Elton John and Bruce Springsteen praise The Beach Boys' Brian Wilson in new documentary
Brain Wilson: Long Promised Road is out now
A new documentary following the life and career of The Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson called Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road is now in cinemas across the UK.
The American rock band were popular throughout the 60s and 70s with hits like 'I Get Around', 'Surfin U.S.A' and 'Fun, Fun, Fun'. During this time Brian built up a reputation as a legendary songwriter, and he has inspired countless other musicians since.
The film is named after the song 'Long Promised Road' which was released on The Beach Boys' 1971 'Surf's Up' album, and according to director Brent Wilson the story takes: "a literal and metaphorical trip exploring Brian’s hometown”. The film sees Brian showing significant locations around California including The Beach Boys Historic Landmark which commemorates the site of his and his brothers Dennis and Carl's childhood home.
Throughout the documentary, there are also interviews and anecdotes from musicians that have been inspired by him, to build up a sense of the impact Brian had on the music industry. The familiar celebrities faces seen throughout the film include Elton John who talks about Brian's approach to music: "Brian just threw out the rule book, just took you out of where you were and took you to another place."
He added: "Brian will always wanna go out and perform. He will always wanna make records. It’s because music runs through his veins."
Watch the trailer for Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road:
The documentary also sees the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Linda Perry, Jim James, Gustavo Dudamel, Jakob Dylan, Steven Page, Taylor Hawkins, Al Jardin, Bob Gaudio, Don Was, Blondie Chaplin, Stephen Kalinich and Andy Paley share their thoughts.
Bruce Springsteen commented: "There was no better world created in rock'n'roll than The Beach Boys. The level of musicianship, I don't think anybody's touched it yet. The beauty of it carries with a sense of joyfulness even in the pain of living."
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Brian opens up during the film to talk about his past and discusses 'Sail On, Sailor' which he considers to be: "Probably one of the best songs I ever wrote". The Beach Boys fans will even get to hear a new song written by Brian and My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James, as the song 'Right Where I Belong' was written specially for the documentary.
As well as showing Brian's best known hits, Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road will also show rare tracks and unheard demos from his decade-spanning career.
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