The Beach Boys
A very popular band that started as a surf-rock band in early 1961, releasing major hits such as 'Surfin' U.S.A." and becoming the faces of the Vocal Surf subgenre. By 1966 they were America's most popular band, only being temporarily #2 to The Beatles. In 1966 they released the incredibly popular and influential LP Pet Sounds, known for its crisp production and then-innovative orchestral backing. Soon Brian Wilson (bass/keyboards/vocals), the leader of the band, started using drugs heavily to try to keep up with the Beatles, and had a mental breakdown after hearing Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club, leading to the cancellation of the band's highly anticipated Smile album and Wilson only playing a minor role on future albums. The band continued to make music however, initially led by drummer Dennis Wilson and guitarist Carl Wilson, and later by lead vocalist Mike Love. Dennis died in 1983, Carl died in 1998, and Brian died in 2025. Mike Love and bassist/keyboardist Bruce Johnston still tour as the Beach Boys today.
Christopher Wolstenholme said Pet Sounds was one of his favourite albums in December 2006.[1]