Brian Wilson has postponed his June US tour due to mental health issues. In a candid letter published on his website, Wilson explains how his latest round of surgery on his back left him feeling "mentally insecure". "We're not sure what is causing it but I do know that it’s not good for me to be ...
Brian Wilson has postponed his June US tour due to mental health issues. In a candid letter published on his website, Wilson explains how his latest round of surgery on his back left him feeling “mentally insecure”.
“We’re not sure what is causing it but I do know that it’s not good for me to be on the road right now,” he writes. “I’m going to rest, recover and work with my doctors on this.”
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Wilson was due to perform alongside fellow Beach Boy Al Jardine in a series of shows billed as Pet Sounds: The Final Performances. Wilson’s letter suggests the performances will be rescheduled, and his tour commitments for August and September currently remain unaffected.
“It is no secret that I have been living with mental illness for many decades,” writes Wilson. “There were times when it was unbearable but with doctors and medications I have been able to live a wonderful, healthy and productive life with support from my family, friends and fans who have helped me through this journey.
“As you may know in the last year or so I’ve had 3 surgeries on my back. The surgeries were successful and I’m physically stronger than I’ve been in a long time. However, after my last surgery I started feeling strange and it’s been pretty scary for awhile. I was not feeling like myself. Mentally insecure is how I’d describe it. We’re not sure what is causing it but I do know that it’s not good for me to be on the road right now so I’m heading back to Los Angeles.
“I had every intention to do these shows and was excited to get back to performing. I’ve been in the studio recording and rehearsing with my band and have been feeling better. But then it crept back and I’ve been struggling with stuff in my head and saying things I don’t mean and I don’t know why. It’s something I’ve never dealt with before and we can’t quite figure it out just yet. I’m going to rest, recover and work with my doctors on this. I’m looking forward to my recovery and seeing everyone later in the year. The music and my fans keep me going and I know this will be something I can AGAIN overcome.”
For help and advice on mental health issues, contact the Samaritans or Mind, the mental health charity.
