Brian Wilson - Imagination (1998 Documentary)

Promotional documentary of Brian Wilson's 1998 album "Imagination". Includes behind the scenes of the making of the album, live performances with Christopher Cross, Bruce Johnston and Timothy B. Schmit, as well as interviews with Peter Buck, Sean Lennon, Dianne Warren, Eric Clapton, Barenaked Ladies, Stevie Wonder, Jimmy Buffet, etc.
I don't own this video. Property of Giant Records and Image Entertainment.

[@pumagutten]

Brian Wilson was 80 years old this week so I am celebrating him and his glorious music the rest of the week. 🥇

[@johnmorris7262]

Me too been catching a wave 🌊 all month!! 🌞

[@pumagutten]

@@johnmorris7262 Good man, John!

[@progmot]

I wish Brian love & mercy. His music continues to mean a great deal to me.

[@marcusbradley4399]

And now 81. He’s lived 30 years longer than Carl Wilson

[@figmo397]

@@marcusbradley4399 I'm glad we still have Brian. I wish we still had Carl. It's gotta be hard on him having outlived his younger brothers. My BF is in the same position (outlived both of his younger siblings), and he still head trips about it.

[@bonniemaloney4882]

Went to Hawthorne High with Carl! He was a good friend and neighbor!❤️

[@kens2328]

Brian’s child-like innocence makes me want to keep anyone from ever hurting him again.

[@kens2328]

Brian is one of the most beautiful souls to ever walk the earth. Pure, pristine, unblemished, ego-less, and as bright as chrome in the sun. Thank you, God, for Brian. Can we borrow him for just a little longer? I’m sure the angelic chorus is missing his voice, but we still need him.

[@burlingtonbill1]

THIS, 1998, is the true moment "Brian Is Back," NOT the fake campaign in 1976 for the "15 Big Ones."

[@joen3992]

I see Christopher Cross, Bruce Johnston and Timothy Schmit singing backup...wow! Brian looks and sounds great!!

[@magictransistorradio4933]

Who would have thought that 23 years later, Brian would still be recording and touring?!

[@gregorymason3913]

Better than ever too!

[@davidmoore7968]

Brian Wilson is a musical genius! God has given this man a mega-gift.

[@45beezer]

This man is an international treasure! I was not into The Beach Boys in the sixties;; more into James Brown and Motown. Rediscovered them recently and am absolutely blown away by Brian’s harmonies, instrumentation, use of voices as instruments and unique bridges. That’s not even to mention how he expresses all that we feel as humans. If I could spend 15 minutes with any living person it would most definitely be Brian Wilson.

[@berrypicker5001]

Like you, I was into 'other' music, namely British Invasion of the time, chiefly the Beatles, and the Beach Boys didn't catch my ear until 'Don't Worry Baby', and later 'I Get Around'. But only a few years back did I become a HUGE Brian Wilson and Beach Boys fan.

[@steveskouson9620]

I'm right beside you! Although, I'd rather spend time with Carl Dean. steve

[@georgemusic4all4seasons]

Huge Four Seasons fan for years and got into The Beach Boys mid 70’s, Spirit of America Album, which really made me appreciate their music. I cant say I like all their albums but for me 66 and back are what really interest me.

[@dianemorris5816]

me too😊

[@johnjacob8832]

ALWAYS my absolute favorite band!

[@Ncp2666]

45:50 when he hears Ronnie Spector singing don’t worry baby ❤ my heart

[@paulbee8327]

I grew up in Inglewood (one town north of Hawthorne) Brian and I were born in the same hospital in Inglewood. When I get discouraged and lose my way I put on some Beach Boys and everything is right with the world again Reminds me where I am from and who I am. Brian has touched so many lives with his music. I gave his Imagination cd to my oldest brother and he loves it.

[@nataliarobinson9514]

Thank you for sharing I took time to read your comment. That’s so cool you were born in the same hospital. When I get stressed out I tune in to the BB. The soft melodies and harmonies soothe me

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

Share the music where ever you can Bro:) Whenever I see young people listening to Beach Boys or The Beatles it makes want to cry with joy that they get it.

[@burlingtonbill1]

Thanks for sharing this, Paul !

[@cletusblue]

Brian is America!

[@JohnnyBoy1969]

WoW! No matter how many times you hear Brian Wilson sing it's always like your hearing him for the first time! His singing is so Pure and Beautiful the voice of an Angel singing! Never will there be another Brian Wilson!

[@georgiapatriot13097]

Brian did such an amazing job at this concert 💯 My Dad would've loved and enjoyed watching this video; he was a huge Beach Boys fan! He's the one that got me into the Beach Boys ever since I was a kid. He had a great taste in music!

[@jimhoelscher4444]

This is probably the best Brian Wilson video ever done. The Imagination album is fabulous and I think it is really underappreciated by the music world.

[@burlingtonbill1]

Couldn't have said it any better, Jim! I keep coming back to this video several times a year. It may have been BW at his peak in later years. Based on his personal history of disliking to perform live, this is something of a miracle! (I think his wife Melinda is underappreciated, too!)

[@robbiedubbelman3024]

Imagination had some fantastic songwriting but Joe Thomas' corny production choices kind of reduced the quality of the final product. On Spotify there is an acapella of Imagination and it's incredible. The Harmonies, the melodies are superb. I feel like Brian wants to surround himself with people who make him feel comfortable more than anything, but sometimes his music suffers for it. I feel like if he had a great modern producer like Paul Epworth or Daniel Lanois who really get 60s+70s production he could still make a great album that stands the test of time. But then again, Brian is years past the age most people retire and decades past the age most musical geniuses like him die. We shouldn't really be demanding anything of him, considering just how much he's already given the world in spite of his struggles with mental health and addiction.

[@SeahorsesJay]

​@@robbiedubbelman3024Unfortunately, Brian was working with producers who understood him shortly before this. The Andy Paley sessions bore so much interesting music, very artistic and novel arrangements and productions akin to his 60s output. He then had the opportunity to be produced by Sean O'Hagan of the High Llamas which, most of us know would have unequivocally resulted in his best ever solo album. It was Melinda who instructed Brian to move away from Andy Paley and toward Joe Thomas. I actually like Imagination a lot but, there's absolutely no reason the Paley sessions couldn't have been finished in its own right before moving on to Joe Thomas. Check out You're Still A Mystery on the Made In California album - really novel chord progressions, super eerie and ominous atmosphere - and, features The Beach Boys' vocals. It really is quintessential Beach Boys both in terms of style and substance, it's just a shame Melinsa misjudged the situation so badly

[@blossomsquirrel]

@mikedavis8008 I think there's a lot of pre-recorded stuff going on here. When he does the title track (approx. 25 minutes in) you hear a lot of harmonies but an absence of anyone (apart from Brian) onstage providing those harmony parts. Besides, they sound like Brian's voice (multi-tracked). It's a great album, loved it since it came out, but this 'live' show sounds too close to the recording to be accepted as a genuinely live concert. David Evans.

[@briancox144]

A true legend Brian Wilson

[@zacthesnacdavidson]

We never have and never will deserve the blessing to the world that is Brian Wilson

[@DonVideoGuy007]

He is the most humble mega-musician/composer that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting backstage.

[@justinparkerthewildwolf6394]

This is a real treat and Brian looks so good in shape

[@peterobara6479]

you wouldn't like see him today

[@dmer-zy3rb]

@mikedavis8008 also honestly he looks decent for his age.

[@ianng5098]

He'a gone through such hard times and he didn't lose his softness, this is what I respect on him the most, he's a strong and wise person. I wish him so the best. I love you Brian..🇧🇷💚💙💛

[@burlingtonbill1]

He's a true SURVIVOR -- and he withstood Mikey's pushing, as well, for all those years.

[@tishthedish7684]

Omg! Christopher Cross!! 😮 😭😭. AWESOME - SO fitting ! In my Room - HELL YEA! and buffet, and BRUCE, 👏👏👏. I loved that SO much! 😘😘😘

[@goldwaterproductions]

The Imagination album is so damn good. Yeah Joe Thomas’ production choices make it sound a little too commercial, but the songwriting is impeccable and Brian’s vocals are really damn good.

[@scottlombardi4603]

Wow the interview with Sean Lennon was pretty amazing.

[@simonedwards9450]

This album came out not long after both my dad and best friend died within two months of each other so this really helped me with my grief. I love Brian and his music - it has really helped me and inspired me. When I hear the word genius, the first person I think of is Brian Wilson!

[@ENigma-um8zw]

One of my most favorite concerts of all time was seeing Brian Wilson and incredible band play and perform the entirety of Pet Sounds and selections from Smile, and a whole set prior filled with the Endless Summer-type hits, but seeing Pet Sounds in full, performed by and with its creator was musical heaven; it honestly felt like I was in the presence of one of the great composers in the rock and historical musical pantheon, like Bach, the Bach of rock!

[@stevenswann2835]

Yep. I know that feeling. That particular concert is my all-time favourite. It was like being in the presence of Michaelangelo painting the Sistine chapel. To be in the presence of such genius...it's difficult to express adequately in words.

[@evanbickerstaffe2512]

Something I will never forget - During his performance at Mahaffey Theater in St. Pete, FL on his Pet Sounds '16 tour, after God Only Knows, there was a 2-minute standing ovation from the crowd. It was incredible.

[@justinparkerthewildwolf6394]

Omg that's amazing yes hes a true composer of great music like one's from the past

[@burlingtonbill1]

Ditto.

[@AMEER-114-]

So sad.. that on the NEW SONGS Brian is just miming to the album vocal.. We dont get a LIVE performance... But a fake lying CHARADE only intended to FOOL the audience who came to see a LIVE show... And is giving its love to a lie.

[@Jpw824]

He still had some falsetto here

[@allymayful]

So good seeing Brian looking and sounding really great. An amazing doco.

[@brianwilson2024]

Hello Thanks for your comment and supports, your comments and constant support has brought me this far. Keep Supporting ❤️Please send me [e-mail]

[@makinachannel93]

Literally no one more perfect to fill in for Brian's vocals than Timothy 👌

[@dammitmandy1166]

All of those back up singers and they don’t sound as good as the Beach Boys did when they cut the record…that’s a magical sound that was only theirs 💕

[@Shay2312]

Family harmony hard to beat. And I agree while this group sounded good IT was Brian's voice that was great. As much as I enjoyed this, the Beach Boys as a group are unique.

[@rhondafannin4953]

Such a beautiful, incredible man!! Such a musical genius! So many generations have been touched through his lyrics and music.

[@Bretta55]

That short clip of Dennis putting his arms around Brian and Carl and pulling them all together was a real tear jerker for me. They were all worn out, battle scared and in need of healing at that point. Brian singing "Lay Down Burden" while it was shown really just went straight to the heart. Point 43:23. Point 40:25 for whole song (written by Brian to help him lay down the heavy burden of losing his two brothers.

[@burlingtonbill1]

Lay Down Burden is one of the top 3 songs (for me) on this amazing album!

[@SeahorsesJay]

Sean Lennon was so good with Brian, I genuinely believe he's a bigger Beach Boys' fan tha he is of The Beatles

[@bobareebop]

"South American" should have been a huge hit everywhere.

[@burlingtonbill1]

I prefer it greatly to "Kokomo," despite the absence of Carl.

[@johnmorris7262]

Surfs up till I die!! Thanks Brian for writing the soundtrack of our lives!! 🌞

[@chazmann108]

Brian's music is his gift to our ears - so pure and heartbreakingly authentic in every way.

[@evab.8109]

He STILL sounded GREAT! What a BEAUTIFUL voice! 👏🏽

[@robertdocwaltz7847]

RIP Jimmy! Thanks much from a fan!

[@burlingtonbill1]

Respecting Jimmy's work, but not keeping up with him, THIS video of him & Brian was literally the 1st thing that came to mind. Great guy to hang with, write songs with, perform with ... RIP, Mr. Buffett

[@willestlea2158]

Love seeing Bruce with Brian :)

[@rodrigocortesofficial]

I just finally saw this and was worried about the post Landy Era, but Brian, this was beautiful. I've listened to this album and I loooove it, it came out of nowhere and I'm in love!!!!!

[@jacqueline755]

We all have touchstones of Music, usually from our teens. Songs we know every word to, Songs that transport us. I was in. my Teens during the Beach Boys (and Motown!) -- Heaven!

[@AprilShowers1955]

Love seeing Brian happy, smiling, and so enthusiastic! Enjoyed hearing from his wife and seeing their family of children and dogs. Enjoy listening to the new selections too! Pleased to hear he has that studio in the basement of his home! He needs to put it to good use everyday!❤

[@ballsyrocker]

The dude on the keyboard when "She Needs Me " starts is from the group, Chicago (Robert Lamm ?) Jim Peterik with the loud striped shirt and hollow body acoustic was in Survivor and Shadows of Knight out of the city of Chicago. This was when solo Brian was his best in health and writing,I believe. So glad he has an adoring family and support.

[@tishthedish7684]

Never ceases to amaze me. 😭😭😭. Perfect.

[@trishaseaton351]

Wow! You are a pure gifted musical genius! I wish you were only about 30s-40’s so you could go another 40 years! Thank you for all you’ve done! I grew up with all these songs. I’m from L.A./O.C. And I remember vacations water skiing in Illinois with a group of friends there and then CA. Girls would come on.. I loved it! I still love Good Vibrations forever!

[@sheilalove5618]

SO GOOD TO SEE YOU BRIAN ... YOU HAVE STILL GOT IT ... I LOVE EVERYTHING YOU AND YOUR BAND MEMBERS DO ... REINVENTING YOURSELVES AGAIN AND AGAIN ... WONDERFUL TO HEAR THIS MUSIC ... LONG MAY IT CONTINUE ...

[@brianambrosemcmahon8531]

Brian has such a versatile voice and range truly a unique artist in every respect . . Composer writer collaborator, s genius .

[@garybishop4030]

Imagination sounds nice, I've never heard it before. I've loved this guy for over 50 years.

[@james-pierre7634]

Not just California girls, but every girl. He loved them all and gave them respect and sang about them in a good way. Not like todays misogynistic rap songs!

[@scottclute8413]

They were before the Beatles in my life!!!!

[@lesleyadams4279]

I always loved Brian singing when growing up. I will be eternally thankful for his music. This documentary filled my heart with hot as I watched it. Thank you Brian!!!!

[@steveclapham5587]

Wow that is superb

[@reisemoran8954]

this is literally one of the most underrated pop records ever. every song is so fucking good

[@cutchmaster]

I still love this album. Great songs, arrangements and the Brian Wilson touch.

[@juliemckeever5328]

Sorry Mike, you had that spot light for a minute But it was always Brian singing lead...Thanks for keeping it alive while he was suffering from his Father's abuse...but He is still here!

[@wilmamckee3448]

Beautiful. Never heard this before.

[@user-bu7ig1dr9e]

My Dad went Fishing with Dennis along time ago in a Galaxy far far away, Dennis was the nicest person ever, he had a Heart as big as all outdoors! ❤ I miss him so much 💕

[@Harveyhickory]

What a band - chris cross, timothy b schmitt...

[@alanyupongau8404]

Was that Timothy B Schmith of the Eagles

[@ENigma-um8zw]

Hearing Clapton say how I Get Around blew him away during the Yardbirds or Mayall’s Bluesbreakers and then getting influenced by the power of the Pet Sounds that influenced so many of those eventual powerhouse artists and acts from England. The power and magic of music and the influence it connects always amazes and excites me as a music and history fan of all of these people.

[@tishthedish7684]

I’m blown away - really.

[@momdisney]

That was fantastic - ❤️❤️❤️…

[@scottclute8413]

Sheer brilliance...

[@kimwestwood8840]

With Timothy Schmidt you cant go wrong..Brian Wilson rocks

[@Ncp2666]

Thanks for sharing this. Truly the rarest kind of human, one of the very few on this earth: a humble genius

[@dennymartin18]

This man's music is joyous. It's like Jesus died for my sins, I am forgiven and Brian Wilson's music starts playing as the credits roll on my life...

[@lastnamefirst4035]

😀

[@markrymanowski719]

You are only forgiven if you repent. Brian Wilson is an angel. Yes. Straight out of the bible. The words of Jesus; 'If you believe in me, you will surely have eternal life, and life in abundance. Brian Wilson has just that. Loved by millions.

[@tishthedish7684]

DUDE - only BRIAN could do California Girls like THat!!!!! ✊🥰❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥. Right on. That’s something man, going AGAIN at that time WOW. admire that so much!

[@rolfhein7336]

Brian Wilson - for me one of the greatest musician an the world

[@cjm3122]

for me, THE greatest

[@counterpuncher01]

What a great album, show...he sounds wonderful

[@gomentil]

Timothy B Schmitt for the win!

[@jackTR11]

I was already a big big fan of Bryan Wilson but having seen this movie makes me even more fan. Thanks Bryan for all your music from a Canadian fan in Montreal

[@Mozart1220]

It's BRIAN. The only REAL way to spell it (It's MY name as well)

[@MsVolksOnlineClassroom]

This was a great period of time for Brian. Thank God for Melinda Ledbetter She helped get him back on track. Here the voice was still strong and he seems very lucid and happy. These days he seems more distant (but nonetheless I am so glad he is with us!)

[@burlingtonbill1]

Amen! (btw, it's "Ledbetter.") She is Brian's angel. Have you seen the movie "Love & Mercy" ?

[@MsVolksOnlineClassroom]

@@burlingtonbill1 Yes, it's one of my all time favorites.

[@allenjones3130]

Not only did Melinda help Brian get back on track; she helped him get rid of Landy!

[@AMEER-114-]

So sad.. that on the NEW SONGS Brian is just miming to the album vocal.. We dont get a LIVE performance... But a fake lying CHARADE only intended to FOOL the audience who came to see a LIVE show... And is giving its love to a lie.

[@Wolfsky9]

" She Says That She Needs Me " is just gorgeous, & could have been on " Pet Sounds ", or " Sunflower" , easily. --------------------------Wolfsky9, 74 y/o

[@jillorton3004]

Is anyone at all interested in your age??

[@dianagorden9171]

Brian is a musical superstar. Getting to know who The Beach Boys were back in the late 60’s was just a fantastic. Having my mother show us her high school yearbook and seeing them at such young age was a complete thrill, and very enjoyable. I have always love ❤️ the music Brian has written and has a great harmony. I will always be a #1 fan. Brian Wilson pet sounds concert was just a complete blast 💥. My hoodie from the concert always gets me many compliments. ♥️

[@nataliarobinson9514]

Lay down Burden was written for Carl when he passed away. Very beautiful piece, I still listen to it

[@Bretta55]

A real tear jerker for me.

[@dalecarmody4860]

Wonderful to see Brian in his happy place again .

[@nataliarobinson9514]

@@dalecarmody4860 I’m going to see The Beach Boys tomorrow for a concert Brian is still doing his beautiful music God bless him

[@burlingtonbill1]

@@nataliarobinson9514 Did you see Mikey's "Beach Boys" or Brian's band?

[@AMEER-114-]

So sad.. that on the NEW SONGS Brian is just miming to the album vocal.. We dont get a LIVE performance... But a fake lying CHARADE only intended to FOOL the audience who came to see a LIVE show... And is giving its love to a lie.

[@steveskouson9620]

James W Buffett! Amazing author, writer, composer and singer! Thanks, Jimmy! Brian is #1. You are # 1.001. Carl, not even on the charts. steve

[@dennymartin18]

Jimmy Buffett lived in New Orleans when he was starting out. That local music may have also influenced him. I would love to hear a BW collaboration with some N'Awlins second line funk music infused into it. ⚜️

[@jeffthevideoguy23]

If this was the one filmed in St. Charles, IL, I was there.

[@patton303]

Never saw this. Can’t go wrong with all these amazing cats singing backups. Wow.

[@lastrada52]

I was never a big Christopher Cross fan but Cross fits with these guys perfectly. With the album Imagination, Brian Wilson proved he was the essence of the Beach Boys. Even the kate great master Sir George Martin -- the Beatles' genius producer visited Brian Wilson to discuss his process. After all, The Beatles were 4 composers + George Martin & The Beach Boys at their best -- had only Brian. This is why he was admired so much.

[@burlingtonbill1]

Great point about Sir GM - overlooked & missed by many Fab 4 fans.

[@burlingtonbill1]

ABSOLUTELY ! So many fans of both groups don't know this !

[@timothyflyte9443]

Thanks for posting. I have this on vhs.

[@charlestehuia9263]

Timothy B Schmidt among the Beach boys, really amazing, cool, he's an awesome talent on his own and very much a member of the Eagles ❤

[@Matt-cm8hh]

Genius

[@ryancarroll3961]

Brian Wilson is The Beach Boys I’ve always had a problem with how the group used so many different people with their touring. I just choose to think of Brian as the constant that made such wonderful music

[@jimlaregina]

39:55 If the IMAGINATION album comprised "Lay Down, Burden" and thirty minutes of Brian Wilson snoring, it would be worth owning just for "Lay Down, Burden."

[@scottclute8413]

The man has certainly "paid his dues"!!!!

[@PRDewhurst]

I loved Imagination at first listen when it came out, and often revisit it. Probably Brian’s best post-BBs work, despite the very “of its time” production. The songs really shine in this live setting, I wish the record had been cut with this sort of vibe. How good is Brian here?! His falsetto on She Says That She Needs Me is just soaring. I have seen Brian many times from 2002 onwards, including the BBs 50th anniversary tour, and all were compelling but his performances here are out of this world.

[@michaelwandell2533]

Wow. Brian resembles his younger self here a lot.

[@gailneedham9930]

I have watched so many of the old videos learning more about him and the Beach Boys and after, I can always see that younger face peering out when I see him now as an older person. He is still that younger person at heart

[@gigid9606]

he looks good, not too tired, not too old, nice hair, happy. I wish we all can stay that way into eternity. I feel blessed that I grew up listening to a genius and his music. I feel bad for the younger kids

[@weezadam]

he's always been a shape shifter but still young at heart

[@MsVolksOnlineClassroom]

Yes, agreed!!

[@brianwilson2024]

Hello Thanks for your comment and supports, your comments and constant support has brought me this far. Keep Supporting ❤️Please send me [e-mail]

[@Nethanel773]

Thanks for putting this up.

[@michaelsuess6744]

Simply fantastic...an amazing musician, a magical concert!

[@BeccaD79]

Awesome feature and love seeing TBS!

[@johnjacob8832]

Simply the best!!!!!

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

This is one of the most insightful music docs I have ever seen on Brian Wilson. I'm quite obsessed with his music and the Beach Boys so a big thank-u for posting this:)

[@jerrileegeorge7385]

I only wish someone would do something so in-depth about Carl. RIP God bless you Brian!

[@derekbeauchamp2409]

Just brilliant !

[@rolandvillareal9337]

Total greatness , we are lucky to have his music , an American treasure .

[@Shay2312]

EXCELLENT & Brian looked really great & sounded fantastic. I've been a fan of BB since 1963. Had a huge teen crush on Brain & was so unhappy when I saw them in concert about 1967 or '68 that Brian was no longer touring. And for some silly reason I've never liked Bruce Johnson as he stepped in to fill Brian's place. The Lonely Sea is my favorite song by BB.

[@beandipcartography]

Christopher Cross is a genius.

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

I know. His songs are beautiful.

[@andrewdix8038]

Wow BW really seems well here, better than in nearly any other video I've seen post 1965.

[@davidhoffmann4114]

Great to see Brian so alive and healthy!

[@allanbarsness6076]

love this song

[@evapalosdelarosa2904]

😮wow, they all harmonized great!

[@knockedoutloaded279]

he was great live at this time....

[@1928missbliss]

Imagination is my fav Brian Wilson Post Beach Boys LP!

[@burlingtonbill1]

Me, too !

[@burlingtonbill1]

I'll prolly catch a load of crap for this, but I'd MUCH rather hear "South American" -- every-day -of-the-week-&-twice-on--Sunday -- than that cobbled-together "Kokomo" (that Mikey NEVER tires of bragging was a bigger hit than "Good Vibrations," and DIDN'T HAVE ANY help from Brian). So what if it was a #1? It was a gimmicky song -- too many "cute" words and propelled by the major exposure of "Cocktail." Numbers are a terrible yardstick -- "Pet Sounds" and "Sunflower" were, IMHO, the Boys' 2 best albums of all time, and were relative commercial flops. The throwaway song "Barbara Ann" (a #2) out-charted masterpieces like "The Little Girl I Once Knew" (#20) and God Only Knows (#39). In case you don't recall, music legend Sir Paul termed that latter song "brilliant." Numbers don't mean jack (except more $$$ in Mikey's back pocket.) I

[@johnmorris7262]

Couldn’t have said it better fellow Surfer!! 🏄‍♂️