Fare forward, Brian Wilson

Sad news, as reported in The New York Times: “Brian Wilson’s Family Seeks to Place Him Under a Conservatorship.” An excerpt:

The family of Brian Wilson, the musical architect whose genius helped power the Beach Boys, is seeking to place him under a conservatorship following the death of his wife, Melinda, last month.

According to documents filed in Los Angeles Superior Court earlier this week by lawyers representing the potential conservators, Mr. Wilson, 81, has “a major neurocognitive disorder,” and “is unable to properly provide for his own personal needs for physical health.” Melinda Wilson had previously provided care for her husband, but following her death on Jan. 30, the appointment of a conservator has become necessary, according to the petition filed on Wednesday.

Dementia: to paraphrase Sufjan Stevens, it takes and it takes and it takes.

I’m grateful to have seen Brian on the Pet Sounds and SMiLE tours (2000, 2004). That’s how I’d like to think of him on a stage — engaged with the music, his music. Anyone who’s watched recent clips of Brian in performance (I’m not linking) can see that he’s been declining for some time. I’m glad for him that he’ll now be home, in a familiar and living environment, and getting good care.

Related reading
All OCA Brian Wilson posts (Pinboard)