The Beach Boys

'There's love in the music and people can relate to the love, regardless of whether you're two years old or 92 years old. For me, music is about love. Love is the message I want to share. I hope people feel that in my music. That makes the hard work worth it.' - Brian Wilson

Here, for the first time in print, is the history of The Beach Boys, by The Beach Boys.

Their only official book, The Beach Boys by The Beach Boys is the ultimate anthology of one of the world's greatest bands. Through their unique sound, complex harmonies, sensational live shows and use of innovative recording techniques, The Beach Boys became woven into the cultural fabric of America and beyond. This book documents how it happened.

Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine and Bruce Johnston tell their combined story especially for this book, and through meticulous compilation from sources worldwide, Carl Wilson and Dennis Wilson's words are equally represented. Documenting how they went from a Hawthorne garage band to a global phenomenon, the band tell the astounding story of their ascent: perfecting their harmonies, initial fame as a surf group, and then their ultimate progression as pioneering recording artists to become one of the most musically complex bands in history.

Their story is accompanied by iconic images, never-before-seen negatives and rare ephemera. Given unprecedented access to the band's personal archives, The Beach Boys by The Beach Boys offers intimate insight into lives and story of the group. Also opening their archives are Brother Records and Capitol Records, all of which assist in illustrating their remarkable journey.

Joining the band are a host of contributors who have been involved with or inspired by the band's music, including Peter Blake, Lindsey Buckingham, Eric Clapton, Elvis Costello, Bob Dylan, Bobby Gillespie, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Jim Kerr, Roger McGuinn, Jimmy Page, Pete Townshend, Rufus Wainwright and many more.

A group collaboration, The Beach Boys by the Beach Boys is, in effect, The Beach Boys' autobiography. Like their music, it is poignant, frank, often humorous but always sincere.

Finally, here is The Beach Boys' own story.