Surfing through time: “The Beach Boys” ride the wave of 60 years in new book

“The Beach Boys by The Beach Boys" chronicles the band’s rise to fame and features unseen photos.

The Beach Boys, iconic purveyors of sun-soaked harmonies and surf-rock anthems, have unveiled their comprehensive journey in a new book titled "The Beach Boys by The Beach Boys." 

Chronicling their evolution from a humble garage band in a Los Angeles suburb in the early 1960s to global music sensations, the book boasts a treasure trove of previously unreleased photographs capturing pivotal recording sessions and electrifying concert moments.

At the London launch event on Thursday evening, band members Mike Love and Bruce Johnston shared insights into the creation of the book. Love emphasized the significance of the publication, stating, "It's high time we had a really good book." Johnston reiterated the sentiment, affirming, "We actually wrote this… this is a book from The Beach Boys."

Authored through the perspectives of Love, Johnston, Brian Wilson, and late members Dennis and Carl Wilson, along with Al Jardine, the book provides a multifaceted narrative of the band's extraordinary journey.

The Beach Boys, formed in 1961 by the Wilson brothers, Love, Jardine, and later joined by Johnston in 1965, have left an indelible mark on music history. 

Their repertoire spans from infectious pop anthems such as "Surfin' U.S.A." to intricate compositions like "Good Vibrations" and "Surf's Up," encapsulating the spirit of Southern California's carefree youth culture.

However, amidst their musical triumphs, the band faced personal struggles, notably with Brian Wilson's well-documented mental health challenges. 

Recently, a court approved a petition to place Wilson under a conservatorship, citing concerns about his ability to care for himself following his wife's passing.

Despite these challenges, the band remains resilient. Love disclosed a recent gathering with Wilson at Paradise Cove, reminiscing about past experiences and sharing impromptu a cappella performances. Some of these moments will feature in the forthcoming documentary, "The Beach Boys," set to premiere on Disney+ on May 24.

Moreover, the band, along with director/producer Frank Marshall, convened at Abbey Road Studios in London for a special Q&A event, coinciding with the 58th anniversary of their landmark album "Pet Sounds." The event celebrated the enduring legacy of The Beach Boys, showcasing never-before-seen footage and interviews with band members and industry luminaries.

"The Beach Boys" documentary promises to offer an intimate portrayal of the band's journey, featuring exclusive interviews with key members and notable figures from the music industry. Accompanying the film's release, the official soundtrack will be available for streaming and download on May 24, while the band's classic album "Shut Down, Vol. 2" receives a limited edition vinyl release.