This Is How Brian Wilson Met John Lennon Again, According to Alice Cooper

Brian Wilson, 82, died on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, marking a sorrowful day in music history. The musical genius was an industry giant and the creative force behind some of the greatest successes of the 1960s. He was the heart and spirit of the Beach Boys.

Brian Wilson, an American songwriter, has met some of the world’s most famous musicians. One of these icons was John Lennon. Wilson suffered from depression, auditory hallucinations, and was diagnosed with schizoaffective disease in the 1970s. However, he seemed to have forgotten many things, including his first meeting with John Lennon.

It is unclear how many times Wilson had met Lennon before 1974. Wilson met him again in 1974, this time at the Grammy Awards. Again, his condition led him to believe this was their first interaction. Alice Cooper is one person who remembered everything.

How Brian Wilson Met John Lennon, As Told By Alice Cooper

According to a Reddit thread and Everwas, this is Alice Cooper’s story.

“I was sitting backstage after the 1974 Grammys with Bernie Taupin (Elton John’s lyricist) and John Lennon,” Cooper told me. “This was while Brian was experiencing serious mental health concerns. Throughout the conversation, I noticed Brian out of the corner of my eye, peering at us from various angles.”

“Finally, he came up to the table, bent down and whispered in my ear, ‘Hey Alice, introduce me to John Lennon,'” Cooper recalled. “I couldn’t believe the two men had never met! They were nearly neck and neck in the 1960s as the greatest bands on the planet, and I’m sure they met at some point. But then I thought, ‘Wow, if they really have never met, I’m going to be the one to introduce them and become a part of rock history!'”

“So I simply stated, ‘Brian Wilson, this is John Lennon. John Lennon, this is Brian Wilson. Lennon was quite nice and charming, saying things like ‘Hello Brian, I’ve always wanted to meet you. I’ve always liked your work, and Paul and I thought Pet Sounds was one of the best albums ever created.’ Brian thanked him and walked away, after which Lennon resumed his talk as if nothing had happened.

“About five minutes later, Brian approached our table again, leaned down, and whispered something to Bernie [Taupin], and all of a sudden, Bernie was shouting, ‘Brian Wilson, this is John Lennon. John Lennon and Brian Wilson.’ Lennon was as gracious and nice as the first time, saying he always wanted to meet him. As soon as Brian went away, John turned at both of us and casually added, in his characteristic Liverpool accent, ‘I’ve met him hundreds of times. “He’s not well, you know.”

Behind Wilson’s Mental Health Struggle
This is an intriguing bit of rock ‘n’ roll history, without a doubt. However, it also highlights the severity of Brian Wilson’s mental health issues. As previously noted, Wilson suffered from depression, auditory hallucinations, and was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. He struggled with mental health concerns from the mid-1960s until, supposedly, the late 1990s and early 2000s.

In addition to these challenges, Wilson was diagnosed with dementia in early 2024. Nonetheless, Brian Wilson will be missed since his contribution to music is genuinely unparalleled.

Photo: Andre Csillag/Shutterstock

Alice Cooper Unleashes Fiery New Anthem “Wild Ones”: A Thunderous Return to Rock Roots

Rock legend Alice Cooper has once again stormed the music scene with his electrifying new single “Wild Ones,” a high-octane track that harkens back to his raw and rebellious roots. Released on June 11, 2025, the single is the first offering from Cooper’s upcoming album Road Rebels, set for release later this year. Fans and critics alike are already hailing “Wild Ones” as a vintage-sounding, adrenaline-fueled anthem that cements Cooper’s enduring legacy in rock and roll.

“Wild Ones” wastes no time diving into familiar Cooper territory—razor-sharp guitar riffs, pounding drums, and theatrical vocals that channel both menace and mischief. Produced by long-time collaborator Bob Ezrin, the song feels like a love letter to the shock rock pioneer’s early 70s heyday, blending glam, hard rock, and just a touch of the macabre.

Lyrically, the single is classic Cooper: a celebration of youthful rebellion, misfit pride, and the irresistible thrill of danger. With lines like “We don’t follow rules, we set ‘em on fire”, Cooper reaffirms his status as rock’s eternal outsider, reveling in chaos with a wink and a snarl.

In a press release accompanying the single, Cooper described “Wild Ones” as a tribute to “the kids I see at every show—the leather-jacketed, black-eyelinered wild hearts who remind me why I do this. It’s for them. It’s for the misfits. It’s for the ones who never fit in and never wanted to.”

The single also comes with a visually striking music video, directed by horror filmmaker Robby Henson, that leans heavily into gothic Americana imagery. Set in a dystopian carnival, the video features Cooper leading a ragtag army of rebels through fire-lit streets and neon nightmares, echoing the themes of nonconformity and liberation found in the lyrics.

Musically, “Wild Ones” features Cooper’s current touring band firing on all cylinders. Guitarists Nita Strauss and Ryan Roxie trade searing solos, while Chuck Garric on bass and Glen Sobel on drums deliver thunderous rhythm work. The result is a tightly woven rock onslaught with theatrical flair—signature Alice Cooper, evolved for a new era.

The release of “Wild Ones” also coincides with the announcement of Cooper’s 2025 Reign of the Black Cross world tour, kicking off in September. With dates across North America, Europe, and South America, the tour promises a stage production as ambitious as Cooper’s most iconic performances, complete with guillotines, monsters, and surprise cameos.

Fans attending early listening parties have described the new single as “vintage Alice with a punk edge,” and critics are already comparing it to classics like “School’s Out” and “Elected.” There’s a palpable sense that “Wild Ones” could become a new live staple, igniting mosh pits and fists-in-the-air moments at every tour stop.

At 77 years old, Alice Cooper continues to defy expectations. Rather than softening with age, he seems more energized than ever, drawing from decades of musical experience to deliver a track that feels both timeless and timely.

“Wild Ones” comes at a cultural moment when many younger fans are rediscovering classic rock through platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Cooper, with his signature snarl and flair for the dramatic, fits seamlessly into this renaissance, bridging generations of listeners.

Industry insiders suggest Road Rebels, his forthcoming album, will lean heavily into high-concept storytelling and thematic cohesion. While Cooper has flirted with concept albums in the past, sources close to the production say this may be his most narrative-driven effort in decades.

Cooper has always been a master of blending music with theater, and “Wild Ones” feels like the opening act of a larger rock opera. There’s a cinematic quality to the track that hints at grander themes to come—perhaps even a dystopian arc or anti-hero tale in the full album.

In interviews, Cooper has hinted at Road Rebels being a “reflection of modern chaos through a 70s lens,” suggesting political undertones and satirical jabs woven into the sonic mayhem. If “Wild Ones” is any indication, fans are in for a potent mix of commentary and entertainment.

Reaction from the rock community has been overwhelmingly positive. Artists like Slash, Rob Zombie, and Joan Jett have praised the single on social media, with many expressing awe at Cooper’s staying power and ability to stay relevant in an ever-changing music landscape.

“Wild Ones” also marks the return of Alice Cooper to active studio recording after a brief hiatus during which he focused on touring and charity work. His dedication to keeping rock alive—both as a performer and as a mentor to younger acts—is evident in the passion behind this release.

Cooper’s legacy has always been about more than just shock value. Beneath the makeup and stage props lies a deep respect for rock’s rebellious spirit and a genuine desire to connect with audiences. “Wild Ones” embodies that ethos, proving that rebellion doesn’t have an expiration date.

In a music industry increasingly dominated by pop algorithms and short-form content, Cooper’s unapologetically loud and long-form approach is a breath of fresh (or rather, electrified) air. “Wild Ones” is loud, theatrical, and defiantly old-school—in all the best ways.

With “Wild Ones,” Alice Cooper doesn’t just return—he reasserts. This is not nostalgia. This is revolution. Fueled by distortion and driven by passion, the godfather of shock rock reminds the world that the wild ones never really go away—they just wait for the right moment to strike.

As the summer heats up, Alice Cooper’s new single is poised to become the soundtrack for anyone who still believes in the power of guitars, grit, and going against the grain. “Wild Ones” is out now on all major streaming platforms, with the full album Road Rebels expected in late August.