The Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson, who sadly died on 11 June, previously battled mental health issues along with drug and alcohol abuse and once issued a clear warning to his fans
The Beach Boys singer Brian Wilson had a history of drug and alcohol struggles.
Wilson, who sadly died today (June 11)] aged 82, had substance abuse and mental health issues that forced him to withdraw from the spotlight just as the band were reaching the height of their fame.
He formed the group with brothers Carl and Dennis along with their cousin Mike and friend Al, and the five piece band went on to become one of America’s biggest rock bands with an iconic, instantly recognisable signature sound.
Some of their biggest hits include Wouldn’t It Be Nice, Surfin’ USA, Kokomo, Good Vibrations and God Only Knows just to name a few.
They quickly skyrocketed into the charts and became overnight celebrities, which resulted in bookings, shows and tours around the country.
The rockstar lifestyle became so overwhelming that Brian had a panic attack and suffered a nervous breakdown back in 1967, which left him shaken. The singer decided to turn his attention to more behind-the-scenes work and focussed on production.
Throughout the 1970s Brian turned to drugs, reportedly cocaine and hallucinogens, in an attempt to cope with his depression.
In a 2005 interview with New York Magazine, Brian was asked about the drugs that had inspired his albums and replied: “Pet Sounds was marijuana. The Van Dyke Parks song [Smile] was Benzedrine. Psychedelics put you in a vocal mood. They make you want to sing. It’s like when a bird lands on a wire.”
However, in 2016 he told Rolling Stone that he “told a lot of people not to take psychedelic drugs” because they are “mentally dangerous,” even admitting that he “regrets having taken LSD” and branded it a “bad drug”.
At the time of his deepest depression in the 70s, The Beach Boys legend allegedly couldn’t get out of bed for days on end.
Although his public appearances were rare, Brian was pictured wearing a dressing gown and he began to gain weight, at one point reportedly reaching over 300lbs.
He was later diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, symptoms of which can include hallucinations, depression, paranoia and mania.
Brian spoke to Ability magazine back in 2006 and touched upon his mental health battle. He said: “Well, for the past 40 years I’ve had auditory hallucinations in my head, all day every day, and I can’t get them out.”
“Every few minutes the voices say something derogatory to me which discourages me a little bit, but I have to be strong enough to say to them: ‘Hey, would you quit stalking me? F*** off! Don’t talk to me, leave me alone!’ I have to say these types of things all day long. It’s like a fight.”
Wilson was also forced to postpone some dates on his Pet Sounds and Greatest Hits Live Tour as he felt “mentally insecure” after having surgery on his back.
Although he was working in the studio doing what he loved, Brian said his mental health issues had “crept back” and was struggling with “stuff in his head,” which caused him to “say things he didn’t mean”.
“It is no secret that I have been living with mental illness for many decades. There were times when it was unbearable but with doctors and medications I have been able to live a wonderful, healthy and productive life with support from my family, friend and fans who have helped me through this journey.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
