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Brian Wilson postpones tour over 'scary' mental health issues

Beach Boys star said he began feeling strange after a third, successful surgery on his back

Roisin O'Connor
Music Correspondent
Friday 07 June 2019 02:16 EDT
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Brian Wilson was scheduled to perform some of his greatest hits this month
Brian Wilson was scheduled to perform some of his greatest hits this month (Mike Burnell)

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Brian Wilson has postponed his forthcoming June tour over mental health concerns.

The Beach Boys legend, 76, issued a statement to announce that he would not be able to go ahead with the Pet Sounds and Greatest Hits Live tour as scheduled, after a recent surgery caused him to feel “mentally insecure”.

“It is no secret that I have been living with mental illness for many decades,” the statement on Wilson’s website read.

“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 a while,” he continued. ”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.”

Wilson added that he had been in the studio recording and rehearsing with his band when his mental health issues “crept back” and he began “struggling with stuff in my head and saying things I don’t mean... it’s something I’ve never dealt with before”.

He said he plans to rest, recover and work with his doctors, and that he was looking forward to 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,” he concluded.

If you or someone you know needs confidential advice or support with mental health, you can contact MIND on 0300 123 3393, email info@mind.org.uk or 86463.

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