Brian Wilson 2016 Tour Thread (Pet Sounds 50th Anniversary Tour)

[CenturyDeprived]

Blondie texted me that Brian told him the idea for him to sing "Surfer Girl" came to him in the middle of the night.

That is awesome. I wonder if this was a throwback to Brian having Denny sing that SG bridge part (am I nuts, or didn't that happen a time or two back in the day?) I'd say Blondie's voice is the closest to a Denny type voice in the current band, so it would make sense.

Imo Blondie's voice always fit the Beach Boys' sound very well. Listen to his "ta-a-a-a-a-tions" on GV from In Concert. It has such a warm quality to it (for lack of a better description).

Dennis sang the bridge for example on one of those '66 Michigan show and in Japan '66.

Thanks, Rocker! I knew I hadn't imagined Denny singing it

[Howie Edelson]

I'm dying to hear this Blondie middle-eight. Aside from the fact that this guy TRULY has pipes (and balls) so many people are buzzing over it because it's Brian delegating parts like he did when at his best --- letting it all breathe and grow. Not to mention, it's SO '70s -- the switching of a lead line between members. It's true to both Brian AND Carl. (A friend of mine who was there just said quote -- "I'd trade 45 impish Fosketts pretending to be blissed out while miming 'Good Vibes' in D.C. for just 4 Blondie 'Surfer Girl' bridges.") BOOM!!!! OUCH!!!!

Having actual Beach Boys onstage with Brian becoming even more a part of this music is what makes it WILSON.
Different vibes, different colors. It's VERY Wilson.

Man, I say give Blondie "That's Not Me."

[John Manning]

I'm dying to hear this Blondie middle-eight. Aside from the fact that this guy TRULY has pipes (and balls) so many people are buzzing over it because it's Brian delegating parts like he did when at his best --- letting it all breathe and grow. Not to mention, it's SO '70s -- the switching of a lead line between members. It's true to both Brian AND Carl. (A friend of mine who was there just said quote -- "I'd trade 45 impish Fosketts pretending to be blissed out while miming 'Good Vibes' in D.C. for just 4 Blondie 'Surfer Girl' bridges.") BOOM!!!! OUCH!!!!

Having actual Beach Boys onstage with Brian becoming even more a part of this music is what makes it WILSON.
Different vibes, different colors. It's VERY Wilson.

Man, I say give Blondie "That's Not Me."

At the Glasgow gig I slipped down front with a few others for the encore. Looking across the stage front from the right hand side and clocking that front line - Billy Hinsche, Brian Wilson, Al Jardine, Blindie Chaplin… I got a taste of what it must have been like to be at an early 70s show… geez you could see the sweat rising!

[CenturyDeprived]

I'm dying to hear this Blondie middle-eight. Aside from the fact that this guy TRULY has pipes (and balls) so many people are buzzing over it because it's Brian delegating parts like he did when at his best --- letting it all breathe and grow. Not to mention, it's SO '70s -- the switching of a lead line between members. It's true to both Brian AND Carl. (A friend of mine who was there just said quote -- "I'd trade 45 impish Fosketts pretending to be blissed out while miming 'Good Vibes' in D.C. for just 4 Blondie 'Surfer Girl' bridges.") BOOM!!!! OUCH!!!!

Having actual Beach Boys onstage with Brian becoming even more a part of this music is what makes it WILSON.
Different vibes, different colors. It's VERY Wilson.

Man, I say give Blondie "That's Not Me."

That would be a most RAD idea.

[RubberSoul13]

I still say Blondie would do a killer "Here Today".

[John Manning]

Or Mess of Help!

[HeyJude]

Just the idea that Brian is waking up the middle of the night and coming up with the idea of Blondie singing a random bridge, and that Brian is randomly deciding "We'll just be doing "Monster Mash" in May, thank you very much" gets me really excited. Similarly, things like a random "I'm Broke" performance are intriguing as well.

I've long said any change-up and spontaneity in the live show is exciting, even if they're not picking my all-time favorite songs. I dig "Funky Pretty", but it was never like my number one all-time setlist wish. But I've been longing to hear them do it since they soundchecked it early on the 2015 tour, if only just to hear something new.

Still hoping they manage to wedge "Leaving this Town" into the setlist at some point (which, I probably like a little more than "Funky Pretty" honestly), and otherwise have Blondie do another number or two. Have him take a few lines on "Add Some Music." The idea of Blondie taking a few lead lines or a full lead on a PS track is intriguing. It actually sounds like something that might work. 

[HeyJude]

Anyone have the Liverpool setlist?

Sounds like they soundchecked "Marcella" in Liverpool, which they haven't don't much on the last few tours. I think they only did "Marcella" three times last year.

[STE]

Anyone have the Liverpool setlist?

Sounds like they soundchecked "Marcella" in Liverpool, which they haven't don't much on the last few tours. I think they only did "Marcella" three times last year.

Yeah they had tried "Marcella" at a London soundcheck too.


According to AH and BH on FB, in Liverpool "Marcella" replaced "Do It Again", "Then I Kissed Her" replaced "Honkin'", "Monster Mash" and one chorus of "Proud Mary" were played.  "Girl Don't Tell Me" was also played.

[Rocker]

Just the idea that Brian is waking up the middle of the night and coming up with the idea of Blondie singing a random bridge, and that Brian is randomly deciding "We'll just be doing "Monster Mash" in May, thank you very much" gets me really excited. Similarly, things like a random "I'm Broke" performance are intriguing as well.

I've long said any change-up and spontaneity in the live show is exciting, even if they're not picking my all-time favorite songs. I dig "Funky Pretty", but it was never like my number one all-time setlist wish. But I've been longing to hear them do it since they soundchecked it early on the 2015 tour, if only just to hear something new.

Still hoping they manage to wedge "Leaving this Town" into the setlist at some point (which, I probably like a little more than "Funky Pretty" honestly), and otherwise have Blondie do another number or two. Have him take a few lines on "Add Some Music." The idea of Blondie taking a few lead lines or a full lead on a PS track is intriguing. It actually sounds like something that might work. 

Great, isn't it? It reminds me of 2012 when the Beach Boys tour got rolling and they started to put in unexpected song after song... Marcella, Add Some Music To Your Day, I Just Wasn't Made For These Times etc.

[HeyJude]

Just the idea that Brian is waking up the middle of the night and coming up with the idea of Blondie singing a random bridge, and that Brian is randomly deciding "We'll just be doing "Monster Mash" in May, thank you very much" gets me really excited. Similarly, things like a random "I'm Broke" performance are intriguing as well.

I've long said any change-up and spontaneity in the live show is exciting, even if they're not picking my all-time favorite songs. I dig "Funky Pretty", but it was never like my number one all-time setlist wish. But I've been longing to hear them do it since they soundchecked it early on the 2015 tour, if only just to hear something new.

Still hoping they manage to wedge "Leaving this Town" into the setlist at some point (which, I probably like a little more than "Funky Pretty" honestly), and otherwise have Blondie do another number or two. Have him take a few lines on "Add Some Music." The idea of Blondie taking a few lead lines or a full lead on a PS track is intriguing. It actually sounds like something that might work. 

Great, isn't it? It reminds me of 2012 when the Beach Boys tour got rolling and they started to put in unexpected song after song... Marcella, Add Some Music To Your Day, I Just Wasn't Made For These Times etc.

It's also interesting to know which additions are somewhat off the cuff versus rehearsed at the beginning of a tour. For instance, "Marcella" was (as infamously depicted in the RS article) added after the tour started by Brian. Whereas, I believe "IJWMFTT" was rehearsed from the beginning, as Bruce teased something pre-tour that had "Spanish lyrics" or something to that effect.

[Aum Bop Diddit]

Blondie on "Student Demonstration Time."  I honestly think it would be cool.....

[HeyJude]

I'm continually updating the setlists on the top post for those who want to catalog the changes over the course of the tour.

Including all the little snippets and whatnot, the setlist is up to as many as 42 songs per show now. Not sure if "Monster Mash" is really going to survive to the end of the tour, but please bring on more of the off-kilter song selections?

Still waiting for "Goin' On"!

[Matt H]

Anyone have the Liverpool setlist?

Sounds like they soundchecked "Marcella" in Liverpool, which they haven't don't much on the last few tours. I think they only did "Marcella" three times last year.

Yeah they had tried "Marcella" at a London soundcheck too.


According to AH and BH on FB, in Liverpool "Marcella" replaced "Do It Again", "Then I Kissed Her" replaced "Honkin'", "Monster Mash" and one chorus of "Proud Mary" were played.  "Girl Don't Tell Me" was also played.

Is Proud Mary being performed like the Paley Sessions version?

[JK]

I'm continually updating the setlists on the top post for those who want to catalog the changes over the course of the tour.

Thanks, HJ. I haven't read all 50-something pages for comments (no stamina) but I see mainland Europe is still represented by just three dates, two of them in the Iberian Peninsula! I can't imagine it staying that way, at least I hope not.   

[markb]

Saw the guys in Nottingham last night. This was my fourth show of the U.K. tour and easily the one with the oldest audience. Think this meant that the response was extremely positive as opposed to the raucous reception the guys got in Cardiff and London. Brian did a great job on God only knows and sloop with al. Don't worry baby was a standout in all the shows I saw and I thought the band sounded excellent. My only moan was that Barbara Ann seems to be getting slower and slower! They need to listen to some of the shows from summer 1993 when it really rocked. I also was fortunate enough to be in the soundcheck - marcella, don't worry, sloop, couple of lines of monster mash, Brian in good spirits. Overall a great tour. A personal view is that this incarnation of the band is outstanding. Yes, Darian was missed but there is complete integrity in what the guys do and the crowds were massively appreciative. Fingers crossed that I get to see them do it again at some point soon but , if not, it is a great way to bow out.

[mabewa]

I just wanted to say thanks to all of the British fans for your great reviews.  I was looking forward to this thread for the British leg of the tour, and you guys did not disappoint! 

[Rich Panteluk]

Final post on this I promise!

Hello Folks!

I have some Brian Wilson, Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin tickets that I have to sell (or trade) for the Las Vegas and Toronto Pet Sounds shows - face value.

I have two wonderful tickets to Brian Wilson (With Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin) on Friday July 1, 2016 in Las Vegas at The Joint in The Hard Rock that I can't use due to a maddening work conflict. I bought tickets to Massey Hall a few days later (July 4) in Toronto instead and now it seems I cannot use those either. Anyhow, I believe the Las Vegas show is now sold out. I am not a scalper and am just looking to recoup what I paid. The seats are great. They are in the Gold2 section Row KK (the two seats are together, of course) which is 11th row centre on the floor in the orchestra section. This is prime seating as if you are much closer you may not see Brian with his white piano obscuring his body and head. This has happened to me before so these seats are up close but not too close. Anyhow please contact me if you are interested. The 2 Toronto Massey Hall tickets are also very good seats (right balcony - which is best view for seeing Brian's face when he performs) RSB2 Row E.

If you have any interest or know someone who does please send them my way:

richp20@hotmail.com

I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and these are hard tickets in my current possession, not sketchy e-tickets. Buyer pays shipping.

I am now planning on attending the Hollywood Bowl show and would be happy to do a trade if you have premium seats for that.

Also, has anyone ever used StubHub for SELLING tickets?  Just curious if you would recommend them or not.  Just wanna make sure that these tickets get used and I make back the cash I paid.  Thanks!

[HeyJude]

I've updated the setlists on the top post.

Not surprisingly for a "festival" gig, the June 4th Barcelona show was shortened quite a bit, and they appear to have pretty much just done the PS album (and opened the show with it), and then did what you could either call a *really long* encore, or a shortened second set.

It's also kind of hilarious that in a truncated 24-song setlist where only 11 songs were performed after PS, they *did* keep "Monster Mash" in!

Also interesting that it's one of few shows where "Barbara Ann" was dropped.

[Shady]

Few friends of mine we're at the Barcelona festival .. By all accounts the band we're on fire and Brian was a highlight for the weekend

[Debbie KL]

Few friends of mine we're at the Barcelona festival .. By all account then band we're on fire and Brian was a highlight for the weekend

Wonderful - waiting for reports from my friends who were there, as well.

[HeyJude]

Brian is playing the Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles, CA on July 29.
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/entertainment/mid-state-fair/article82167172.html

[Rocky Raccoon]

I hope Brian plays a longer set when I see him on Sunday in Brooklyn.  Either way, I'm glad to hear the Pet Sounds album played live but I was looking forward to hearing some rarities too.

[mabewa]

I hope Brian plays a longer set when I see him on Sunday in Brooklyn.  Either way, I'm glad to hear the Pet Sounds album played live but I was looking forward to hearing some rarities too.

Based on the sets so far, for a full-length show, you can probably expect to get somewhere between 38 and 42 songs.  If 'Wake the World' 'Wild Honey' 'Funky Pretty' 'Our Prayer' and 'Add Some Music' qualify as rarities (to me they are at least deep cuts), then I think you can pretty much count on them being there.  I'm not a big fan of 'Monster Mash,' but if they play that, I think it definitely qualifies as a 'rarity'!

[HeyJude]

I hope Brian plays a longer set when I see him on Sunday in Brooklyn.  Either way, I'm glad to hear the Pet Sounds album played live but I was looking forward to hearing some rarities too.

Based on the sets so far, for a full-length show, you can probably expect to get somewhere between 38 and 42 songs.  If 'Wake the World' 'Wild Honey' 'Funky Pretty' 'Our Prayer' and 'Add Some Music' qualify as rarities (to me they are at least deep cuts), then I think you can pretty much count on them being there.  I'm not a big fan of 'Monster Mash,' but if they play that, I think it definitely qualifies as a 'rarity'!

I think the curiosity/concern with the Brooklyn gig might be that it's another festival gig, and often (as in the case of Brian's Primavera gig in Spain recently, and past instances like the BB reunion tour at Bonnaroo) festival gigs feature shorter setlists. So for Primavera, Brian came out and did PS first and then did a short second set, for a total of about 24 songs instead of the usual 38 to 42. Not sure if the Brooklyn Northside Festival gig will be similar; perhaps it depends on how many artists are scheduled for each day.