Brian Wilson had The Beatles

When regarding the matter of creative rivalry it is often said, that ‘every creative person needs a rival’ (1). However, is this truly the case? Does rivalry push oneself above and beyond one’s usual standards and enhances your one’s own artistic awareness or is it simply an obsessive way to proof who is the ‘better’ artist, photographer or such.

Within his online blog, Edward Boches tackles this question, by giving examples of many famous artists, one would most likely consider household names. He argues for the cause saying ‘Michelangelo had Raphael. Steve Jobs sparred with Bill Gates. Magic Johnson pushed Larry Bird. In every case these rivalries made both parties better, more inventive, more creative.’ (1)

However, was it truly the sense of competition which made these artists more successful over time or was it their increased dedication to practice their craft. Whilst I do agree with Boches that this might have been stimulated by a sense of rivalry, still I do not believe having a rival means magically becoming more successful at one’s craft. In fact, being one of two or more within a rivalry also can arise challenges. This is due to the fact, that it may cause one of the rivals to fall into deep despair or even depression, hence he or she constantly keeps setting the bar to high and fails to achieve the desired goal.

An occurrence in which this seemed to be the case, at least partially, was the case of rivalry between Brian Wilson and The Beatles.

Although Wilson did see success, greater then many others would, comparing his success to the success of the Beatles, left the musician deeply disappointed and often times severely depressed.

Furthermore hence the  beach boys and the Beatles were signed by the same label, close contact with the rivals was inevitable and constant. So when the Beatles released their album Rubber Soul in the 1965’s Wilson knew it was of impeccable importance to keep up with the genius of the British found band and he did. Pet Sounds, released May 16, 1966 was without doubt ‘the greatest artistic achievement’ the beach boys would experience within their time as a popular rock band. However, if one experiences such great success this fast, the pressure of having to constantly outdo oneself can be almost unbearable. One can become haunted by the fear of failure.

‘ the Beatles’ music was becoming more complex, not just from a lyrical perspective, but also from a studio engineering standpoint.’ (2) Wilson had to keep up, but he failed eventually, which allegedly led to him experiencing a mental breakdown after the Beatles’ ‘Revolver’ was released.

However, this rivalry did also cause some good for Wilson after all, if it had not been for the release of rubber should, the world may have never heard ‘God Only Knows’ which Brian Wilson allegedly wrote together with his songwriting partner Tony Asher after hearing the Beatles’ 1965 album for the first time. ‘ he was so astonished by the album that the next morning, he went straight to his piano and started writing ‘God Only Knows’’. (2)

Meanwhile the Beatles, without a doubt also profited from the rivalry, as it allowed the media to constantly rage over who deserves to be ‘at the top’.

Overall, this particular rivalry may have had its challenges for both parties, yet even though one in particular seemed to suffer, it undoubtedly had a positive effect upon its rivals. Therefore I do agree with the idea, that every creative person benefits from having a rival. However wether it is a necessity one shall leave up to the individual to decide for themselves.

(1)

Bochus, Edward. ‘Every creative person needs a rival.’ Creativity Unbound. August 04, 2015. Accessed December 14, 2016. http://edwardboches.com/every-creative-person-needs-a-rival

(2)

Moss, Charles J. “How the Beatles’ ‘Revolver’ Gave Brian Wilson a Nervous Breakdown.” Medium. August 10, 2016. Accessed December 14, 2016. https://medium.com/cuepoint/how-the-beatles-revolver-gave-brian-wilson-a-nervous-breakdown-4b3939c4e0e5.

(3) Gould, by Jonathan ‘Ebook: Cant’t buy me Love’ Crown/Archetype. October 2, 2007. New York, NY.