Brian Wilson reuniting with the Beach Boys for 50th anniversary album and tour

Photo by Steve Cohen

Brian Wilson at the State Theatre in 2008

​Generations of music fans are in for a shock this morning as news is rippling out that Brian Wilson, chief songwriter and long-estranged member of the Beach Boys, will rejoin the group to record a new album and venture out on a 50-date tour in 2012. "This anniversary is special to me because I miss the boys and it will be a thrill for me to make a new record and be on stage with them again," Wilson is quoted as saying in a press release.

Founding members Brian Wilson, Mike Love, and Al Jardine have regrouped along with Bruce Johnston and David Marks, and are reportedly already several songs into a new "hits collection" that will be released next year. The new album (which is still untitled), will be the first with all of the Beach Boys' surviving members in decades. It will be produced by Brian Wilson and executive produced by Mike Love.

The Beach Boys' run of reunion tour dates will kick off on April 27, 2012, at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, with more dates to be announced.

For a study in contrast, revisit our review of Brian Wilson's delicate performance at the State Theatre in 2008, and compare with our review of the Beach Boys (minus Wilson) at the Mystic Lake Amphitheater this past summer.