The Brian Wilson Story: The Beach Boys Tortured Genius

Documentary. Visit the secret locations of Pet Sounds, Capitol Studios, Hawthorne, Laurel Way, Malibu, Manson House. Life & Times Documentary & More.
Rock Essentials With Tim.
Proceeds from this video go to Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles. If you would like to donate please go to: bbbsla.org/
Special Thanks: Keith Munson at EastWest Studios Hollywood.
Ridge & Kim for showing me what a real Beach Boy fan looks like.
Photos: Wiki Commons.
Original Music: Tim P.
I reserve the right to be on occasion, full of it.

[@vrzM8]

This 19 minute video is infinitely more interesting and passionate than the new Disney+ release. Thanks for sharing this Tim

[@RockessentialTim]

I haven't seen it but I'll trust your obviously great judgement!

[@Roman_R4]

love your instrumentals matt

[@jasonedenilson]

Hey Tim, thanks for making all these videos. As a 25 year old born long after the rock n roll years, it’s really nice to see content on all my favorites and their hangouts. Your work does not go unappreciated!!

[@RockessentialTim]

I love hearing comments like yours. My hope of hopes is that someone of your generation comes along and gives rock music the gigantic kick in the pants that it needs and deserves. Thanks!

[@tomcarl8021]

I was at a Brian Wilson autograph signing at Tower Records in Greenwich Village, about 1992 (?). He signed my copies of 'Sunflower' and 'Friends'.

[@oldermusiclover]

lucky you

[@blayneaugust]

Born in '63, so I can't remember (nor would I want to imagine) a world without Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys. Your history lessons fascinate and captivate - thank you Tim!

[@RockessentialTim]

You are welcome, young man!

[@oldermusiclover]

born 19 years before you and loved them too

[@italianboy1963]

I just love Brian Wilson. His music got me through life as a young kid as a teen in the sixties He saved my soul. God bless you Brian.

[@RockessentialTim]

I love getting to visit places I've never been to before here in my adopted hometown in California and can't think of anyone who exemplifies this place more than these guys.

[@Kim-i1e6q]

Absolutely loved visiting with you and being a little part of this. Ridge grew up as an avid Beach Boy fan as you know but I think a teenage kid now wanting to travel and see where all they write about and where they lived is a true indication of how their music still impacts!

[@RockessentialTim]

Kim: I've made quite a few of these vids now and meeting you and Ridge was actually the first time I ever got to hang out with folks who were fans of the band. It was def the highlight of making this vid for me and I'm so glad we got to film a little of it for posterity, I loved it! You guys be well and keep rocking. Tim.

[@mikebrison1838]

Another great one, Tim. Before marriage, Brian lived with Marilyn’s family on Detroit Street (just north of 3rd - across the street from my high school) which was just a few blocks from the Gardener St apartment.

[@RockessentialTim]

I had no idea! Back in the day I used to live near the corner of DeLongpre and Detroit with some friends who went to Hollywood High.

[@mikebrison1838]

@@RockessentialTim I would have thought you were an LA native based on your history lessons.

[@RockessentialTim]

moved here at 19! @@mikebrison1838

[@Minong_Manitou_Mishepeshu]

Excellent video. I was glued to it. 👍

[@RockessentialTim]

thank you

[@jongibson2205]

Outstanding Brian WIlson synopsis in less than 20 minutes, Tim. He was and is truly an enigma and I believe it is indeed fair to call him a musical genius. "Good Vibrations" remains a magical composition that I never tire of hearing. While "Pet Sounds" is generally labeled as the absolute pinnacle of the Beach Boys albums, I love the early 1970s "Surf's Up" and "Holland" even more. I have always wondered how things would have been creatively different for Brian if his dad Murry had not been such a maniacal tyrant towards all three of his kids. The Dennis WIlson / Terry Melcher / Charles Manson saga has long fascinated me as well -- it essentially grew into a cottage industry that continues to be exploited for better or for worse to this day. I believe that Brian is incredibly fortunate to still be alive, and I sincerely hope that whatever time he has left on this earth can be as peaceful and trauma-free as possible for him. He will always be one of my musical heroes.

[@RockessentialTim]

What I've learned is that every genius I know of is seriously lacking in other parts of their lives. I guess nobody gets it all.

[@burlingtonbill1]

Don 't forget "Sunflower" -- as a group, their best IMHO.

[@dj71162]

I look at Murry quite differently to most fans. First of all, Murry was himself a victim of an abusive childhood, in which he often had to defend his own mother. He was able to eventually raise a family of his own, while also running a company and trying to make it in the music industry. This would have been understandably stressful, and only more so when the music career began to crumble. Yes, he was in a way a bad influence, but he also did a lot of good for his sons. He introduced them to singing and the piano, got them record deals due to his industry connections and campaigned heavily for them in general. He was also a large part of their image and made sure they maintained a professional work rate and attitude, both in the studio and on the road. I understand that he got in the way creatively, but without him, Brian and Dennis both went massively off track and arguably ruined their lives for good. If Murry could have stuck around, for, say, the Smile era, then Murry may have been able to give to keep Brian on track, since he was afraid of him and clearly had a much more efficient output during Murry's time as manager.

[@robertowolfo2128]

Loved this. I learned so much about the beach boys and Brian Wilson.

[@kelhard]

Great video! To be honest, I got a bit choked up seeing the beachfront house,knowing it was where Landy was brainwashing Brian.

[@RockessentialTim]

I have to tell you, that was my favorite part of the vid to shoot and not because it had anything to do with Brian. I was there at a very, very low tide and ended up watching the surfers for an hour. The vid doesn't do them justice, there were some total pros out there putting on a spectacular show.

[@MCW1955]

Another great and fun video. I’m 68 and got to grow up with the Beach Boys. By the way, great hair.

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks much and Its kinda nice to see someone mention hair and not ask where I got the wig :)

[@walkoffamedocs1171]

@@RockessentialTim

[@keithcamic1555]

Love these videos and the delivery. Thanks

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks, man

[@henryfung6789]

Another gem. Love The Beach Boys. The created the soundtrack for the southern California lifestyle. To me they were superior to The Beatles.

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks for the cool comment, Henry. Peace!

[@parlance.electricco]

Majestic sensitivity like Wilson's is, by design, a double-edged sword. It wouldn't work any other way.

[@RockessentialTim]

Perfectly put.

[@wayneanderson2]

Thanks Tim

[@davidharrick469]

Great video Tim, I grew up on the Beach boys music and was very fortunate to see them live a few times. I was also was at the show in Santa Barbara CA at the County Bowl were that was the first show Brian returned and played live with the band. His voice was good but my lord he was a Zombie, between songs he would just stare straight a head with zero expression, he wouldn't even blink his eyes. Mike would count in the next song and like a robot he was right on the money, he never moved his head at all though the whole show. But here was the best part, at the end of the show Dennis and Mike walk over to the piano and helped him up and the whole place stood up and cheered we love you Brain, it was amazing because that snapped him out of the daze and he looked out over the crowd smiled and waved. I know this is going to make me sound like a puss, but, it brought tears to my eyes and I sure as hell wasn't the only one. As a side note, I was working for the County bowl at the time so I was maybe 20 ft away from Brain on the side of the stage for the show and after Mike and Dennis walk Brain to the stairs that went down to the green rooms Dennis came back to the side of the stage and I got to talk with him for a couple of minutes, I asked him if I could have his sticks from the show, he said sure, walks over to his kit and hands them to me and say's thanks for your help and I hope you enjoyed the show. He drowned the following weekend. I think they may have played one more show I'm not sure but I could have the sticks from Dennis last show. I don't know if I can and a picture to my comment but I wish I could. Anyway Tim, love your video's brother.

[@RockessentialTim]

That is a fantastic story! Although my wife and I go to SB at least every couple months I have never seen a show there. BTW: In doing this vid, the more I delved in to the Beach Boys the more I became intrigued with Dennis. I actually went back and listened to some of his solo stuff and I've got to say, I can't believe I missed it back in the day. Excellent stuff. Anyways, thanks for the cool comment.

[@davidharrick469]

@@RockessentialTim I lived in SB from 1980 to 87. It was SO EXPECIVE to buy a house there then, now it's crazy. The County Bowl has been completely remodeled, I must admit I prefer the way it was before. The wife and I are up in northern Cal. now, near Sacramento. We try to head back to SB twice a year, we still love it there. We make sure we hit Harry's café on upper State St. for a couple lunches because that place hasn't changed one bit and it reminds us of two young twenty one and twenty two year old kids who feel in love in SB. It blows my mind to think we have been together 43 years. Hey Tim, I'm sure you have gone hiking in SB, they have some nice trails.

[@jend80]

That's really sweet. Wondering if you saw the band in May '83 (Santa Barbra Bowl website says that's the last time the band played their while Dennis was alive - would fit with Brian rejoining the band live after restarting being treated by Landy, & having been absent due to being in rehab (his original return to touring was in '76) and probably heavily medicated. Dennis didn't die til December than year, & his last show was in September but he missed shows in-between.

[@davidharrick469]

@@jend80 I have Dennis's drum sticks from that show. I worked for the County bowl and the Arlington theater from the end of 1980 to 1987 After Dennis and mike walked Brian to the stairs the go down under the stage to the green rooms Dennis walk back out to the side of the stage were I was standing and was looking out at the crowd he was about two feet away from me and I politely asked him " Dennis would it be ok if I was to have your sticks from this show " He goes, Oh sure man " walks over to his kit, grabs the sticks comes back and hands them to me with a big smile and said I hope you enjoyed the show. It was the best job one could ever ask for, I met so many wonderful artists that came and played at both venues. I would like to give my buddy Bob Contons a big thank you for getting me that job. Many people have asked me who was the most friendly and outgoing band that I had any experience with , and hands down it would be Toto.

[@leokimvideo]

I always find it ironic that Mike Love didn't want to drift away from the 'surf' music and didn't like Brian's adventures in songwriting. Yet Mike has had a whole like riding on the popularity of Brians masterpieces he was never a fan of.

[@RockessentialTim]

He always struck me as a person that had a lot of bills to pay.

[@leokimvideo]

@@RockessentialTim Maybe what exposes Mike Love to me is Brian can go out and pull off concerts as himself. Mike Love has to be super glued to 'The Beach Boys' name to attract an audience. Mike's just very lucky to be related to Brian, without that he would have been totally unknown.

[@RockessentialTim]

I happen to be reading the John Fogerty book right now and its a similar sitch that happened with his band. Not that those other guys didn't have talent, but come on, we all know from who's spring it was sprung. Money, money, money. MONEY!

[@Callmethebreeze902]

Brian does high end venues, Mike does casinos. lol. Need I say more?

[@tarrtruck2869]

I love all of your videos man. Spectacular job on all fronts. Thank you from the bottom of my Rock and Roll heart!

[@RockessentialTim]

Right on, I love it!

[@stevem5685]

Great content as always , thanks Tim for showing us Western Studio, an iconic room. Always loved hearing Hal Blaine talk about the BB sessions in his videos.

[@RockessentialTim]

Loved going into that studio (3). I had never been in it before and as I mentioned in the vid, it was really small. Took a peek into studio A while I was there and it was like an airplane hanger.

[@mountainmike3312]

Thanks again Tim. You again bring it to life. I was in my teens in the sixties and loved the battles on the radio between The Beach Boys and the Beatles. I always voted for The Beach Boys being from Northern California. You always bring back those great memories. Waiting for your next video. Thanks again.

[@RockessentialTim]

OMG right. I haven't thought of those radio battle of the bands for years!

[@jefflikeusual20]

I’ve been waiting for this one!! Cheers Tim!

[@RockessentialTim]

Right on, thanks!

[@jimmybonar2566]

Wow, this was cool. Thanks Tim, really enjoyed the whole vid and all the little antidotes. Peace from NZ.

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks much. NZ is on my bucket list so maybe a Split Enz vid?

[@jcmacmusic]

Fantastic thanks Tim what a body of work...

[@sadielampduo3762]

Great post Tim . You do shows bringing us back to memorable times , , Fender guitars w/ vibrato bars , surf boards and California girls . Thanks for the stories ,, history and places . When will time repeat itself . Love the show

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks you two crazy kids!

[@aarond23]

I love your tours of LA! I've been one time but its really cool to see what places 'used to be' and what they are today.

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks and just for the record, I kinda like what they used to be better than what they are now...

[@59jaguar]

Great video Tim ! Brings back so many memories I remember as a kid of grade school age , I’d play The Beach Boys on my record player at home in the morning and then sing their songs while I walked to school. Barbra Ann was a favorite then. Thanks

[@RockessentialTim]

Me too! Barbara Ann has always been a fave of mine cuz they start cracking up during it.

[@levistubbs8949]

Great vlog Tim, terrific band with fantastic harmonies, thanks so much !

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks, Levi!

[@dj71162]

One thing you forgot to mention regarding Mike's childhood home is at 5:08 is the corner of Mount Vernon and Fairway. This would eventually lend its name to a bonus fairy tale influenced EP that was released along with the Holland album in 1973.

[@marktaft6467]

nice job Tim 👍 thanks for sharing this ✌️🎸✌️

[@RockessentialTim]

thanks, my pleasure!

[@jeffreylebowski3216]

Thanks for another great video, Tim, and thanks for sending me a little bit of that warm California sun! It's greatly needed here in wintery Sweden.

[@RockessentialTim]

Among other things we have horrible traffic but you cannot argue with California weather this time of year!

[@JimFothergill]

Excellent job Tim!!! We were happy to catch it tonight!!!!!!

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks Jim, glad you liked it!

[@MBinDenver]

..."keeping the California dream alive during the very cold winters of my midwestern youth"... that's the Billion dollar statement right there! Well done, Tim - enjoying the integration of the technical talk in the studio greatly, room and mic placement... awesome stuff!

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks much. Love wen they let me into the studios. Kudos to Keith at East/West.

[@wilsonpicket8505]

Great job. I really enjoyed it. Thank you!

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks as always!

[@gregw988]

Another great video. Love the casual strolls through the current recording studios and locations. The LA sun, light and beaches always remind me of me hometown of Perth, Western Australia.

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks much. Something about West Coast's no matter what country you're in!

[@gregw988]

@@RockessentialTim Watching the sun set into the ocean!

[@gregsvlogshow]

Tim, you have an uncanny way of keeping your whole video engaging. It looks effortless but I know there was a lot of hard work put into this. Keep up the great work!

[@RockessentialTim]

Right on, thanks!

[@jbolf6]

Great work Tim. Like you I grew up with The Beach Boys. Living in Michigan the Beach Boys California sound always appealed to me. Always have been a big fan and love the music. Brian Wilson, pure genius!

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks, John.

[@stevenbeasley8684]

Great! Had never seen his Bellagio rd home, his Hwood apt, or Malibu. 7 or 8 yrs ago I looked up his Laurel Way address, where they filmed the backyard pool antics (w/out Dennis) which now can be seen on the SLOOP JOHN B vid on YT. As I drove past the house I noticed the gate to the backyard was propped open, and some hard hat crew w orange vests were walking in and out. So, I got up my courage, walked into the front yard and through the backyard gate. Nonchalantly, of course.There was the pool, looking just like it did in '66 (think its been re done since). To the right was the rear house entrance where Brian stood w his back to the camera and 'welcomed' the band.. I got the distinct impression the crew walking around me hadn't a clue where they were..I stayed about 45 seconds and left. Not a word was said...I've used that method before..HA. thanks Tim.

[@RockessentialTim]

Amazing. That Laurel Way neighborhood is a pretty cool place and I had never been up there before the vid.

[@adriancork]

I’ve said before Tim that you are literally living my dream out there, but this video takes it to a whole new level. Brian and the Beach Boys are almost a religion to me and the main reason I want to get out to LA and do what you do! Love the video. As usual your research is spot on and your genial delivery makes the video such a good watch. Thanks especially for this one. If I don’t make it out there, I feel I’ve visited Hawthorne through your video. 🏄‍♀️

[@williamllawrence5825]

Your Buffalo Springfield piece brought me back to 18 years old and the 'summer of love', now you have me back to skateboards and my first transistor radio. Once again, great job and thanks Tim!

[@RockessentialTim]

Ha! I haven't thought of it in years but I can still see my transistor radio as if it were yesterday!

[@jc1619]

I love what you do here on this channel! Look forward to all of your videos!

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks and much appreciated. Cool!

[@blueser100]

Excellent stuff Tim as always. Would be so cool to see any photos of the childhood home before it was razed. Incidentally the Carpenters first California home (not the one on Newville) was not far away in Downey, also razed for the 105 fwy.

[@kbusby4824]

Loved the tour. I believe I requested this one a while back, perhaps after The Doors episode(?), the other side of the California sound. I had the Endless Summer album as a child and can certainly recommend the surfing documentary of the same name released in the 60s since I watched it recently. Good Vibrations is absolutely a favorite of mine. Great that so many of these historic structures (over 50 years of age) still exist.

[@RockessentialTim]

I think you did. Glad I finallly got to it, The BB's are a pretty daunting task.

[@lilorbielilorbie2496]

Ah memories of my youth "growing up" in Orange County, CA. I was never really that much of a Beatles fan more of Beach Boys person. And IMO. it's really true about California born girls their just different/better than girls from other places. I'm glad that you posted this .I was just wondering yesterday when you were going to put up another video it's been awhile.

[@RockessentialTim]

Nothing like a top down, Coast Highway, Orange County, Beach Boys blasting kinda day, right?

[@lilorbielilorbie2496]

@@RockessentialTim Yeah buddy.

[@TheInterGalacticFederation]

i am so obsessed with The Beach Boys right now - great timing Tim and thank you for taking us to the actual places! Love the selection of rare photos i haven't seen before, as well as your on location B-roll. So much better than these ridiculous A.i. generated documentaries we've been seeing pop-up on YT lately. The surfs up/ sunflower re-release is great; Would love to hear from Randy again - u might pick a topic that he has a lot of knowledge of... Another great video.

[@RockessentialTim]

Its hard to believe they've been doing this for over 60 years!

[@TheInterGalacticFederation]

...and still some of the best vocal harmonies and arrangements ever recorded - also note some of the crazy experiments with songs like My Solution

[@davepatrick7848]

Thanks Tim! Brian Wilson is my #1 musical hero. Great video man!

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks!

[@whiskyblvd]

Love your videos Tim! My all time favorite KZbin channel!!!

[@RockessentialTim]

This might be my all time favorite comment. Thank you!

[@1990-t1j]

Another very professional and interesting video. I never was a Beach Boys fan, though. Nick J

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks much. Even if you're not a fan I think Brian and the Boys were a pretty interesting group though. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@arricammarques1955]

Groovy deep dive reportage, mate.

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks!

[@donmcallister3745]

“ it’s $150 a month and no parents “😂 great line… my sentiments exactly when I was 21 and moved out on my own. Glad you raised a glass 🍺 to Dennis…👌… ANY… association with Manson is still a scary 🫣 proposition. Thanks for the tour…Tim…🙌 🌜🌞🌛

[@RockessentialTim]

Manson still creeps me out but he's the elephant in the room and there's just no way to tell the Beach Boys' story without bringing him up. That whole episode was really the end of the innocence in Rock & Roll history.

[@burlingtonbill1]

@@RockessentialTim Or Altamont... Great read (yes I did): "Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties" by Tom O'Neill !!

[@unclerudy9797]

Great Stuff as Always Tim ! Some of my favorite music created by Brian Wilson... A true musical genius who heard and wrote things other musicians and writes could only dream of... Thanks for posting and keep 'em coming ! Peace and Best, Rudy

[@RockessentialTim]

Hey Rudy, always good to hear from you. I love it when I get to go film at the beach so this episode was really fun. Best to you my friend. Peach, Tim.

[@unclerudy9797]

Same to you Tim !@@RockessentialTim

[@izaakdaviddiggs]

Ah, you didn't go into Shortnen Bread; it's not complete without his obsession with Shortnen Bread...

[@NancyHanson3472]

I only recently discovered your channel, but I am really enjoying your videos. You take a lot of time and effort running around southern California visiting so many locations and do an excellent job with the research. I especially love it when you are able to film inside of some of the recording studios. I love trying to visualize the musicians being there at the time that the recordings were made. It sounds like you have a close connection with this industry. Were you a musician or record producer? Again, thank you very much for all of your hard work producing these videos. It is greatly appreciated.

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks much for the insightful comment. I absolutely love filming inside recording studios but it is really hit and miss about which one's let me in (about half that I ask) As for industry connection I am a recently retired TV composer so I was privy to the business. I worked mainly from my home studio so I wouldn't say I was an insider by any means but I love music and at this point in my life would rather talk about it than make it!

[@jimmurphy2755]

Thanks Tim! I really enjoyed watching this well-produced video. For anyone interested in the early history of the Beach Boys, you may enjoy my book BECOMING THE BEACH BOYS, 1961-1963 [McFarland Books, 2015] and my liner notes to the 2 CD set BECOMING THE BEACH BOYS, THE COMPLETE HITE & DORINDA MORGAN SESSIONS [Omnivore Recordings, 2016].

[@RockessentialTim]

Hey Jim! I have read your book and I would highly recommend it to anyone, Beach Boys fan or not. Peace to you my brother!

[@thecoolestdad]

Thanks again Tim for your awesome musical history videos. As always I look forward to your vids when they come out. have a happy Thanksgiving, to you and your family. Your East Coast friend, thecoolestdad.

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks and you have a great Thanksgiving too!

[@burlingtonbill1]

Great to see all these fabled locations. I visited in 1976 and saw a few but not all those. You did a fantastic job. Nice hair, too!

[@rickstevens1479]

I dont understand why you don't have 10x the subs , great channel.. so well done..thanks ..

[@Catdad76801]

Yay! It's Tim!

[@RockessentialTim]

OMG its Catdad!

[@LHB57]

Hi Tim. I love these music history nuggets. Pure gold man. It gives a whole new perspective to help understand these wonderful musicians you talk about. Good work and thanks from 🇨🇦.

[@bobdudy7177]

I had the pleasure of hanging out with Brian the 4th of July 1978 in Mission Beach, San Diego. My Brother had invited him the day before, having met him a a Doorman at a local Club. It was during his wondering year's, as it was with most back then. He was very kind and a sweet soul. Beach Boy's and Jan and Dean were the first Music I had learned to play Drum's to, back in 1966, and if I'd had my wits about me- I would have brought him up to my Folk's house where my Mom had a Piano and a Hammond B3 and Leslie, and did some Jamming. But alas, the Party went on.

[@RockessentialTim]

Would have loved to meet him. I heard his wife died just a couple days ago but I really didn't know a lot about her other than what I saw in "Love And Mercy" movie.

[@tomjones5650]

This is as good as it gets. I've seen The Boys/Brian shows over 500 times. Since 1973. Met them all over the years. Love all of them.

[@RockessentialTim]

Right on.

[@f1kwa399]

You just keep getting better Tim, great work and thank you, I probably related better to this one having seen the landmark in Hawthorne and spent time in the home on Bellagio, but regardless this was a great rockumentary, Ken

[@RockessentialTim]

I gotta ask: why did you to spend time in the home on Bellagio?

[@f1kwa399]

@@RockessentialTim it was long after Brian had moved out, but the house was still the same, (around 2007) and I was doing some work for the current owners, I got to spend time in every room and felt very privileged . The house was to be “remodelled “ but ended up being torn down, very sad for U.S. history in my opinion. The estate office/gatehouse remains as you saw, I understand that to enlarge the overall property both neighbours homes were purchased and levelled to create a substantial garden. Looking forward to your next video👍, thanks, Ken.

[@RockessentialTim]

LA is such a weird place when it comes to history and architecture. I've learned two things: Money trumps everything and there is no accounting for taste! Did you notice if the stained glass window that they used for Wild Honey was there? @@f1kwa399

[@f1kwa399]

@@RockessentialTim I’ve learned something else from you today….I didn’t realise and honestly I can’t remember seeing it there, knowing the owners were/are serious art collectors I would imagine that if it was there that they’d have possibly removed and re-framed it. Records suggest they bought the property in 2005 although I thought they’d lived there a lot longer because of the story I was told regarding one neighbours reluctance to sell their property to them. I hope someone saved the window🤞

[@RockessentialTim]

I'm not so sure Brian didn't take it with him.@@f1kwa399

[@JASONJAMESUSA]

Great Great Video!!! Thankyou so much...Keep On Rockin' Really Enjoyed this One!

[@RockessentialTim]

The train keeps a rollin'!

[@CunoWiederhold]

I love all your Bio stuff! Where the monument now stands (before the freeway was built) I lived across the street from the Wilson's! In those days, ALL those houses were only little bungalows, not the newer construction homes you see today. God, I'm guessing the year was around 1963 or so, but the really cool thing was that they were still in high school, had an album out (their first I think) and they'd play right there in their garage like many local garage bands did. My cousin Ruby was older than I and like many of the neighborhood kids, they'd go over to the Wilson house and sit on their lawn and listen to the fledgeling Beach Boys practice songs and harmony's. I was only 5 years old and couldn't quite grasp all the hoopla, across the street every day, but even I too would sit in my front yard and listen to the beautiful music coming from the closed garage door across the street. Mr. Wilson, the boy's dad was a friendly old guy and would always wave to me when he cut the lawn because mom would never let me wander past our yard. As a wow factor, that was two years before the first LA Watts riots happened. It's funny though, I remember it like it was yesterday! That house was THE hub of activity the whole time I lived there!

[@RockessentialTim]

Wow! What fantastic memories to have. It looks like it was a cool neighborhood to grow up in before the freeway cut it in half. Back in the day I used to rehearse with my band in the open garage and it would serve as my first "gigs". I haven't thought of that for years so thanks for jogging the old memory.

[@AlanMckenna-v7c]

Really liked these insights. Fantastic musicians. Great delivery on this one. A HUGE THANK YOU.

[@RockessentialTim]

You are most welcome, thanks!

[@burlingtonbill1]

Nice tour! Thank you.

[@RockessentialTim]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@terryahlstrom5423]

Another very nice one Tim.I appreciate your enthusiasm and work!

[@RockessentialTim]

Always. Thanks!

[@timothyfrederick1660]

Very good video Tim... you took me to places I've been near, but did'nt have much time to stop and explore... like the Capitol records bldg. Always wish I would have parked and gone inside. (do they let fans go inside?) I live in Md. about as far from Cali as you can get in the states. I used to visit there a couple times a year. I'd go out to So Cal and hang out in Huntington and then make my way north to a big Drag race, Hot Rod event in Bakersfield for the weekend. I stopped going after like 10 years straight. I made it a goal to go back, so I did in 2021. Wow, how it had changed, it was depressing really. Anyway, been a fan of the BB for over 50 years after buying Endless Summer when I was 15. Always loved Brian most, and Dennis. Not a huge Mike fan, his ego is too much for me. *have you ever seen the Rock & Roll hall of fame induction speach? lol. Anyway, great video & I'll be checking out your other stuff. God bless & surfs up!

[@RockessentialTim]

From one Tim to another, thank you so much! BTW: they do not let the public into Capitol. Shame, it would be a popular tourist destination.

[@emmgeevideo]

I chuckled when I heard you say you were from the Midwest. I grew up in Kansas. I was 10 in 1963, so I was a tween/teen as the great music of the 60s and early 70s unfolded. Needless to say I lived pretty far from the beach. The kids in my suburban elementary school had two classes: the Surfers and the Greasers. What a hoot. The Beach Boys for me, as is true for millions of my age mates, are part of the "soundtrack of my life". I'm very happy to have come of age during those years.

[@RockessentialTim]

OMG, that sounds so familiar! For us it was the Greasers and the Cakes but I'm sure it was the same thing. I like 80's and 90's music but nothing holds a candle to the 60's & 70's me thinks.

[@Carvello20]

Another really entertaining episode Tim. Hope all is okay in Laurel Canyon after the recent storm floods

[@janbarnett1991]

Love your videos

[@RockessentialTim]

Right on, thanks!

[@mickrinaldiofficial979]

Thanks Tim,the beach boys were so talented and those voices just kill me everytime you hear them,the studio tours where awsome too,what I'd give to sing there...thanks Tim!

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks, Mick. Merry Christmas to ya!

[@victorhawkins3461]

Another great piece, Tim. When I moved to L.A. in 1991, I struck out on a tour fairly close to the one you took for this video. Can't quite match sammyandbobsdad's comment below, but I did once live on Gardner Street, one block up from Brian & Marilyn's apartment. It's not too hard to find "famous" places in L.A. -- they're EVERYWHERE!

[@RockessentialTim]

Back in the day it Gardner St was a right of passage. Never lived on it but when to many a party there!

[@izaakdaviddiggs]

Brian scared the crap out of Iggy Pop; for that alone he is a legend...

[@jimmyneck2854]

Really enjoy your videos as a baby boomer New Yorker, loved your videos of the byrds history, maybe you could devote a whole video on Gene Clark, that would be great

[@RockessentialTim]

Hadn't really thought of that but he was my favorite Byrd so you never know...

[@carolplante]

Enjoyable excellent video

[@RockessentialTim]

Thank you!

[@gatomedico]

Excellent video! Congratulations!

[@RockessentialTim]

Right on, thanks!

[@1rwjwith]

Fantastic episode…wow! Thanks.

[@RockessentialTim]

Right on, thanks!

[@louismartinez7387]

Hey Tim your vids are the absolute best...not to mention tons of fun to watch!!!...Got me California dreamin!!!

[@RockessentialTim]

We have our issues but its still a pretty great place to spend a winter

[@freightdawg6762]

That was FANTASTIC Tim!! all your vids are so well done brother

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks my brother!

[@dthornbl]

Another outstanding video Tim! Everything you do is simply fantastic!

[@RockessentialTim]

Aw shucks. Seriously though, thanks much!

[@Sammyandbobsdad]

The house on Greentree Road that Brian gave to his charlatan psychologist was my childhood home, just across the Rivas Canyon dry creek bed from Dennis’ “Manson” house, though as a child we did not know the nice hippies were actually future murderers.

[@RockessentialTim]

That is incredible! I'm sure your parents were freaked out afterwords. BTW: You grew up in a really cool neighborhood

[@Sammyandbobsdad]

@@RockessentialTim my parents were in London when the murders took place and they had an elderly lady babysitting us, and we couldn’t understand why she wouldn’t let us go down to the creek and play. Back then 7-8 year olds were allowed to wander free range. I didn’t associate it with the murders til I did the math years later. We used to hear Dennis play music all the time, it was really nice enjoying the sunset off of Sunset with pure music being played.

[@RockessentialTim]

That is a frickin' great story!! Its such a cool area, I've spent a lot of time hiking there. Were you around at all when Petty lived next door?@@Sammyandbobsdad

[@Sammyandbobsdad]

@@RockessentialTim we sold in 78 and moved two canyons over. The woman who bought it from us sold it to Brian. Petty was after we moved, I think some big time producer bought Dennis’ property. Rustic Canyon was a great place to grow up, a beautiful canyon, full of stories. Somewhat related my dad and uncles were some of the first generations of big wave surfers, Particularly my Uncle Peter Cole, who was a legend.

[@tomdemaline8869]

Thanks Tim I was a mild Beach Boys fan but this video was amazing. Ive read a lot about Brian's life and I really think you did an amazing job with the darker side of his life and the Dr. that was involved with him. Your videos are always something I look forward too and there never a disappointment. Looking forward to the next man ! ! !

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks my man. I feel the same as I was totally unaware of some of the Manson stuff before I researched the vid.

[@oldermusiclover]

Brian is one of two people in the music bus I wish I could meet(Ray Stevens is the other) just to say THANK YOU

[@mikenoecker1]

Excited to head out to LA for my 2nd annual “Tim” inspired multi day hike of LA. Last year’s theme was on Beatles and Byrds (Laurel Canyon). This year is Beach Boys, Troubadour and Wisdom Tree hike. Thanks again for all the content. I’ll also be hitting up all the guitar stores… hope I don’t come home with a Rickenbacker…..😊… thanks again for all the content. So much fun watching and listening to the soundtracks of your videos..Looking forward to keeping the tradition going! Last year I stayed at Sonder Bev Terrace right across from the Troubadour. Not the greatest, but amazing location. Might need to upgrade hotel this year.

[@RockessentialTim]

Cool. If you do Wisdom Tree be mindful that its a steep hike and it gets hot so go early.

[@oldermusiclover]

I have read and heard that Phil could not duplicate the old Gol Star echo and just gave up on doing more Wall Of Sound kuddos to the Wrecking Crew

[@dvanmartin9842]

great video

[@eddiet3384]

Very informative! Thank you.

[@philipjackson6882]

Hi Tim! Thank you well done ...!

[@RockessentialTim]

Welcome!

[@grokeffer6226]

❤❤❤👍👍👍👣🌊 I hope the guys are all doing okay.

[@waterfallmadman]

Great info and well done as usual. One of my favorite bands. Too bad the childhood house is under the freeway but nice they have a plaque there.

[@RockessentialTim]

Thanks my man. It was a fun vid to make.

[@dmimcg]

Brian Wilson will always be remembered for his classic song, Vegetables.

[@RockessentialTim]

LOL!

[@tonythetigerlongliverocknroll]

This guy is a true blue fan...... nice one Tim :)

[@RockessentialTim]

Right on, thanks!

[@petestaint8312]

Huge Beach Boys fan. Awesome video.

[@RockessentialTim]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@stevenbeasley8684]

I completely agree about the 'shimmer' and double tracking vocals.

[@RockessentialTim]

Maybe its a brother thing?

[@vmackey11]

There's a great video of Brian directing the Wrecking Crew in studio 3 on KZbin

[@madbeatlesremixer]

Thanks for this Really enjoyed it Sounds like you said "Bruce Johnson" at the end It's "JohnsTon"

[@terryballard4674]

Great channel here! Someday maybe you could do Creedence Clearwater Revival, my favorite group!

[@RockessentialTim]

On the docket!

[@stephenellis2866]

The Pendletons ! Pendletones!