Love and Mercy

ossian

ossian

Senior Member
Location
Scotland
I have just watched this movie about the life of Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys. It tells the story of how Brian started to have mental health issues during the recording of Pet Sounds and how his psycho therapist controlled and mentally abused the guy. It is a shocking story - even by the standards of the music industry. I enjoy reading biographies of musicians and have read a few now. Many have tales to tell of ruthless characters in the industry who has exploited them in some way. But this is by far the worst that I have come across. It is a fascinating and shocking tale and I would recommend watching it, if you get a chance.

Even if you don't like the music of The Beach Boys, the story alone will grip you.
 

Hi Ossian. I like reading auto biographies. Unfortunately some therapists go wrong, they are human. One I had used questionable strategies on me. Don't think he knew what he was doing in regard to my problems. Not all therapists are like that, though. Sounds like a good story. Is it on Youtube?
 
I recently read Keith Richards' autobiography, which was not only well written but very educational. He comes across very differently in this book from his onstage persona. I like both. :)

I found an online movie about Brian Jones's decline and death but it was so badly done I only watched a couple of minutes. I wish someone would write a good biography about him. He was my favorite of the Stones and I would like to hear his side of their story.
 

I tend to disagree...in the words of the Long Island boys I hung out with in my youth "Frickin' Keef mahn!". I read the books too, apparently except for some really nasty busts he would do it again. Brian Jones was another story. I believe that he goaded whomever into drowning him. Not the most agreeable or sane person at the end of his life sorry to say.
 
I think in the 60s and 70s there were probably some very dodgy psycho therapy strategies being used that were considered innovative and beneficial but were nothing less than ill founded experimentation. With Wilson, I get the impression that it was more than that and that he was out to control Wilson for his own - and the music company's - interests.

I have read one biography of Brian Jones. Probably like others it claimed to be the authoritative one . :D However, I did feel that it was quite credible. It portrayed an individual who in his young years was an intelligent young man who exploited his looks and talent. However, once drugs became a controlling factor in his life, he was treated badly by Jagger and Richards - as were others in the Stones. He became ostracised by Jagger and Richards, often humiliated during recording sessions. There seems no doubt, however, that he was the driving talent in the early years of the Stones. All that I have heard about Jagger and Richards is that they were pretty nasty, selfish individuals.
 
If you want a musical autobiography that isn't all "sex, drugs and Rock 'n Roll", but is a fascinating story that you couldn't make up, then read Tommy Steele's "Bermondsey Boy".
 

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