Brian Wilson is one of rock and roll’s most well-known figures — renowned as a writer, producer, arranger, and performer, he is credited for giving birth to the classic ‘California surf sound’ of the 1960s. And now he’s back in full swing, complete with a summer tour in support of his new CD, Live at the Roxy Theatre — a disc that was recorded during two sold-out shows in Los Angeles. The reviews were glowing. "The Brian Wilson concert was one of the most moving and inspirational events in recent memory for me," wrote one San Francisco Chronicle reviewer. The Los Angeles Times said, "Wilson stood triumphant."

Triumphant indeed. In 1961, Wilson — with younger brothers Dennis and Carl, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine — not only founded the Beach Boys, but entered into a lifelong journey that has seen him overcome decades of personal tragedies and frustrations — including a deep depression, the death of both of his brothers, and a serious bout of stage fright — only to take the stage again.

After helming the Beach Boys through countless hits and numerous releases, Wilson stepped away from the spotlight in 1964 in an attempt to shield himself from both the pressures of stardom and the inevitable stereotype that he feared would pigeon-hole him in the surf sound. While the rest of the Boys continued on, Wilson stayed behind the scenes and was hard at work on what would become one of pop music’s greatest albums, Pet Sounds.

Heralded by many — including The Beatles — for its striking lyrics, rich textures, and innovative sounds, Pet Sounds spawned numerous hits, including "Wouldn’t It Be Nice" and "Sloop John B" and transformed Wilson from a surfer boy into a musical mastermind.

Although the past few decades have seen Wilson struggle both personally and professionally — with the subsequent Beach Boys and solo releases never quite equaling Pet Sounds’ innovation or success — the 1990s have served as period of rebirth for Wilson. He has contributed on a number of projects, released a critically acclaimed solo album, Imagination, in 1998, and, this month, began a cross-country tour, performing his Pet Sounds’ hits with a symphony orchestra.

"My state of being has been elevated," Wilson said recently. " … I’m in a better frame of mind these days. It feels great — it’s like I see some light. Things make sense to me again."

After all this time, it looks like Good Vibrations are once more heading his way.