Al Jardine, a founding member of the Beach Boys, recently shared his heartfelt final visit with his longtime bandmate Brian Wilson in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. The two iconic musicians had a bond that stretched back over 60 years, culminating in a touching moment before Wilson’s passing at the age of 82 on June 11.
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Jardine, now 82 himself, reminisced about his last encounter with Wilson, which took place roughly a month before the legendary singer-songwriter’s death. During a trip with his wife to Carmel, California, they made a stop to see Wilson. According to Jardine, Wilson looked him straight in the eyes and said, “You started the band.” Jardine humbly responded by acknowledging Wilson’s own significant contributions to the Beach Boys’ success.
The relationship between Jardine and Wilson traces back to their time at El Camino Junior College, where Jardine played a pivotal role in inspiring Wilson to pursue his musical talents. This encounter led to the formation of the iconic band, with Jardine recounting their search for other members and ultimately introducing Wilson to key players, including his own brother Carl and cousin.
Despite the ups and downs in Wilson’s life and career, marked by struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues, Jardine emphasised that their friendship remained steadfast. He revealed that in Wilson’s later years, he would visit him regularly, sometimes bringing along the Brian Wilson Band to perform for him, aiming to keep Wilson engaged and connected to his musical roots.
Wilson’s personal life also saw moments of happiness, notably with his second wife, Melinda, who passed away in 2024, leaving Wilson under a conservatorship due to health concerns. Jardine expressed his belief that Wilson found contentment in his final years, surrounded by his loving family who cared for him till the end.
In reflecting on Wilson’s musical legacy, Jardine highlighted the profound influence Wilson had on everyone he encountered. Noting Wilson’s ability to transform familiar musical notes into a unique language, Jardine praised his friend for his humour, wisdom, and humility, which left an indelible mark on those around him.
Jardine, who recently released the EP “Islands of the Sun,” featuring contributions from his son and fellow Beach Boy Bruce Johnston, is set to embark on the Love You Tour later this summer. The tour, with Wilson’s former band now known as The Pet Sounds Band, will showcase ‘deep cuts’ from the 1970s, honouring the band’s rich musical history.
As fans and fellow musicians mourn the loss of Brian Wilson, Al Jardine’s poignant recollections offer a glimpse into the enduring friendship and musical legacy shared by these two iconic figures. Their bond, forged through a shared passion for music and creativity, stands as a testament to the power of friendship and collaboration in the world of music and beyond.