Brian Wilson To Be Placed in Conservatorship Due to Dementia
by Best Classic Bands Staff
Brian Wilson (at R) with the classic Beach Boys lineup
Brian Wilson, suffering from dementia, is going to be placed in conservatorship. The decision by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge was announced today (May 9, 2024). There is “clear and convincing evidence that a conservatorship… is necessary,” ruled Judge Gus May, agreeing with the Beach Boys legend’s doctor that Wilson, who turns 82 on June 20, suffers from what was described as a “major neurocognitive disorder” and that he “lacks the capacity to make his own healthcare decisions.” The news followed the February 15 revelation that the star could not manage his own affairs. Wilson’s wife of 28 years, Melinda, died on January 30. The statement of her passing, signed by Wilson, referred to her as “my savior” and “my anchor.”
According to court documents obtained by the celebrity news site The Blast, and published on Thursday evening (February 15, 2024), the legendary musician and driving force of the Beach Boys in their heyday, is suffering from “a major neurocognitive disorder (such as dementia).” Not long after that news broke, the Wilson family released a statement that announced the appointment of co-conservators “to ensure that there will be no extreme changes to the household and Brian… will be taken care of and remain in the home… cared for by… the wonderful team… who have been in place for many years.” At that time, the carefully worded statement skirted the issue of his health, though it also noted that, “Brian will be able to enjoy all of his family and friends,” adding that he would “continue to work on current projects as well as participate in any activities he chooses.”
Melinda and Brian Wilson (Photo from Brian Wilson’s Facbook page)
The co-conservators are Wilson’s manager-publicist Jean Sievers and his business manager LeeAnn Hard. Variety reports that Judge May “agreed to a stipulation requested by… an attorney for [Wilson’s] eldest daughters Carnie and Wendy Wilson, asking that ‘all of Brian’s children who wish to be added will be added to the text chain from his nurses providing updates about Brian.'” The trade paper notes “Wilson has seven children, two of whom live with him. Carnie and Wendy had asked for a stay on the decision but did not ask for any further delay upon the granting of this stipulation.”
Wilson’s last tour took place in 2022 as he was turning 80. In 2019, he had postponed several dates of a tour that was celebrating the Beach Boys’ album, Pet Sounds. At the time, he wrote on Facebook, “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, friends and fans who have helped me through this journey.”
He added: “After my last surgery I started feeling strange and it’s been pretty scary for a while. I was not feeling like myself. Mentally insecure is how I’d describe it. We’re not sure what is causing it but i do know that it’s not good for me to be on the road right now so I’m heading back to Los Angeles.
“I had every intention to do these shows and was excited to get back to performing. I’ve been in the studio recording and rehearsing with my band and have been feeling better. But then it crept back and I’ve been struggling with stuff in my head and saying things I don’t mean and I don’t know why. Its something i’ve never dealt with before and we cant quite figure it out just yet.”
During the 2022 tour, Wilson, behind the piano, left much of the heavy lifting to his longtime bandmates Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin.
Wilson was born June 20, 1942. When he turned 80 in 2022, Bob Dylan, Elton John and Carole King were among those wishing him a happy birthday.
A new documentary, simply called The Beach Boys, is being released on May 24 on Disney+.
A Beach Boys autobiography, The Beach Boys By the Beach Boys, was published on April 2. The title is available in the U.S. here and the U.K. here.
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6 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationMy teen idol since 13…BB songs are the reason I moved to L.A. back in 69′. I wish you ‘Good Vibrations’ and thanks for all the memories. Keep safe and sound’-Andrew
Love and Mercy to Brian Wilson.
Brian Wilson is a music icon, and his incredible melodies/arrangements/vocal recordings will last forever. I wish him peace and healing in this last chapter of his life. He’s more than earned it. (And may that jerk, Mike Love, receive the karma he deserves. The Beach Boys could have been so, so much more in the last couple of decades if it hadn’t been for Love’s ego and controlling nature.)
Being alive now at the same time as Brian Wilson is akin to coexisting with Bach or Mozart. How fortunate that we’ve had a chance to share in his profound creation. Love and Mercy to you, Brian. Love and Mercy tonight.
Brian is a warrior in my opinion, the incredible music he has given us seems equaled by his depth of suffering.
In My Room, Warmth of the Sun and God Only Knows are three songs virtually unmatched by any song writer and arranger! Magic!
Beach Boys music still has the power to take me right back to my junior and senior high school days, with all the joy and angst that came with it. Brian was the genius behind their music, an accolade he didn’t really receive until later in life. (Why is genius so often associated with mental issues?) Pet Sounds will always be one of my top 5 albums. BB music will always help keep me in touch with myself. I wish Brian a peaceful life still filled with music as he navigates his later years. (And I TOTALLY agree with “V2787″s comment about Mike Love. Kudos to Al Jardine for remaining loyal to Brian.)