The surviving members of The Beach Boys gathered at Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatre for the premiere of their new documentary, sharing heartfelt moments and nostalgia. This event was especially significant as it marked Brian Wilson’s first public appearance since his wife Melinda’s passing and his subsequent placement under conservatorship earlier this year. Wilson attended in a wheelchair, joined on the red carpet by longtime bandmates Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, David Marks, and Blondie Chaplin.
The premiere featured an engaging Q&A session with Mike Love, Al Jardine, and the documentary’s co-directors, Frank Marshall and Thom Zimny. Fans can catch the film’s TV debut on Disney+ this Friday, May 24. Amid the excitement, Wilson received a standing ovation as he was wheeled to his seat—a touching tribute to his enduring legacy.
Earlier this month, Wilson’s family secured the appointment of his business manager, LeeAnn Hard, and publicist, Jean Sievers, as co-conservators following his recent neurocognitive diagnosis. Also in attendance were Wilson’s daughters, Carnie and Wendy Wilson of Wilson Phillips, who shared heartwarming updates with ET. Carnie expressed her joy: “He is doing great! Every day he’s in physical therapy, I’m cooking for him, and he’s spending lots of time with his family. I’m so happy he’s here tonight.” Wendy added, “He’s really doing well considering everything. He’s a survivor—tough and strong, that’s my dad.”
The documentary itself is a treasure trove of unseen archival footage, new interviews with the band, and insightful commentary from musicians like Lindsey Buckingham, Janelle Monáe, Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic, and producer Don Was. A standout moment is a reunion at Paradise Cove—the iconic California beach that featured on the cover of their 1962 debut album, Surfin’ Safari. In a promo clip, director Frank Marshall revealed, “We even got the original surfboard from that shoot. It felt poetic to have the group return to where it all began—a true family reunion filled with joy and lasting memories.”
