BRIAN WILSON
Citing mental health problems that he has suffered from following his recent back surgery, Brian Wilson has postponed his June concert dates, including shows at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, June 11, and the Etess Arena at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, June 14.
(JULY 5 UPDATE: The Red Bank show has been rescheduled for Oct. 2; visit ticketmaster.com for tickets. No word yet on Atlantic City.)
The Red Bank concert was going to feature the classic Beach Boys album Pet Sounds in its entirety. The Atlantic City show was simply billed as “Greatest Hits Live!”
As Wilson’s fans know, he began experiencing serious mental problems in the ’60s, and was creatively inactive for much of the ’70s and ’80s. Still, he has recovered sufficiently that he has been able to resume consistent recording and touring for the last 25 years or so.
Wilson will turn 77 later this month. He has some concerts scheduled for August (not in New Jersey) that have not been postponed yet.
Here is his note to his fans about the postponement, in its entirety
Dear friends,
It is with great regret that I need to postpone my upcoming June tour.
It is no secret that I have been living with mental illness for many decades. There were times when it was unbearable but with doctors and medications I have been able to live a wonderful, healthy and productive life with support from my family, friends and fans who have helped me through this journey.
As you may know in the last year or so I’ve had 3 surgeries on my back. The surgeries were successful and i’m physically stronger than i’ve been in a long time.
However, after my last surgery i started feeling strange and it’s been pretty scary for awhile. I was not feeling like myself. Mentally insecure is how I’d describe it. We’re not sure what is causing it but i do know that it’s not good for me to be on the road right now so I’m heading back to Los Angeles.
I had every intention to do these shows and was excited to get back to performing. I’ve been in the studio recording and rehearsing with my band and have been feeling better. But then it crept back and I’ve been struggling with stuff in my head and saying things I don’t mean and I don’t know why. Its something i’ve never dealt with before and we cant quite figure it out just yet.
I’m going to rest, recover and work with my doctors on this.
I’m looking forward to my recovery and seeing everyone later in the year.
The music and my fans keep me going and I know this will be something I can AGAIN overcome.
Love & Mercy,
Brian Wilson
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