Why is there that Barenaked Ladies song about Brian Wilson? ?

Question

I know he was in a band a long time ago but was he like really famous? Why did the band make the song about him? It was really popular when I was younger and I've always wondered about what the deal was with Brian Wilson.

Answer 1

Brian Wilson (he's still alive) was one of the founding members of The Beach Boys with his brothers Carl and Dennis (both dead). Was he famous? Well, yeah, he wrote most of the songs for the band, such as California Girls. He developed stage fright and didn't tour much with the band after their initial success, but continued to write songs and make records with the group. (Glen Campbell used to tour with the Beach Boys as Brian's replacement). In an effort to get over his phobias he got hooked up with this psychiatrist who was very controlling, kept Brian doped up and prevented Brian from interacting with his family, friends and band mates. The psychiatrist even claimed songwriting credit on a solo album. Brian Wilson is considered a musical genius of sorts, and is credited by Paul McCartney as an inspiration for the Sgt. Peppers album. (The Beach Boys released an album called 'Pet Sounds' as a concept album prior to the Beatles release of Sgt. Pepper). Brian Wilson just released a new solo album. He is also the father of Carnie Wilson who was in the group Wilson/Phillips.