I was in the middle of a business call when a friend texted me an article from Pitchfork with a headline that read “The Beach Boys‘ Brian Wilson Dies at 82.” What a brutally tough week in music, y’all.
I had the opportunity to photograph the legend once. Back in 2016, he was touring to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pet Sounds, and the tour included a stop at that year’s Northside Festival. As deserved, Wilson played the headlining outdoor stage at McCarren Park.
After the allotted three songs in the photo pit, I brought a beer and a pretzel. I eventually ran into a pal, who was accompanied by his adorable labradoodle. With beer in hand, I was feeding this labradoodle when Wilson and his remarkable band were playing “God Only Knows.” A few stars popped out.
It was arguably one of the loveliest moments of my adult life.
Rest well, sir. Long live Brian Wilson!