About this episode

David Leaf discusses his experiences with Brian Wilson and the legacy of the SMiLE project.

Part two of our chat with Brian biographer and friend David Leaf - whose latest book is SMiLE: The Rise, Fall, and Resurrection of Brian Wilson - recorded days after Brian's passing. Here we ask, was it right for The Beach Boys to include out-of-context Smile tracks on albums after the project collapsed, and play them live? David elaborates on his role on the group's 1990s box sets - and the reasons for their delays. We measure Beach Boys fans vs. Brianistas and bemoan the Disney documentary. David recalls the last song Brian requested on David's final visit - you'd be surprised what it is! Have a listen to hear stories the estimable Mr. Leaf has not shared anywhere else.

People in this episode

Hosts: Mark Dillon, Phil Miglioratti

Guest: David Leaf

Topics covered

• Brian Wilson
• The Beach Boys
• SMiLE
• music history
• biography
• fan culture

Keywords

• Brian Wilson
• David Leaf
• SMiLE
• The Beach Boys
• music biography
• fan culture
• Disney documentary

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Beach Boys, Disney

Books & works: SMiLE: The Rise, Fall, and Resurrection of Brian Wilson

More episodes of Surf's Up: A Beach Boys Podcast Safari

• David Beard on his All Summer Long book · June 30, 2026 · 1h 15m
• We Gotta Groove with Howie Edelson and James Saez Part 2 · February 25, 2026 · 54 min
• We Gotta Groove with Howie Edelson and James Saez - Part One · January 29, 2026 · 1h 4m
• David Leaf Remembers Brian and Talks SMiLE Part 1 · August 5, 2025 · 59 min
• SMiLE vs. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band · June 23, 2024 · 13 min
• Howie Edelson on "The Beach Boys by The Beach Boys" · April 5, 2024 · 1h 20m

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