Goodbye Wilson

Farewell to Brian Wilson, born 20th June 1942. 

News of Brian's passing emerged last night, as I was about to go into a gig, so information is limited and I've not had the time or opportunity (yet) to create a Dubhed selection or consider words that may form a more fitting and appropriate tribute.

Probably needless to say, Brian Wilson was a genius, albeit one that was subsequently subject to a series of trials and tribulations that are often at risk of overshadowing that simple fact. Brian was a genius.

God Only Knows by The Beach Boys is a perfect example of the perfect pop song, in sound, tone, melody, vocal delivery and, of course, the lyrics* 

I may not always love you

But long as there are stars above you

You never need to doubt it

I'll make you so sure about it

God only knows what I'd be without you

If you should ever leave me

Though life would still go on believe me

The world could show nothing to me

So what good would living do me

God only knows what I'd be without you

God only knows what I'd be without you

If you should ever leave me

Well life would still go on believe me

The world could show nothing to me

So what good would living do me

God only knows what I'd be without you

* co-written with Tony Asher, as was two thirds of classic album, Pet Sounds.

Because of the way my brain is wired, thoughts of Brian's death reminded me of another Wilson's passing, in the sitcom Friday Night Dinner, which aired on Channel 4 in the UK on 8th June 2018.

A testament to series creator Robert Popper's writing and the cast's, especially Mark Heap's acting, that you experience a rollercoaster of emotion in just five and a half minutes.

"Ashes to ashes,

Dust to dust...

Wilson to Wilson"

God only knows what I'd be without you, Brian. Peace be with you.