Beach Boys Founder Brian Wilson Heard Voices, Had Delusions During Band’s Peak Fame

Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson had schizoaffective personality disorder throughout his years in the California-based rock band. His disease caused him to have low moods and reclusive behavior, as well as things like hallucinations and delusions.

“His ability to be in touch with reality would’ve been compromised throughout his life,” says Psychologist Dr. Linda Papadopoulos in the teaser for REELZ’s new docuseries, Breaking the Band: The Beach Boys.

When he was just a child, Brian began hearing voices—a frightening symptom of his mental illness which greatly affected his personality and social behavior.

“Right from the start, the band’s kind of laid on foundations of ill health. It’s not a surprise that everything disintegrates relatively early on,” adds Papadopoulos.

RadarOnline.com readers know The Beach Boys broke up for good in 2012, though main members of the band were kicked out, or passed away throughout the years. Mike Love was the one who ousted his talented cousin Brian, nearly 50 years after he helped form the beloved musical group.