Hotline

VERY SAD NEWS: BRIAN WILSON
Our deeply-beloved Brian Wilson, the main musical force behind The Beach Boys, passed away on June 11, 2025, just a week and a few days before his 83rd birthday. Our memorial section for Brian has tributes from Brian’s bandmates, family, friends, and fans.
If you would like to pay your respects to Brian in person, his final resting place is at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park in Los Angeles. Other members of the Wilson family and extended family are there as well. (updated 8-8-25)

NEW BEACH BOYS WE GOTTA GROOVE BOX SET
A new Beach Boys box set, We Gotta Groove: The Brother Studio Years, explores 1976-77 Brian Wilson-penned and produced sessions at Brother Studio through a trove of unheard outtakes, alternate mixes, instrumentals, demos, and more. The six-disc (3-CD and 3-LP), 73-track collection includes the newly remastered Love You album, unreleased songs from 15 Big Ones sessions, and the first official release of the mythical Adult/Child sessions. This compilation also includes extensive liner notes detailing the Brother Studio era, along with beautiful, never-before-seen photos. A digital version will also be available. Release date is February 13, 2026. Pre-orders now available. Listen to the title track. More. (updated 1-21-26)

INAUGURAL BEACH BOYS 5K & WELLNESS DAY
The inaugural Beach Boys 5K & Wellness Day will be held in the heart of Santa Monica on the 3rd Street Promenade on May 16, 2026. Commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds album, the event combines a wellness-and-pet-themed festival featuring live music and fitness experiences, including a community 5K run / walk along Ocean Ave., a pooch run, wellness activities, and a beer garden, all open to the public. Event website and 5K registration. Read the official press release. (updated 1-8-26)

ALL SUMMER LONG NEW BB BOOK FROM DAVID BEARD
David Beard has written a new book on The Beach Boys, to be published in June from Bloomsbury Academic. All Summer Long: Conversations with The Beach Boys from “Surfin’” to Smile presents an in-depth exploration of the BBs’ incredible output during their early to peak years, from 1961 to 1967, with interwoven recollections by group members, family, friends, and musical colleagues. Foreword is by John Stamos. The book will be in 304-page hardcover format, pre-orders are now available. (updated 1-1-26)

BRIAN WILSON: LIVE AT THE ROXY THEATRE DELUXE REISSUE
Brian Wilson: Live at the Roxy Theatre will be released in a special remastered deluxe package, with the original album and additional bonus live tracks, both from the Roxy shows in 2000 and other “on tour” tracks. This 25th anniversary version will be available as a 3-LP colored vinyl box set, a 2-CD set, and digitally; available November 7, 2025, from Oglio Records. Watch the lyric video for “God Only Knows.” More info. (updated 11-7-25)

CHRISTMAS SINGLES BOX SET
The Beach Boys' “Little Saint Nick” and “Auld Lang Syne” will be reissued on 7-inch vinyl as part of UMe's Classic Holiday Singles Box Set, along with other iconic holiday singles from legendary Capitol / UMe artists. The box gathers 28 Christmas and holiday songs on 14 color vinyl 45s. The box is set for an October 31, 2025 release. (updated 9-16-25)

AL JARDINE EP, ISLANDS IN THE SUN
Al Jardine has released a new digital EP, Islands in the Sun, from Universal Music. The EP has four new tracks, including the title tune (with Al and his son Matt, with fellow BB Bruce Johnston guesting on vocals; “My Plane Leaves Tomorrow (Au Revoir),” which features guest vocals from Neil Young; “Highway 101 (Rosarita Beach Café),” and “Crumple Car.” The EP is available to stream and download everywhere. More info. (updated 5-30-25)

NEW RELEASES: CHRISTIAN LOVE, STEPHEN KALINICH
Christian Love (Mike's son) has released a new, sun-soaked EP, Sum Sum Summer. The EP is an expansion on “Sum Sum Summer” from Christian's Only Alibis. The new version features Matt Jardine providing additional backing vocals. The EP also has sing-a-long version, instrumental, and a cappella ending versions, for a total of four tracks. Now available in digital format and streaming. More info.
BB collaborator and poet Stephen J. Kalinich (and Friends) is releasing a new album called I Love My Life on July 11, 2025, via Heyday Again Records. The album alternates spoken-word pieces with songs, which feature vocal and instrumental contributions from Randell Kirsch, LuAnn Olson, Rob Bonfiglio, and others. Available in CD format. (updated 6-24-25)

SOMETHING THERE – REMEMBERING JEFFREY FOSKETT
Omnivore Recordings, along with The Jeffrey Foskett Estate, is releasing a new anthology, Something There – Remembering Jeffrey Foskett, a tribute to the beloved Beach Boys and Brian Wilson supporting musician. The 25-song collection contains several key Foskett recordings (“I Live for the Sun,” “Everybody,” “Something There”), as well as appearances with Robert Lamm (Chicago), Christopher Cross, Brian Wilson, Mike Love, America, and Los Straitjackets. Over half of the tracks included are previously unissued recordings. The album will be available in digital and CD formats on July 11, 2025. Listen to Jeff and Brian's “Mary Honey.” More info. (updated 6-3-25)

MIKE LOVE AND DAVID LEAF Q&A AT UCLA
Mike Love recently made a surprise special guest apperance with professor David Leaf for his Brian Wilson / Beach Boys music course at UCLA. Mike visited the May 5, 2025 class for a Q&A session that lasted 2 1/2 hours. Follow this link for information on how to watch the interview. (updated 5-14-25)

SAD NEWS: STAN LOVE, MIKE'S BROTHER
Stan Love, brother to Mike Love, cousin to the Wilson brothers, and father to NBA star Kevin Love, passed away on April 27, 2025. Stan was a professional basketball player in the '70s. Our condolences go out to Mike and Kevin Love and to the extended Love and Wilson families on their loss. (updated 4-28-25)

AL JARDINE UPDATES
Al Jardine discusses his new summer tour plans and an upcoming mid-'70s Beach Boys archival project with Rolling Stone. Al will be touring this summer with the Pet Sounds Band (otherwise known as Brian Wilson's touring band). Their show will feature songs from The Beach Boys' mid-'70s albums 15 Big Ones, Love You, and MIU. These albums are reportedly going to be the focus of the upcoming archival box, which will also have previously unreleased material. (updated 5-30-25)

MIKE LOVE JOINING THE SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME
Mike Love has been recognized by the Songwriters Hall of Fame, as a member of their 2025 inductees' class in the Performing Songwriters category. Mike joins songwriting partner Brian Wilson, who entered the SHoF in 2000. The induction ceremony is set for June 12, 2025 in New York City. Mike posted this response to his social media: “To be recognized by the Songwriters Hall of Fame is an extraordinary honor. Songwriting has always been a deeply personal and meaningful part of my life, and to be celebrated among such remarkable talents is truly humbling.” Congratulations to Mike, well-deserved! (updated 1-22-25)

NEW CHRISTIAN LOVE SINGLES
Mike Love's son, Christian Love (Beach Boys Band), released a rocking new single, “Candy,” in February 2025. The song video, featuring Christian and his solo band, can be seen on YouTube. Another single, “Remedy,” was released in April 2025. Christian's 2024 single release, “Star,” has been selected by the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts as an Honoree in 31st Annual Communicator Awards competition, with kudos going to cover designer Matt Pfahlert of Silent P Studio (more info). The singles are available on all streaming platforms. More information at Christian's website. (updated 5-14-25)

FUNKO POP! BEACH BOYS

The Beach Boys are being enshrined as Funko POP! collectible figures. The five-pack set contains POP! Brian Wilson, POP! Mike Love, POP! Al Jardine, POP! Carl Wilson, and POP! Dennis Wilson circa Pet Sounds. The vinyl figures range from 3.95-4.15 inches in height. The set is expected to arrive on December 23, 2024, in time for Christmas. More. (updated 11-8-24)

SCOTT TOTTEN, A WIRE CHOIR CHRISTMAS
Former BB supporting band member Scott Totten has released a new solo album, A Wire Choir Christmas, featuring guitar instrumentals of Christmas favorites. The album is available in digital download format or as a signed CD plus digital download from Scott's website. (updated 11-13-24)

NEW BOOK ABOUT BRUCE JOHNSTON
Stephen McParland's newest e-book, A Surfer Boy's Dream Come True: Bruce Johnston from Surfer Boy to Beach Boy, is now available. The book chronicles Bruce's musical career before he joined The Beach Boys. Available for $11.95 US from Payhip.com. (updated 10-25-24)

NEW AL JARDINE SINGLE, “WISH”
Al Jardine has released a new single, “Wish.” The song, a collaboration with Larry Dvoskin, is available on all streaming platforms, and a portion of the net proceeds from the song will benefit Make-a-Wish America and MusiCares. More info. Read the Rolling Stone story. (updated 9-2-24)

BEACH BOYS DOCUMENTARY AND BOOK UPDATE
A new documentary, The Beach Boys, is streaming on Disney+. Directed by Frank Marshall and Thom Zimny, the documentary chronicles the first decades of the group's career, using previously unreleased footage and interviews from all nine principal members. Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, David Marks, Bruce Johnston, and Blondie Chaplin all contributed new interviews, with archival audio from Carl and Dennis Wilson, and new audio from Ricky Fataar. A soundtrack for the documentary was released concurrently on streaming services. Hopefully both of these packages will see eventual release on physical media. Watch the trailer and view a discussion by the film's sound designers.
Six of the surviving Beach Boys (Brian, Mike, Al, Bruce, David, and Blondie) reunited for the film's premiere at the TLC Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, CA on May 21, 2024. Al and Mike took part in a Q&A session with the director before the film played, and many of the BBs' family members and associates were in the audience.
To complement the documentary, a mass-market edition of the BB's official autobiography, The Beach Boys by The Beach Boys, was published on April 2, 2024. (updated 6-24-24)

BRIAN WILSON ON NEW GLEN CAMPBELL DUETS ALBUM
Brian Wilson, along with Carole King, Dolly Parton, Elton John, Eric Clapton, and other artists, has contributed a track on the upcoming release, Glen Campbell Duets — 'Ghost on the Canvas' Sessions. The new album, a tribute to the late Glen Campbell's earlier Ghost on the Canvas album, pairs new recordings from the guest artists in duets with Glen's original vocals from the 2011 sessions. Brian appears on “Strong,” providing his own new track to accompany Glen's original vocals. Listen to “Strong.” The album will be released on April 19, 2024 by Big Machine Records and Surfdog Records. (updated 4-12-24)

NATIVE TONGUE: NEW ALBUM FEATURING BLONDIE CHAPLIN
Blondie Chaplin is part of a new music project by songwriter Andrew Morse. Recorded in Austin, TX in mid-2020, the album Native Tongue by The Tasty Kings with Blondie Chaplin is now available in digital format. It features vocals by Blondie, as well as musical contributions from Darryl Jones (Rolling Stones bassist), Charlie Sexton, Stephen Barber, Charley Drayton, and the late Ian McLagan. (3-4-24)

FRED VAIL'S COWS IN THE PASTURE ALBUM TO BE RELEASED
Fred Vail and Brian Wilson's long-abandoned country music project, Cows in the Pasture, is being completed for a 2025 release. The album was started in 1970, with Brian as producer and Fred as vocalist. Instrumental tracks were recorded at the time, but the project folded before vocals could be added. Nashville's Sam Parker has resurrected Cows with Fred, and Brian Wilson has signed on as executive producer. Brian will also be a guest singer on one track, with more all-star vocalists appearing on the other tracks. T Bone Burnett, James Burton, and Red Rhodes also appear on the album. A documentary on Fred Vail's career is also in the works, for a release next year. More details. (updated 2-13-24)

MORE SAD NEWS: MELINDA LEDBETTER WILSON
Brian Wilson's wife of 28 years, Melinda Ledbetter Wilson, passed away on January 30, 2024, at the age of 77. Melinda served as Brian's manager for his solo career. Their early relationship was the subject of the feature film Love & Mercy. Our condolences go out to Brian Wilson, their children, Melinda's family and friends, the Brian Wilson band, and the extended Beach Boys' family. Tributes.
Personal condolence cards and notes may be sent to Brian and his family at: The Wilson Family, c/o Beachwood Entertainment, 2271 Cheremoya Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90068. (updated 2-2-24)

VERY SAD NEWS: JEFFREY FOSKETT
Our friend Jeffrey Foskett passed away on December 11, 2023, at the age of 67. Jeff was a long-serving member of both The Beach Boys' band and the Brian Wilson band, regarded as a “vice principal” by the BBs themselves. He released numerous solo albums and has a line of signature guitars with luthier Italia. Jeff was an amazing musician and a generous soul, ever gracious to his fans. Our condolences go out to his family and friends and to the extended Beach Boys' family. Tributes. (updated 12-11-23)

BEACH BOYS AT PARADISE COVE
The Beach Boys — Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, and David Marks — recently reunited to film for their upcoming group documentary. The BBs gathered at Paradise Cove in Malibu, CA, where their 1962 Surfin' Safari album cover was shot. According to an AL.com interview with Mike Love, they “even did a little bit of acapella singing together on the beach.” (updated 10-4-23)

AL JARDINE, “Waves of Love 3.0 (Ocean Mix)”
Al Jardine has released “Waves of Love 3.0 (Ocean Mix),” a surround stereo radio version, based on Larry Dvoskin's recent Immersive 360 Reality Audio mix of the song. This new version is co-produced and remixed by Eddie Corral and Larry Dvoskin. Available for streaming from all major digital services. More information. (updated 10-12-23)

CHRISTIAN LOVE'S ONLY ALIBIS
Christian Love, son of The Beach Boys' Mike Love, has just released his first full-length album, Only Alibis. The album is available in CD and digital formats and via streaming services. Matt Jardine makes a guest appearance on the track “Sum Sum Summer.” Fellow BB Band members Tim Bonhomme, Keith Hubacher, and Randell Kirsch help provide instrumentation. More info. (9-11-23)

NEW BEACH BOYS BOOKS
A new book compilation, The Beach Boys by The Beach Boys, will be published December 2023 in a deluxe, book-collectors' limited edition from Genesis Publications, consisting of 500 signed copies worldwide. The band's story is told through through the BBs' own words — from Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Dennis Wilson, Carl Wilson, and Bruce Johnston — with 400 pages lavishly illustrated with rare and iconic photographs from the Capitol Records' and the band's own personal archives, along with historical ephemera from the band. The Deluxe edition has high-end binding and slipcover and is signed by 4 of the surviving BBs. An unsigned, bookstore market hardcover edition of the book will be published in April 2024.
The Beach Boys Official Coloring Book, by David Calcano and Giggens, with intro by Howie Edelson and illustrations of the band by Lindsay Lee and Juan Riera, was published in late summer 2023. Calcano and Lee also have another BBs book coming out next year, The Beach Boys Present: The ABC's of California. This hardcover children's book will be out in March 2024.
Former '70s BB sideman Carli Muñoz has written an autobiography, A Fool's Journey: To the Beach Boys and Beyond, set for publication in October 2023. (updated 9-16-23)

MIKE LOVE NOT WAR DIGITAL RELEASE
Mike Love has released a new solo album, Mike Love Not War, currently available as a digital download for select concert venue ticketholders, as well as streaming. You can listen to the whole album on YouTube. (updated 7-9-23)

GRAMMY SALUTE TO THE BEACH BOYS
A Grammy Salute to The Beach Boys tribute concert was held Feb. 8, 2023 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, CA. Beach Boys Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, David Marks, and Bruce Johnston were feted with performances of their songs by fellow artists, including John Legend, Brandi Carlile, St. Vincent, Beck, Fall Out Boy, Mumford & Sons, Weezer, Charlie Puth, LeAnn Rimes, My Morning Jacket, Norah Jones, Pentatonix, Lady A, Michael McDonald, Take 6, and more. John Stamos was one of the show's hosts. The concert will air Sunday, April 9 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS Television and will also run on its streaming service, Paramount+. Watch the show preview, an interview with Al Jardine, and an interview with Bruce Johnston. There are also some fan-posted videos from the show on YouTube. (updated 4-6-23)

THE BEACH BOYS' SAIL ON SAILOR BOX SET
The Beach Boys' Sail On Sailor – 1972, their new box set, will be released on Dec. 2, 2022 via Capitol Records/UMe. This set puts the spotlight on the BBs' Carl and the Passions – “So Tough” and Holland albums. SOS '72 also includes a full concert recorded at NYC's legendary Carnegie Hall on Thanksgiving, 1972, the first-ever release of a complete BB concert from this era with the original setlist. The 105-track collection also includes a bounty of unreleased outtakes, live recordings, radio promos, alternate versions, alternate mixes, isolated backing tracks and a cappella versions, culled from the historic album sessions. The package includes a 48-page book, with notes by Howie Edelson, new and archival interviews with The Beach Boys, rare photos of the band, images of tape boxes and reels and other recording artifacts, producers' notes, and promotional memorabilia from the day, providing an in-depth look at the recording of these albums. Formats include 6 CDs, 2 CDs, 5 LPs + 7" EP, 2 LPs + 7" EP, and digital. Singles released for streaming on YouTube include: “You Need a Mess of Help to Stand Alone” (live from Carnegie Hall, 1972), “Carry Me Home,” and “All This Is That (A Capella).” More information. (updated 11-10-22)

DAVID MARKS ALBUMS ON BANDCAMP
David Marks has re-released his Back in the Garage album, recorded with Spanish surf band The A-Phonics, and Live at Eddie's Attic, with The Summertime Blues Band. Both albums are available for streaming and download on David's Bandcamp site. (updated 11-22-22)

BILLY HINSCHE'S WEBSITE HAS MOVED
Billy Hinsche's website, formerly at billyhinsche.com, has gone down. However, the content from Billy's site will still be available. BBFC hosted his website originally, and is now hosting a legacy site for him here. There are no sales of his videos or CDs from these pages. (updated 5-31-22)

LIVE FROM BILLY'S PLACE
Billy Hinsche performed a series of shows called Live from Billy's Place, that ran on Facebook Live, 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT on Saturdays. You can find the archived shows on Billy's FB page or see a list of them on his website. Billy also uploaded his shows to his official YouTube channel (BillyHinscheOfficial). (updated 11-22-21)

ED CARTER OFFERING MUSIC LESSONS
Would you like to learn to play guitar solos in the style of Carl Wilson, play authentic bass lines while listening to your favorite Beach Boys songs, or strum along on a ukulele? Ed Carter (longtime BB's / Al Jardine's bassist and guitarist) is offering guitar, bass guitar, and ukulele lessons via Skype and Zoom, at very reasonable rates. If interested, please contact Ed on Facebook via PM or email him for more information. (updated 11-29-20)

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