Hardest thing about being a Brian fan is not being able to give him back the love he’s given to everyone. (That’s how I feel anyway)

Poor Brian. Him wanting to hear "It's O.K." after being overcome by sorrow after hearing "Long promised road" is both heartbreaking and encouraging to watch. God bless him

Poor Brian :( He seems like such a gentle and kind man, and it’s so sad watching him try to hold himself together from crying

"That broke my heart when you told me that" - a very touching scene. I can see why they left that whole bit in. It gives great insight into Brian's sensitivity.

I’ve never heard his voice sound clearer when he said “He died?”. Strange moment for sure. God bless Brian. I’m not surprised he didn’t know, he’s probably isolated a fair bit from the media and pop world.

What's especially infurating or sad is that his social media team posted tweets and posts about brian saying he's sad about jacks passing when he didnt find out until this documentary apparently

You can tell Brian's pissed that no one told him FOR 3 YEARS

We love Brian Wilson because he’s so sensitive and kind, and he feels human emotions on such a deep level. We love you, Brian.

He’s just so delightfully sincere, right off the top of his head and heart. You just sit and wait for what he’s going to say next.

Ahhh, Jack Rieley.... I was a kid working for Los Angeles radio station KPFK-Pacifica Listener Sponsored Radio back in '69 when Jack Rieley wandered in to volunteer with hopes of getting hired. He had a bunch of credentials from having worked at NBC local and network news, or so he said. The station never really checked his references, but Jack seemed to know his journalistic stuff and soon he was on payroll was Public Affairs Director. Jack led the station through some major stories of the day. One night in 1970, Jack was hosting a program and for reasons nobody understood, he wanted to feature the Beach Boys. Somehow, he arranged for some of the band members and a representative from their new label, Warner Brothers, to show up for an interview show. Bruce Johnson, Al Jardine and maybe Mike Love showed up along with the record promotion guy. What I remember was that Jack Rieley conducted the Q & A, Mr. Johnson was incredibly friendly and down to earth and at some point in the interview, Brian was called at his home and he revealed that the group had recorded in mono because he was deaf in one ear. Jack Rieley then decided to take the tape of that interview, splice in some of the band's music and put together a documentary. I know that because I helped him edit the tape at his Laurel Canyon rental house all night. What still sticks in my mind was about an hours work on splicing in 'Let her run wild' into the spoken content. Jack was just fascinated with the band. For weeks afterward, that was all he talked about. Sometime later, Jack clearly lost interest in the broadcast journalism part of his job and distanced himself from work. It was then that people in the station lost faith in Jack and began to challenge his assertions of his past history. Phone calls were made to NBC network, the NBC radio affiliate in Beloit, Wisconsin and San Juan, Puerto Rico (all places that Jack claimed he worked) and it was determined that everything he said about that part of his life was fabricated...nobody named Jack (or John Frank) Rieley had ever worked for NBC, anywhere. I don't remember which came first, Jack's announcement that he was going to work for the Beach Boys in a management capacity or his termination from the radio station. Jack was suddenly driving around in a 1950's Rolls Royce convertible. I stayed in contact with him and at some point he told me the band was moving to Holland to reinvent itself under his direction. He asked if I wanted to sign on, I presumed as a roadie type assistant, but my interest was in broadcast journalism. Another young man named Bill DiSimone was asked and accepted the position. Next thing I knew, the album Surfs Up came out and Jack was credited with both writing and singing some of the cuts. Bill DiSimone was credited with being an assistant. Jack had a hard time maintaining relationships and he and the Beach Boys later parted ways. I read one of the historical accounts that at some point at the end of that arrangement, the Beach Boys too found out that Jack's NBC background was bogus along with some of his other assertions. The accounts I read indicated that the parting of their ways was somewhat strained. Jack later made a bucketload of money with the marketing and later sale of an internet fax service in the early days of tech. Based on this video, Jack Rieley had a big hand in the reinvention of the Beach Boys in the early 70's. Brian obviously felt that when informed that Jack had passed away.

The tears sneak up on you, the longer you're around. Brian has outlasted a lot of people.

This part of the documentary just ripped my heart out.

Some people are too fragile for this world. Such a talented man with such delicate depth.

You just want to give Brian a hug.

I saw Brian and his band live in concert in 2019, when this documentary was in production. During the concert Brian spoke very favorably of this film and the process of making it. No one was forcing him to say that. Jason Fine is a good friend of Brian, and, contrary to what other commenters are saying, the film is not exploitive.

Seeing a man at that age with that much pain in his face could make anyone cry. I feel for Brian a lot. I really hope they're treating him well rn.

It's hard not think Carl and his beautiful voice also affects Brian here.

Brian's not had it easy at all in life suffering abuse by his dad, Dr Landy, suffering from auditory hallucinations for over 50 yrs, losing both of his brothers but he's still here.

"Gotta get through it". Seems to me he picked that song on purpose to emotionally help him deal with his friend's death.

I feel like this could've been a conversation off the camera.

Wow. There is a staggering amount of people here who assume they know BW better than someone who’s had a friendly relationship with him since the mid-90’s. That’s quite something. I’m sure this would not have been released if Brian objected to it. He may be damaged goods, but he sure ain’t stupid.

Seeing Brian cry and hearing his voice tremble at the end was heartbreaking :(

Imagine pulling up to a stoplight, looking over and there's Brian Wilson. He is such a cool guy. Nice to the core. It would be my dream to meet him. But, of course, that will never happen.

The downside of living so long is that every so often, life kicks you in the face, like this.

“It’s OK” is a great track! Brian needed that to lift him up. Works for me!

I'd say that was a reasonable response when one learns of the death of a friend

What a moment, sorry for your loss Brian. I love you and The Beach Boys. You have been in my life since 6 yo, now I am 55. I remember The Beach Boys 15 Big Ones album, I had all your albums from an early age. Listened to It's Ok many times, I love the song, I like the album. I saw the BB in concert several times in the '70's and '80s. I went to your Smile concert in the inaugral year in Washington DC. I couldn't stop crying tears of joy to watch you smile and play the awesome music with the brilliant Wondermints.

This is just fucking sad man, i dont think he forgot about his death either. they just didnt tell him. Brian asking "he died?" was as clear as he ever spoke since the 70s.

he's such a sweetheart he just gets nervous sometimes anxiety is a bitch i know how he feels its like you've got a dog barking in you ear

I just wanna give Brian a hug.

There is nothing anyone can say to me about Brian Wilson. He is a musical genius and I Love him for that.

This documentary scene, as well as I Wasn't Made for these Times (talking about his dad's spankings) and Beautiful Dreamer (leaving a recording session and talking about inner voices) have very emotional moments.

Brian, the genius, seems to have poured out such love throughout life. He deserves it all back for giving us so much.🙏

Brian is a genius AND a survivor.

God... watching Brian find out about this just breaks my heart to watch. I'm so sorry.

that would have to hurt knowing someone you considered a friend even if not a close one, had passed years ago and noone had said anything to you.

One of the toughest things to accept, getting older and seeing your life vanish before you.

Its seems like when we reach Brian’s age we start losing more friends. Brian really shows some sadness here as he seems a very sensitive and sincere guy. And in this case it was someone Brian was creative with and close to at one time.

My song when times are challenging- "Don't worry baby" always comes on at the right time. Thank you Beach Boys!

Awww bless Brian’s heart ❤️ He’s a dear sweet man ❤️

Sound Editing in this film is phenomenal.

Considering that we now know how bad his Alzheimer's / dementia is Brian might have heard this news already and forgotten.

What a tender soul.

I was half expecting Brian to request A Day in the Life of a Tree

I've seen that happen to older people. They lose their pals, their cronies, and their close friends. Now that I'm old I've found that most of my pals, drinking buddies, etc. are gone or infirm, unreachable. Well, we're supposed to die but I'd prefer to put it off, procrastinate. I've been practicing procrastination for years and years.

Jack died in Berlin, I'm not sure exactly what he had, but he did have some disease. This is so sad seeing Brian react to this.

I recall an interviewer ask Brian about Phil Spector's recent issues. Brian gave a generic answer, but didn't seem to be aware of what happened to him. The interviewer just moved on. Probably good, because we don't know how Brian would react.

Bless you, Brian Wilson.

As a huge long time Brian/Beach Boys fan this is incredibly intense but revealing and poignant. I disagree wholeheartedly with those criticising Jason Fine's demeanor. He's letting Brian have his feelings, not trying to fix him. The grief could be tied to that time the song was recorded, Carl, the passing of time and so on as well. Just as revealing is Brian choosing the "back to the beach" kind of revival tune co-written with Mike Love as maybe an antidote. "It's OK," Brian. Your deep ocean waters have been your blessing and your curse. But you're still here and living fully.

Brian is the last of my living music icons. When he's gone, then they've all gone. Never thought we'd lose Ryuichi Sakamoto as we did early in 2023.

What every man faces like it or not is his own mortality. When one hears of a contemporary passing is when one contemplates his eventual passing. Not a good feeling....

God bless his poor soul. The man has been dealt so many shit hands in his life, it’s a miracle he’s still with us

Brian Wilson is my favorite American songwriter of ALL TIME. I only hope i get to meet my idol one day, maybe even share the stage with him. Such a beautiful soul

I can see the price you paid to create the songbook of my life, my twin sister was at one time president of the beach boy fan club in the Province of Ontario, she made a point of meeting David Marks when she went to California on holidays years ago, at 72 years old your music is the music of my heart.

Anytime I hear of the Beach Boys I remember this: Back when I was a kid and during their hay day a Boston radio station was advertising that they would be putting on a concert by the Beachboys at Good Harbor Beach here in Gloucester, Ma. They advertised it for about 2 weeks and us kids couldn't wait, the beach was only a short bike ride from the neighborhood. Thousands had showed up , the radio station had set up a mobile van in the parking lot. I believe the station was WMEX or could have been WRKO one of the 2 Boston rock stations at the time. A small stage was set up in front of the van with 2 DJ's sitting at a desk. Everyone in the crowd was looking for the band and wondering where they would perform. It turns out all the station was doing was playing Beach Boys records! The crowd starting to chant "WHERE ARE THE BEACH BOYS" over and over, so loud you couldn't hear the records! It wasn't pretty, so many disappointed fans but at least it was a great beach day!

Yes people always want something from Brian and STEVE LEVINE summed it up perfectly in an interview saying just that. Also he said it is amazing when Brian gets together with his handful of friends who NEVER want anything from him. Look up the Steve Levine interview.

Such a Beautiful and poignant documentary on great Bri. This really is a sad scene.

It’s kind of hard to tell when and where Brian’s handlers over the years have been exploitative and/or over protected. He’s outlived all of them and now he’s trapped in the living hell of mental illness. He brought so much love into the world with his music. Like so many people, I hope he’s in a good place now.

“It’s Ok”: a great antidepressant.

Brian as great as he is in music is still just a guy like all of us. Great guy! Great music! I wish I knew more about him.

This broke my heart

The late Jack Rieley served as the Beach Boys' manager in the early 70s.

i honestly don’t know any of these people but it hurts to know that he lost an important person and he never knew.

What an unusual person Brian is. It's like he can demonstrate everything anyone can but at very different times. A really interesting being in every way.

It is hard to watch this .....

You should have held his hand.. he needed a friend to hold on to

All this man has is memories.

that was heavy ..brian heart is so big for every one and every thing :)

I love Brian and I wish he had 50 more years to go. But I may know a little of how he feels... when one of my classmates passes, it brings me closer to my own mortality, and I really miss that person more. What a gift Brian Wilson is.

2:12 👌

I love how Brian has allowed us to see a human that feels throughout his life.

Gotta love the fact that you can tel no one in this comment section actually WATCHED the documentary. Smh 🤦‍♂️

He needed his song to soothe himself

Listen to Brian speak here is so lucid, his mind is sharp, he reacts well = and yet on his recent tour he was out of it = i believe that Brian zoned out around most people as a defense mechanism to keep they a distance

Bless you Mr. Wilson. You have brought so many of us wonders our ears had never heard before and so much joy 🙏

Brian’s account tweeted something when Ronnie Spector died….I hope someone actually told him….

Condolences.

For everyone in the states who hasn’t seen this, it’s free on pbs until July 6th. About to watch it for the first time

A pure soul.

Love Brian so much, we are so lucky to still have him with us.

Brian has just been a tortured soul He's a musical genius but man he had a lot to overcome. An abusive dad, the panic attacks, the copious amount of drugs, the health set backs, the deaths of his brothers. Sadly now the death of his wife. Even still he keeps plugging along. Other than death, nothing is going to take him down.

I love Brian Wilson

I never think about the Beach Boys & let alone Brian Wilson. But tonight someone I know told me they were going to see the Beach Boys soon, and Brian Wilson's name came up. How does KZfaq know to have it up when I open up its page. This is literally the first time Brian Wilson's video shows up ever, and just after I've talked about him tonight. We live in a MATRIX, a virtual world. So weird.

Its funny how musical geniuses rarely appear as such. You'd never look at Wilson, or Phil Collins, or Donald Fagen and think "That guy must really write the songs". So unassuming, and you wonder if Wilson even knows who he actually is to the world. Elton John called him the greatest songwriter of his generation... quite a statement

It's OK is genuienly one of my favourite BB tracks

Brian Wilson is such a great guy so talented 🏄‍♂️

This is hard to watch.The genuineness is hard hitting.

Legend Brian Wilson

The look on Brian’s face when listening to Carl. Shows deep feelings. Almost guilt.

This is excellent. This is a man defying his bands' detractors and celebrating the contribution of his recently deceased friend. Stay true to your friends. The Rolling Stones did that, with a few exceptions, and look where it got them. (P.S. "Long Promised Road" is a great song, R.I.P. Carl)

Man, that was depressing to watch.

it's ok from 15 big ones who saw that coming. Great stuff.

This must be a first---I heard Brian refused to hear ANY Beach Boys song when it came on the radio. When one came on, he immediately shut it off! I'm surprised he allowed this!

That's the thing about getting older the more you age the more funerals you go to...

A very Beautiful Film 💖 watch it All for every Beach Boys fan it's a Must Watch 🤗

Just a moment Paul, thank YOU Brian Wilson.

In the race to deify Brian Wilson of his certainly deserved genius status, it is easy to overlook the manifold contributions of other individuals contributing to the Beachboys musical cannon and cultural legacy. Jack Rieley imho was enourmously instrumental in guiding the beachboys and assisting them to realize potentialities, that eventually became the "Surfs Up" album. Arguably their creative apex. For a glimpse of the musical influence Jack was instilling on the Beachboys during this period listen to 'America', from his album "Western Justice".

Such a beautiful soul

Just found out that Brian was diagnosed with dementia: so sad, God bless him

I love Surfs Up and Holland albums.