The Beach Boys, renowned for their iconic surf-rock music, are poised to recount their extraordinary journey in their highly anticipated official book, “The Beach Boys by The Beach Boys.” This autobiography, scheduled for release in 2024, will feature exclusive interviews with surviving band members Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, and Bruce Johnston, complemented by archival text from the late Carl Wilson and Dennis Wilson. Spanning from the band’s humble beginnings to their pivotal Capitol Records contract signing and culminating in their legendary 1980 Independence Day concert at the National Mall in Washington D.C., the book offers a comprehensive narrative.
Beyond the enthralling interviews, “The Beach Boys by The Beach Boys” immerses readers in a treasure trove of historical artifacts from the Capitol Records, Beach Boys, and personal archives. These cherished mementos encompass lyric sheets, chord sheets, live photographs, handwritten notes, studio documents, tape boxes, tour posters, and an array of captivating items.
In an announcement on July 13, The Beach Boys unveiled their inaugural official anthology book, boasting 400 pages and 60,000 words. The book vividly portrays the band’s rise to international fame, starting from their modest beginnings in a Hawthorne, CA garage in 1961. Their unforgettable sand-and-surf hits like “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” “I Get Around,” “California Girls,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “Little Surfer Girl,” “Kokomo,” and more served as the soundtrack to countless summers and continue to resonate with people of all ages.
Musical genius Brian Wilson eloquently expressed, “There’s love in the music, and people can relate to the love, regardless of whether you’re two years old or 92 years old. For me, music is about love. Love is the message I want to share. I hope people feel that in my music. That makes the hard work worth it.” Wilson’s words encapsulate the timeless appeal and universal connection found within The Beach Boys’ melodies.
Limited to a mere 500 copies, “The Beach Boys by The Beach Boys” unveils the band’s captivating story through the voices of members Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Dennis Wilson, Carl Wilson, and Bruce Johnston. Accompanied by rare and classic photographs, as well as contributions from acclaimed artists inspired by The Beach Boys, such as Lindsey Buckingham, Thom Yorke, Eric Clapton, Elvis Costello, Ray Davies, Bob Dylan, Def Leppard, the Flaming Lips, Primal Scream’s Bobby Gillespie, David Lee Roth, the Jesus and Mary Chain, Roger McGuinn, Graham Nash, Jimmy Page, Carly Simon, Pete Townshend, and Rufus Wainwright, the book offers a rich and immersive experience.
Moreover, “The Beach Boys by The Beach Boys” grants readers exclusive access to previously unseen photos sourced from the Capitol Records archive, the band’s archive, and the personal collections of the band members. These captivating visuals encompass outtakes from recording sessions for seminal albums like “Pet Sounds” and “Smile,” live shots from their inaugural European tour, and rehearsals for the groundbreaking performance of “Good Vibrations.” The book also showcases rare objects, including photos of tape boxes, tour posters and programs, handwritten lyrics and notes, newspaper clippings, album ads, and studio documents, further enhancing the depth of The Beach Boys’ enthralling narrative.
The book incorporates new text derived from extensive interviews conducted exclusively for this project with Wilson, Love, Jardine, and Johnston, providing an intimate and comprehensive portrait of the band’s journey. Additionally, archival text from the late Carl and Dennis Wilson offers invaluable insights into their collective experience. Al Jardine reflects, “We were just having fun, and it developed into something else. It’s funny. We were really an accident — but a good accident. And our first record seemed to be enough for us. We sure didn’t think we’d be recording into the next century.”
Genesis Publications, the esteemed publisher of the book, proudly presents several editions. The ArtLuxe edition, limited to a sold-out run of 85 copies, stands as a collector’s gem, hand-signed by Brian Wilson, Love, Jardine, and Johnston. This edition features quarter-binding in apple leather and sea blue Toile Ocean cloth, intricately woven from 100% recycled plastic gathered from oceans and coastlines. Its large-format, handcrafted solander case boasts screen-printing and foil embossing, offering a visually stunning presentation.
Furthermore, the Deluxe edition, numbered and limited to 415 copies, delivers an exclusive experience for enthusiasts. Hand-signed by the living members of The Beach Boys, this edition showcases quarter-binding in apple leather and sand Toile Ocean cloth, woven from 100% recycled plastic sourced from oceans and coastlines. The cover integrates portraits of the band members, adorned with colored foil blocking, metallic blue page edging, and six color page ribbons. Housed in a handcrafted, cloth-bound solander case finished with screen-printing and foil embossing, this large-format Deluxe edition exudes elegance. Importantly, a portion of the proceeds from the Deluxe edition supports the Surfrider Foundation, a renowned organization committed to ocean conservation.
For fans eagerly anticipating the “bookstore” edition, a hardcover version will be released in 2024, with further details to follow.
In conclusion, “The Beach Boys by The Beach Boys” encapsulates the band’s profound impact and enduring legacy, channeling the essence of love that resonates through their music. The book serves as an intimate invitation into the minds and hearts of The Beach Boys, capturing their joyous experiences, harmonious collaborations, and profound artistic growth. Seamlessly blending personal narratives, archival material, and stunning visuals, this book promises to be an unparalleled tribute to a band that has indelibly shaped the landscape of popular music.
