Library Rock's Backpages

Mister Optimism: Mike Love Talks

Barney Hoskyns, Uncut, March 2008

OVER 45 YEARS have passed since three Californian brothers and their first cousin formed a rocking little combo that harmonized angelically on classic songs about surfing, girls, and hot rod automobiles. Two of the Wilson brothers are gone now; the third effected a remarkable comeback from the hell of mental illness. First cousin Mike Love, meanwhile, is the Beach Boy who kept the summer – and the brand – alive.

Total word count of piece: 3084

Subscribe

Becoming a member is easy. Membership gives you access to all the thousands of articles in the library.

Click here to go to Subscribe page.

Click here for academic and other group subscriptions.