Love were convicted of assaulting Dennis Wilson after learning he had been providing Brian Wilson with drugs.

1982: Ruse to Reenter Landy's Program

In 1982, after overdosing on alcohol, cocaine, and other drugs, Brian Wilson's family and management staged an elaborate ruse to persuade him to reenter Eugene Landy's program. He was falsely informed that he was destitute and no longer a Beach Boy.

1982: Trust Document and Hospitalization

In early 1982, Brian Wilson signed a trust document granting Carl Wilson control of his finances. Brian was involuntarily admitted for a three-day stay at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, and by the end of the year, his weight exceeded 340 pounds.

1983: Landy Assumes Role as Creative and Financial Partner

Between 1983 and 1986, Eugene Landy charged approximately $430,000 annually. Eugene Landy gradually assumed the role of Brian Wilson's creative and financial partner, representing him at Brother Records, Inc. meetings and controlling every aspect of Wilson's life.

1985: Brian Wilson's Attempted Suicide

In mid-1985, Brian Wilson later claimed that he attempted suicide by swimming as far out to sea as possible before one of Eugene Landy's aides retrieved him.

1986: Landy Assumes Role as Creative and Financial Partner

August 1989: $100 Million Lawsuit Against Irving Music

In August 1989, Brian Wilson filed a $100 million lawsuit against Irving Music to reclaim song publishing rights sold by his father.

May 1991: Conservatorship Suit Filed

In May 1991, a conservatorship suit was filed by Brian Wilson's family, which ultimately led to the dissolution of his partnership with Landy in December.

December 1994: Jury Rules in Favor of Mike Love

In December 1994, a jury ruled in favor of Mike Love in a lawsuit against Brian Wilson over long-neglected royalties and songwriting credits, awarding Love $5 million and a share of future royalties.

September 1995: $10 Million Suit Against Jerome Billet

In September 1995, Brian Wilson sued his former conservator, Jerome Billet, seeking $10 million for alleged failures in supervising the lawyers handling the Irving Music and Love lawsuits.

June 1998: Release of "Imagination"

In June 1998, Brian Wilson released his third solo album, *Imagination*, which peaked at number 88 in the U.S. and received criticism for its homogenized radio pop sound. Shortly before its release, his brother Carl and their mother Audree passed away.

August 1999: Lawsuit Against Joe Thomas

In August 1999, Brian Wilson filed a lawsuit against Joe Thomas, seeking damages and a declaration that he could work on his next album without Thomas's involvement. Thomas counter-sued, alleging manipulation by Wilson's wife, and the case was settled out of court.