The Smiley Smile Message Board

Hope it's okay to set up a thread for reviews and news about BW's soon-to-begin tour.

I have one bit of news. Six days before the concert, I just got an email that the Austin show has been moved from the Frank Erwin Center to Bass Hall on the University of Texas campus. Since that's a considerably smaller venue, ticket sales must have been less than robust...although I really haven't seen any promotion at all.
Still, Bass Hall is a better place to hear music. I'm just sorry that NPP and L&M did not generate enough interest to fill the larger arena.

I wonder if this will happen to some other shows. 

We're 12 days away from his show at the Mann Center in Philadelphia that I'm attending.  For S&Gs, went on Ticketmaster to see how close I could get, and there were still Orchestra Center seats available. 

Granted I live in Baltimore, but I get emails about concerts in DC, VA, PA, NJ (basically shows within 100 miles), and I've seen very little mention of Brian's show. 

Was thinking of starting up a new fresh thread. Thanks for starting. I’m still as of this moment ticketed for opening night, tomorrow night at the Mountain Winery. Hoping we get an interesting setlist and that the set is longer than the 2013 Beck tour (I guess Rodriguez seems to more of an “opening” act rather than a co-headlining thing as was the case with Jeff Beck. No slam on Rodriguez, but I’m hoping the Brian set is a relatively “full-length” show).

I can’t speak too much to ticket sales. The Mountain Winery is an appropriate size venue, seats a couple thousand give or take. The big arena-ish venues he’s doing (moreso on the UK tour) might be more difficult. I tend to not care too much as long as ticket sales aren’t so poor that they cancel shows. No sign of that, so that’s good.

A recent article from the San Diego area talking about Brian and Rodriguez did mention that tickets still being in ample supply may be due in part to the steep ticket price. Indeed, even at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga, catering to the upper-income folk, it appears the cheapest “General Admission” tickets sold out before the more expensive, up-front tickets.

Message to promoters, when you book a tour, to make your money back....promote it.

I wouldn’t expect re-booking of venues to be rampant on this tour. Really, seeing him in a smaller venue is infinitely more enjoyable.

It’s most likely a promoter issue, both in terms of who is making the calls, and who is potentially not making money. I doubt Brian loses any money when tickets don’t sell well. I would imagine there’s a guarantee fee, and then obviously more based on more ticket selling. It would be the promoter losing their shirt if they don’t sell enough tickets.

Obviously, there’s a separate issue of poor ticket sales impacting the ability to book future tours, but it’s kind of late in the game for that as far as Brian is concerned; he’s not building the beginning of his career up or anything. In fact, after the poorly-attended 2008 Paramount Theater show in Oakland (which, ironically, I didn’t make it to), where we had reports of only hundreds instead of thousands attending, the balcony being roped off, people being moved up to better seats, etc., he went on to play the venue again in 2013.

As long as shows aren't cancelled, I'm fine with where I see the show.  It would be a shame if the venue is only half full, but I also realize that Brian is a bit of a niche artist.

I just would've thought this would be a hotter ticket with the album and movie. 

While ticket prices actually vary from city to city and venue to venue, I think the ticket pricing may be partly the issue, to the degree that there is an issue.

I’m not anywhere near certain there is some vast problem with ticket sales on this tour. I don’t see them over-pumping his Facebook page with ten posts every day about tickets being available. So the tour on the whole could actually be doing as well as a typical Brian tour.

Some of the shows are selling really well, actually most of them are.

The Atlanta show is selling poorly, despite being in a fantastic venue. I have front row seats on the balcony (short girlfriend) that I bought during the pre-sale, but I almost wish that I had waited longer. As recently as a week ago, a few row A (behind 5 or 6 vip folding chair rows) seats on the floor level opened up for the same price.

I suspect that tickets will be half price on Groupon any day now, as they have been for the past two Brian concerts in GA.

The funny thing is you can't even buy tickets for that Atlanta show..

The link on BW.com, ticketmaster and livenation is broke

The Jones Beach show was priced very aggressively, and doing a search on Ticketmaster right now there's a shocking number of seats still left... some sections have barely moved any seats at all. I really wonder if that pricing was the best strategy.

I don't mind that the Austin show will be in a smaller, more acoustically-pleasing venue. I'm more concerned that the pricey VIP package I sprung for will still have me in a very good seat. I think I bought the first two tickets and —in the original venue—I was front row, center. Hope that's still the case. I can't imagine that the separate entity that does these packages could be very happy about having to scramble to accommodate a bunch of rabid fans in a completely different seating layout.

Shady, the Fox Theatre isn't using Livenation or Ticketmaster for the Atlanta show. Use this link for the Fox:
https://foxtheatre.org/shows-and-events/

I just don't understand why this show isn't being advertised in Atlanta -- I've seen more pr for Love and Mercy in the ATL than for Brian's (and Al and Blondie's) concert. The AJC newspaper and website have no listings for either upcoming BB-related concert in Atlanta. WGTV, one of the local PBS outlets, did have the Brian & Friends Soundstage show run during a recent pledge -- that's literally the only thing I've seen promoting the Fox show.  ???

Whoa...I'm glad I read this thread. a A 4 hour drive to the wrong spot would've sucked for me!

And the link on that site isn't working  :lol

Works for me. Tried twice, no problem accessing either time.

Really, when I hit the "buy now" button it doesn't load.

I just walked through it all the way to ADD TO CART. Picked my seat, the whole bit. Maybe clear your cookies on your computer before trying it again.

Me too. I even did add to cart, selected parking, then went to checkout. But I didn't register or buy the last two tickets in the pit( only decent seats left imo )
$20/ticket for "fees" is ridiculous

Tickets have been selling slowly for BW summer '15 concert tour stop #2 this Friday at 1400 seat Humphreys in San Diego.  At $125 for all seats (plus about $20/ticket in fees), the BW/Rodriguez concert is priced at the top end of what Humphreys charges for tickets.  (For example the M&B Beach Boys are priced at $78, which is less than BB's tixs at Humphreys normally go for, but unfortunately the guys are doing two shows that night, hence the lower price per show.)

Due to the slow ticket sales, it appears that over 250 tickets have been removed from the Select-a-Seat map in the farthest back seating areas.  Not sure if tixs for those seats will remain unavailable, or if they're being offered elsewhere at a discount, although I don't recall that happening for Humphreys tickets in the past.

With a couple of days to go and Love and Mercy currently showing in theaters, hopefully the remaining tickets will sell out before show time.

Not certain what it costs to advertise in movie theaters, but it seems it'd be a good place to advertise the concerts in cities that have them upcoming

The Toronto show was moved to a smaller venue as well.

That is one great Venue!   I' ve seen Mike and company play there twice to very enthusiastic crowds .    A beautiful place to see any native CA act.    Take a bottle of wine and enjoy on the hillside overlooking San Jose before the show as the locals do.    Enjoy!

Yes, been to a number of shows at the Winery. Saw Brian in 2000 (PS tour) and 2007 (with Al). Caught Ringo a few times as well as Frampton as well.

I've only been there once since they remodeled. It's certainly nicer *looking*, but I kind of dug the old format which felt more intimate. But I get it, they want to cram more seats and high priced suites in there and whatnot.

Saw where the PNC Bank Center in NJ, had tons of seats, good and bad, available. I wish I could go, but will be out of town unfortunately. But when I saw how many seats were left, with just 2 weeks to go, I must say I also thought about a possible cancellation. There were just sooooo many seats left....sad....and I can't be there! Damn!

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2015/jun/16/brian-wilson-rodriguez-pairing-should-fascinate/

The venue here in SLC hasn't sold out, but I suspect the ticket price has a little to do with that.

I'll be making a 4 hour drive to the Atlanta show. I love the Fox Theater. I pulled up a 20th row ticket with the presale, let it go and scored a 2nd row pit ticket during the general online sale.

I'm very anxious to see this set. Anyone have any guesses? Hope we'll get Hold On Dear Brother or Funk Pretty from Blondie.

I agree...California Saga seems like a reasonable choice for Al, although it wasn't done on the Beck tour.

Maybe it's time for Honkin' Down The Highway?  :hat

So, anybody going tonight? I'll be at the San Diego and LA shows but we need breathless setlist chatter!

I do in fact have tickets for tonight! I'll get a setlist up ASAP. I'll probably end up taking the whole duration of the tour to write a freaking full review of the actual show. But I'll get a setlist up as soon as possible, unless someone else gets it up here first.

Enjoy the show.  I still have a week and a half until I have to drive to Philly to see Brian. 

It'll be difficult to resist the temptation to come on here and check out the setlists, but I'll get by. 

Have a great time! Looking forward to your review as well.

I'll be at the San Diego show, and I'm purposely not going to look at any posts about tonight's setlist. I want it to all be a surprise!

After the setlist is posted here, let's all try and mentally beam it to Eric

I have a suspicion the setlist will get more interesting as the tour rolls along. Brian's setlists have usually tended to add the weirder stuff in later shows. But I'm still hopeful we'll get something beyond the standard 2014 setlist. Obviously, even that would still be great.

I'm perhaps most interested to see if Blondie will do the entire duration of the show. In 2013, he only came on and did a few songs. Maybe they'll get Blondie to add something interesting to the requisite "Barbara Ann!"

And I promise I won't be an asshat and post some BS song selections to mess with people. I remember someone did that in 2012 for C50. Yeah, right, I'm sure they busted out "Hey Little Tomboy" and "Crack at Your Love."  :3d

Only concern I have is with Rodriguez being the opening act, that Brian's set would be shorter. I hope it's not just a Greatest Hits type show, and there are a few selections from NPP. And athough Sebu's not on tour, I can always fill in for him on Runaway Dancer. Hell, I got the beard already :lol

For $140, I think I'd be unhappy with the standard 2014 setlist...just being honest! At the very least, throw in Funky Pretty, You Need A Mess Of Help To Stand alone, and about half the NPP album.

Or all email it to him as a submission for his website!  :lol

Rodriguez is terrific. Anybody thinking about complaining about his opening set, crack open "Cold Fact" first. Or watch the movie... sure beats a bunch of fusion noodling going on and on and on and on.

It's going to be pretty special. We won't have the luxury of seeing these guys touring for much longer, ya know!

No e-mail for me till after the show! :-)

Amazing, that seat price. I saw The Beach Boys at Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix in 1972. I was maybe 15 feet from the stage and the price of the ticket $3.75. It was a 2 hour plus show too. Show prices are out of control these days.

yeah, I think so also; but then I wonder how much it costs to have your equipment moved and setup, how much the promoter should make, and what do all the musicains make?
 

Yeah pretty crazy prices. But in the end, I always remember the shows, and the money doesn't seem so important years later. I figure that I've seen a number of free or cheap shows, and the prices average out to about $20 each. :-)

I'm not that familiar with his music, and haven't seen the movie yet, but what I've heard, I've liked a lot. Just hoping Brian doesn't have a shorter set, or that it's like the Beck shows in format.

Does anyone know if format will be Rodriguez opens, then BW & Co?  Or is it like Jeff Beck tour where BW will have a set, then JB, then BW + JB?

I'm hoping the former, personally, although the idea of them performing together is interesting.

It's got to be the former with Rodriguez opening. He isn't co-headlining, he's billed as "with special guest." So we should be free of an punishing Beck-style interlude, helplessly wondering where Al is...

Having seen Rodriguez at a small Detroit venue right when Cold Fact was reissued (but maybe two years before the Searching for Sugar Man film), I was pleasantly surprised to see that he was opening. He was headlining his own tour not too long ago, and is worth the trip for sure. It almost feels like a double headliner tour to me, because he really brought it and still sounds great. I love the guy, plus he's from the area, so there's a bit of hometown pride there.

But obviously, most of us here are pumped for Brian, Al, and Blondie. Part of me feels that with some of the "this could be my final tour" talk a few months ago, Blondie being there, and Al having mentioned that he'd be interested in doing some Love You tracks, we could be in for some deeper cuts. After all, it's a Brian Wilson tour, not a Beach Boy tour. There's no question that Brian's band is more than capable of doing the stuff, and I'm sure they, being fans as well, would probably dig playing something like "Honkin' Down the Highway" or "Funky Pretty" or even (hopefully) "Rio Grande." Give me a Love You cut, something from either CatP/Holland(besides "Marcella" and "Sail on Sailor"), and everything else is gravy.

On the other hand, Brian's touring not only the new record, but also the film, so I'm aware that there's a cultural resurgence for him and his music, which makes me wonder if they might cater to a more hits-based playlist. After all, it's a Brian Wilson tour, not a Beach Boy tour, so it might see a bit odd or out of place for the newer (or older, "I never knew...") fan for the band to play some of the more obscure, fan favorite stuff.

I'm pumped either way. My friend and I saw him on the Beck tour and dug both acts. My girlfriend is coming with me this time. I know neither guy is going to disappoint.

It very much seems like Rodriguez is the opening act rather than a co-headliner like the Beck tour. So I would hope at the very least that we get a longer set on this tour for Brian than we did during the 2013 Beck dates.

Yeah, this is gonna be special! I'm guessing heavy on the NPP tracks, what with the recent TV performances and that livestream where BW sang some without the special guests... and of course you have to deploy Blondie more since he's on the whole tour... and what of golden-voiced young Al Jardine? Wouldn't It Sloop John Rhonda B? Then of course, gotta end this tour with "Love and Mercy."

Lots of ground could be covered and I'm ALREADY jealous of the folks later in the tour who will no doubt get some extra songs tossed at them once they pick up steam, as you mentioned! What with curfews, I doubt they could go long.... with a probable 35-45 minute opening Rodriguez set that definitely cuts into Brian time but not as much as on the Beck tour. Well, we'll see tonight what the score is. Maybe i'm wrong and it opens with an extended 20 minute Shortnin' Bread jam.

I'm fine with a Rodriguez set, and if I discover some music I dig, even better. The issue would be whether it shortens the Brian set. I can't imagine how it *wouldn't* shorten Brian's set at least a bit (obviously, though, it's impossible to prove conclusively unless we go back in time and re-live the tour without an opening act), but I would hope we get something longer than Brian's set during the Beck tour.

I just feel like, especially with Al and Blondie there, there's no reason to cut the set short. Brian doesn't have to do all the heavy lifting.

The thing with Brian is, everything is fair game. It's all Brian, whether solo material or Beach Boys music. He da man!

I'm betting on this being a great tour. They should pull out all the stops this time around.

I wouldn't expect a super NPP-heavy setlist. Brian hasn't typically done a ton of new album tracks (apart from obvious bits like playing albums in full). I would expect "Sail Away", perhaps "Runaway Dancer" (Brian seemed to be into doing that one even without Sebu), and maybe one or two others.

I'd still love to see them dig into the back BB catalog, for some Blondie-centric and Al-centric stuff (they rehearsed "Lookin' at Tomorrow" for the Vegas PBS show last year), and maybe a few left-field choices like "Goin' On" or something like that.

Setting aside his presentations of themed albums in toto, Brian's rarely played more than a handful of tracks from his then current album:

1999 - "Your Imagination", "South American", "Lay Down Burden"

2004 - "City Blues", "Getting In Over My Head", "How Can We Still Be Dancing"

My guess would be "Sail Away", "Saturday Night" and... either "The Right Time" or "Whatever Happened" from NPP.

Yeah, definitely not pulling off the whole album but I'd guess This Beautiful Day/Runaway Dancer/Sail Away/The Right Time/The Last Song.

I'd take that. Again, I'm open to helping with RD....I work cheap ;)

I dig NPP just fine, but I'd rather they go heavy on rare back catalog tracks.

As I said a few weeks ago, however justified or legitimate one feels Mike's current band is in doing the extensive UK setlist, I would hope it would spur Brian and his band to dig deeper and forego "Shut Down" and the like for something rare or never-performed. Especially with Al and Blondie there.

I'd say, given the few comments from those involved, the most likely old track for them to add that Brian's band has never done would be "Funky Pretty." Would be cool to see Brian, Al, and Blondie trade lines on that one (and, sacrilegious as it may be, it's not even a song I'm super into).  

One of the big reasons I regret not going to the 2013 Tour was that the band did Little Bird.  That might be my favorite Dennis song. 

I'd also love to hear the title track from Friends. 

Let the Wind Blow would be a nice album cut. 

Here She Comes from CATP has really grown on me lately. 

A Day in the Life of a Tree would be a total shocker.   

Lonely Sea would be a great early song to bring out. 

Really hoping for the suite of Wonderful / A Song for Children / Child Father of the Man / Surf's Up

Just a wild guess:

01. California Girls
02. Dance, Dance, Dance
03. Little Deuce Coupe
04. Runaway Dancer
05. In My Room
06. Surfer Girl
07. Our Prayer
08. Heroes and Villains
09. Darlin'
10. Do You Wanna Dance
11. Don't Worry Baby
12. The Right Time
13. Sail Away
14. California
15. Do It Again
16. Sail On, Sailor
17. Marcella
18. Wild Honey
19. Sloop John B
20. Wouldn't It Be Nice
21. God Only Knows
22. Good Vibrations

Encore:
23. This Beautiful Day
24. All Summer Long
25. Help Me, Rhonda
26. I Get Around
27. Barbara Ann
28. Surfin' U.S.A.
29. Fun, Fun, Fun

Encore 2:
30. Love and Mercy

Gotta say that would be a disappointment to be honest

Except for Barbara-fu**ing-Ann, that is a fine set of songs, though.

It it a solid set! Please Let Me Wonder and She Knows Me Too Well might sneak in there also Brian seems to really like those. Lookin' at Tomorrow, Honkin Down the Higway for Al and Funky Pretty and Hold On Dear Brother for Blondie is what i'm hoping for.

We can only hope. I think they will pull out a few concert rarities from date to date. It was great hearing Break Away a couple years ago, as it was only the second time that someone performed it since July 1969 in Atlantic City.

Love to hear Blondie tackle Saturday Night but thats highly unlikely.... bet you he could do a great job of it.. however it would 
in a different key.

My guess (building on the previously posted setlist)

01. This Beautiful Day
02. Runaway Dancer
03. Dance, Dance, Dance
04. California Girls
05. In My Room
06. Surfer Girl
07. Our Prayer
08. Heroes and Villains
09. Darlin'
10. Do You Wanna Dance
11. Then I Kissed Her
12. Don't Worry Baby
13. Sail Away
14. California
15. Do It Again
16. Sail On, Sailor
17. Marcella
18. Wild Honey
19. Sloop John B
20. The Last Song
21. Your Imagination
22. Wouldn't It Be Nice
23. God Only Knows
24. Good Vibrations

Encore:
25. All Summer Long
26. Help Me, Rhonda
27. I Get Around
28. Barbara Ann
29. Surfin' U.S.A.
30. Fun, Fun, Fun

Encore 2:
31. Love and Mercy

This may be more of a dream then a guess but it seems very doable and appropriate.

1. This Beautiful Day
2. Runaway Dancer
3. California Girls
4. Dance, Dance, Dance
5. Girl Don't Tell Me
6. Please Let Me Wonder
7. In My Room
8. Surfer Girl
9. She Knows Me Too Well
10. Don't Worry Baby
11. Then I Kissed Her
12. Our Prayer
13. Heroes and Villains
14. Wild Honey
15. Funky Pretty
16. Sail Away
17. Marcella
18. Do It Again
19. Darlin'
20. Sail On, Sailor
21. Hold On Dear Brother
22. California Saga: California
23. The Right Time
24. Sloop John B
25. Wouldn't Be Nice
26. Pacific Coast Highway
27. Summer's Gone
28. God Only Knows
29. Good Vibrations
30. The Last Song

Encore 1:
31. All Summer Long
32. Help Me, Rhonda
33. I Get Around
34. Barbara Ann
35. Surfin' U.S.A.
36. Fun, Fun, Fun

Encore 2:
37. Love & Mercy

to me that looks like a solid set with enough hits and deep cuts to make anyone happy, plus you got 5 songs from the new album. Besides i feel like they'll rotate songs throughout the tour anyway. I hope they don't feel the need to do Shut Down, Deuce Coupe, Catch a Wave or Hawaii as they have done previously, as great as Al sound on Deuce Coupe (better than Mike IMOP) that's four songs that really aren't necessary.

That's also 8 leads for Al (including co-leads) and 5 for Blondie (if he's there use him!)

I would be really surprised if he opened with a track from the new album. As far as new album tracks I think it's safe to expect...

-This Beautiful Day
-Runaway Dancer
-The Right Time
-Sail Away
-One Kind of Love

...just my guesses based on current promo and band dynamics. We shall soon see!

I was there-do you remember what happened in the beginning of the song between Carl & Dennis??

Was able to overhear some soundcheck. Heard:

Runaway Dancer
The Right Time

Bits of I Get Around, Our Prayer, and Heroes and Villains.

Heard "This Whole World" with someone else doing part of the lead. I could swear it was Al, which would be really weird. Could have been Matt or one of the other guys. But it really sounded like Al.

No, I don't remember. I only remember Carl introducing it as their new single. Please tell the story and maybe I'll remember.

a mind is a terrible thing to waste....

I was 11 years old and was completely surprised that I was seeing them that day. I had no idea. We went there because it was an overcast day at the shore. I didn't realize it was to see them until we passed a billboard saying "Carl Wilson and the Beach Boys". I was so excited that it's a wonder that I remember anything at all. :)

We were close to the stage which gave us the chance to see everything. They were incredibly good. After the announcement of Breakaway, Dennis had a problem with the drum intro. It was quite obvious Carl was pissed at the false start. They traded GLARING looks of disdain at each other, they exchanged a few inaudible words, there was complete silence in the audience, and then Carl counted off and the song began and it came off well as did the remainder of the show. Brotherly luHv, huh?

I do not remember that, but I am not surprised. Carl was known to to do that. I remember Billy Hinsche saying you did not want to have Carl give you that look. I also remember my old man coming in to get me and seeing Bruce up on stage. When we got outside he told me he ran into that guy before the show, sitting on a bench, so he shot the sh*t with him while having a smoke. He had no idea he was talking to a Beach Boy. He was surprised that he was barefoot and wearing dirty white jeans.

I was 22 at the time. Any memories of them being announced as Dennis Wilson and The Beach Boys?? I cannot remember where but it happened.

If this was hippy mustache Bruce, then I gotta laugh

Not sure if it's because winery stage is so small but just saw a picture and it looks like Brian's gotten rid of the white piano and gone back to the small keyboard center stage

Just led off with California Girls, no Blondie on stage

(paces around in front of thread)

Set list:

Our Prayer
Heroes and Villains
California Girls
I Get Around
This Whole World (Darian with Brian)
Dance Dance Dance
The Little Girl I Once Knew
Shut Down
Little Deuce Coupe
Don't Worry Baby (Matt)
Cotton Fields (Al)
Row Row Row Your Boat
In My Room
Surfer Girl
She Knows Me Too Well (Matt)
Wake the World
Busy Doin' Nothin'
The Right Time (Al)
Runaway Dancer
Sail Away (w/Blondie)
One Kind of Love
Wild Honey (Blondie)
Sail on Sailor (Blondie)
Wouldn't It Be Nice
Sloop John B.
God Only Knows
Good Vibrations

Encore:
All Summer Long
Help Me Rhonda
Barbara Ann
Surfin' USA
Fun Fun Fun
Love and Mercy

More later!

Busy Doin' Nothin'? Yes please. Sounds great! Love the Our Prayer/H&V openings... The ideal way to open a show, much more effective than starting with California Girls.

Wake the World? sweet! is this a first for Brian?


also nice to see This Whole World and Little Girl I Once Knew back in the rotation.

not to mention BUSY DOIN NOTHIN!!! so great.

Pretty solid middle ground between the optimists and the pessimists. Looks like everyone was right-ish.  ;D

Be interesting to see how it evolves as the tour unfolds, but that's a fine start

Seems short but what a great setlist.

He did one kind of Love!!!

Movie tie-in: good call.

Rodriguez - good call, bad call, did you bother ?

Was Blondie part of the group for the entire show? Or did he just guest on the songs where he does a lead?

More thoughts later, but Rodriguez was good. Al watched his entire set from the wings, seeming to listen intently.

Wish they had given Al more leads. Blondie came and went several times.

They didn't have a program or tour poster, so I bought an overpriced hoodie and t-shirt!

(https://scontent-sjc2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/t31.0-8/11426731_1599514036985287_2067510581542646222_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9)

(https://scontent-sjc2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/t31.0-8/11412175_1599514063651951_4350264123688533553_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9)

Pretty great setlist, as AGD said...it seems to make just about everyone happy. It makes me wish there were a workable date close enough to me!

Can't complain...two mccartney concerts in the next week! Yahoo!  ;D

Awesome setlist and I love that hoodie..

How was the attendance?

Wake the World - wow! :) I need to see/hear this!

What leads did Al have besides Rhonda and the listed ones? Sloop, WIBN, shared Little Girl I Once Knew?, car songs?

Great setlist, love it!    8)

Most of California Girls: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhG4ypKX2ys

A great start, hope they swap out Shut Down/Little Deuce Coupe tonight or tomorrow with some others... c'mon, you paid for Blondie: let him loose on Marcella/Hold On Dear Brother, hmm? I want more of that guitar.

Brian AND Al both sound really  great in that clip. Alan adds so much to the vocal blend, it's amazing.


I too would prefer they swap the car songs on...it just isn't really fitting, in my opinion. Marcella and Hold On Dear Brother would be a MUCH greater use of their team.

Sorry, I did miss a few vocal credits. Al did Sloop, with Brian just singing the last verse. It kind of looked like Brian "stole" Al's lead on Little Deuce Coupe. They ended up singing it in unison. Matt sang WIBN. Al was kind of in there on "Little Girl", but not really a lead. I have to say Al was oddly underutilized. It was still a great show, make no mistake. And Al seemed to be having great fun. Brian was definitely having an "on" night in terms of mood. Most enthusiastic I've seen him in years. Did several "bits" including "row your boat" and song for guys then girls to yell. Twice!

Al announced "Runaway Dancer" as "we're going to do "My Little Runaway"", so I actually thought we were going to get the Del Shannon song for a moment.

Brian called on Scott to sing "Sailor", and Scott said jokingly "that's okay, the guy who sang the original record is here."

Either Scott or Darian sang the end of L&M solo, that was a bit weird.

Very cool that both Brian and Al were very heavy and audible in the group harmonies.

Brian introduced "Wake the World" saying to Al that they wrote it in Brian's living room (I think).

Ho-Lee smokes!

"Wake The World," "Busy Doin' Nothin'," BLONDIE CHAPLIN singing "Wild Honey" and "Sail On Sailor"...that's worth the price of admission right there. 

Very excited for LA show.  Thanks for the updates. 

Al has never done a huge number of leads at BW shows. It's just the way it is, for whatever reason.

I'm very happy to see Busy Doin' Nothin', Wake The World, This Whole World and Wild Honey. I hope they are tour staples.

How about replacing one car song for another? I'd love to see Al given Honkin' Down The Highway in place of Shut Down or LDC.

Hopefully a few other deeper cuts will show up throughout the tour. I'd love to hear Friends, Brian on The Trader or Al on San Miguel.

The Trader and San Miguel will never, ever happen. With the limited exception of "Forever," BW has never performed songs written by Dennis or Carl live. He ain't gonna start now.

Edit: Although, now that I think about it, Dave Marks did sing Little Bird at the BAD shows ...

So never mind.  ;D

He definitely gives the band an edge that you don't hear otherwise.

Are there any other videos from last night besides CalGirls?

For those interested, here's a photo posted on Al's facebook of some merch for sale on the tour:

(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/11148578_917771688261567_5394390735069045458_n.jpg?oh=2dad90c9cf668b9050bda33363bf38c4&oe=55E7B866)

Of course. Nothing new, bit still weird considering he's there and has a strong voice. It *felt* like the ratio of Al vocals to the entire number of songs was even lower than 2013, but maybe it just felt like that. They have Matt three leads and Blondie a few too. With Darian's partial lead it was already to the point where non-Brian leads were taking up nearly 1/3 of the set.

The band was tight by the way. Brian said they rehearsed for two weeks; Al said two days. I'm not sure who was joking. But the whole bands was tight musically and vocally, much more so than the recent TV shows and the NonComm thing.

Geez, they are really proud of those shirts, aren't they?

Someone who was there told me it was about 95% or more sold out.

Awesome setlist ? Can't agree: solidly satisfying  ? Oh yes. Awesome would be fewer GH, more surprises. He can do that, he's done it before. Hopefully, this is a starting point to evolve. The encore's been set in stone for something like a decade. Nice cross-promo with the movie, though. Kudos to whoever came up with that notion. Hopefully the show at The Greek will raise the bar.

http://www.sfweekly.com/shookdown/2015/06/19/brian-wilson-plays-the-hits-at-mountain-winery

Review which discusses Rodriguez opening:

“In a few minutes, you’re going to be hearing from an icon,” Rodriguez tells the crowd ahead of his last number. Several people shout that there are actually two icons performing tonight. “No, no, no” he chides the audience, a smile on his face. “I want you to treat me as an ordinary legend.”

Slightly misleading headline, given the surprises in the set.

I try not to bitch about reviews, knowing that the writer's job isn't to be a Wilson geek, but to cover an event. But this time, well...I will.

"a thirty-two song set, drawing extensively from Wilson’s career as a Beach Boy and his solo work (how much the former is really an extension of the latter is a debate for another time)." Wait, is the question how much of the Beach Boys career is an extension of the solo career? What does this mean? Am I too drunk to understand a valid point or question, here? (It's possible. I'm drunk. Shocker.)

The album is called Pier Pressure?

And then the numerous call-outs of Wilson's (ahem) unorthodox stage persona... Yes, it's clear he's not David Lee Roth, Mick Jagger, Bono, Freddie Mercury. That he's a nervous performer is very well documented. Does it require multiple references in every review, decades and decades into his performing life?

Eh. It's  good review. I'm sure they'll fix the error, why not email em?

...and Rodriguez is a class act. What a quip!

It's a positive review. But I wouldn't say it is very good.

Not "very good" but qualifies as "good," what with: charming, a delight to watch, and genius repeatedly. It's definitely annoying to get the album title wrong!

Off to the venue. I shall avoid stumbling into any raised bars and wait till I actually see the show before opining...

Yes, that sounds right to me. Maybe even indeed above 95 by the time Brian's set was going. There were really just a few rows at the back of the reserved seating (eg higher priced but not super close) that were noticeably missing people.

Also, a healthy mixture of young (not children, but 20-somethings) and older attending.

I'd say "The Trader" is a micro percentage likely just because Matt and Al rehearsed it in 2000 with Family & Friends, and I would presume Matt would probably have sung it. But also worth considering is that they clearly don't consult Al on the setlist much at all. I thought they might actually get Funky Pretty in the set since Al seemed so into it with Blondie there.

Brian also recently called it his favorite Carl song.

Any reports from tonight's show?

just about time for Brian to start playing, isn't it?

True...


From the Facebook Q&A on 3.26.15
Q: what do you think of carl's song the trader?
Brian: I loved that song, he had a great vocal and great lyrics

From the Twitter Q&A on 3.30.15
Q: what's your favorite Beach Boys song written by someone in the band other than yourself?
Brian: "Trader" by Carl.

I could be making this up (I'm fairly sure I'm not) but didn't Brian play a few chords from The Trader during a show rehearsal? I could have sworn I read about Brian playing some chords from the song and Darian and Scott joining in. I have no idea where I read it but I couldn't find it using the search function here.

There's an RS video of him fiddling around at the piano and doing a bit of Long Promised Road --

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/brian-wilson-behind-the-scenes-at-his-new-york-concert-20081212

-- is that what you're thinking of?

I'm on the East Coast, so it's all a blur to me. Hurry up, Pacific Timers!

Surf's Up. Bar raised.

Oh wow

Very cool. Who sang the lead?

This makes me excited for 23 June. I like the fact that both touring groups are playing around with the setlists...in the battle of 'who has the best rarities in a live show' the real winners are us the fans.

Keep them reports coming!

I do hope it was Brian who sang lead, for the selfish reason being I am such  a huge fan of his voice, all eras.

Lots of good pics of opening night in Saratoga posted by Brian's and Al's Facebook pages, by the way.

BW! The Greek show should be spectacular, the band is unspeakably tight and BW is very engaged, playing keys on most songs, in great spirits...

Outstanding !

15 minutes ago, I just bought 2 tickets for the July 12 show in Seattle.......5th row!!   I checked this morning and these seats weren't available at that time....kinda lucky I guess.   A lot of $$$'s but we never know if this is the last time !!!    Great reviews guys    keep them coming

Got back about an hour ago from the San Diego show.

Great show, Brian was very engaged and in a very fun mood! The setlist was moved around slightly, and Dance Dance Dance and Row Row Row Your Boat were dropped, and Surf's Up and Then I Kissed Her were added. Got to meet Blondie afterward and my friend took a picture of us! Now I have pics with Mike, Bruce, Al, Brian, Dave, and Blondie individually (and also a C50 backstage pic with the 5).

I remember that story, but it wasn't The Trader, it was Lady Lynda. Not sure if these were two separate incidents?

The San Diego concert was incredibly good.  I've seen BW in concert many times, both as a solo act and as a member of the BBs, but I've never seen him come across so upbeat, so at ease, and so happy to be there as I did this evening.  An amazingly great concert!  Overall, the top highlights for me were This Whole World and Sail Away.  Would have loved to hear Funky Pretty with Blondie.

BTW, a couple days ago I had posted that the venue had taken over 250 seats off the select-a-seat chart due to slow ticket sales, but this evening I was very pleased to see that they had put all but about 50 of those tickets back on sale and the venue (minus those 50 tixs in a comparatively undesirable "dog ear" section) had sold out.

PS to Eric - Didn't grab a burrito after the concert, but realizing I was hungry as well I enjoyed some tuna and crackers, along with a few Jack Daniels, after which I decided it was time to check out the Smiley Smile Board.

And a Happy 73rd Birthday to BW from me as well. I first saw the BBs in concert (minus Brian and with Bruce) as a teenager in the sixties. And I well remember seeing them two nights in a row in 1971 when Mike acted like he was and old guy walking with a cane and said they were "an aging rock group". At that time there was no way I would have expected them to be performing in their fifties, sixties, or seventies, and probably their forties too. Just wish Carl and Dennis could be here on Earth performing today as well, but thanks guys, all of you, for providing me with the most enjoyable and inspirational music of my life, of which the BW concert this evening, with Al, Blondie, and crew, was a reaffirmation of how much BW and company's music means to me.

Ah! So you are still awake too! Yeah the burrito hit the spot, but gave me energy to stay up even more! Usually after a concert, I'm up for quite a while because I'm still wired from the show! Great time tonight, you're right in saying that Brian was very upbeat and enthusiastic.

If you are still awake, could you text the two pictures with Blondie?

Just sent 'em!

Surf's Up! Words aren't enough for this one. So pleased.

Got them, thanks! I sent you a few immediately after...let me know if you didn't get them! Ok, I think it's finally bedtime!

Did Al sing his part on the tag of Surf's Up?

It was a separate incident because it was definitely one of Carl's songs. I think I read about it within the last year so I don't think it was what Wirestone linked but maybe it was. If I can find it, I'll post it.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Surf's Up stays in the setlist.

Quite a few videos from the past two shows are up on youtube now. Brian definitely seems a bit more "on" this tour than he did with Jeff Beck.

Long Promised Road.

^Thank you.

Matt performed Trader with CalSaga a couple of times.  WOuld be incredible to hear that live!

So who was it behind me that yelled "keep it clean" before I could? C'mon, I know you're out there!

Surf's Up is always awesome to see in the set list. I'm probably a bit jaded in not feeling it's a mind-blowing inclusion only in the sense that he did it at pretty much every gig in 2004 and 2005 on the Smile tours and most of the US dates in 2001 and probably some European dates in between.

Would be cool to hear Al do his part on the tag, though. That's for sure.

links? I'm having a hard time finding them

From Blondie's Facebook:


(https://scontent-fra3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10339721_961356560552141_5792565074041134530_n.jpg?oh=8b7bde7ea5858849268f0f7c36f6ce14&oe=56352614)

I like the stage design. What does it look like in full?

"Surf's Up."  Wow.  :hat

From the Mountain Winery show:
Our Prayer/H&V: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iikKgOpOBzo
I Get Around: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYlKQUokXqQ
Don't Worry Baby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_31n8Vsvn38
In My Room: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n98P0id3Q2U

That was the most satisfying BW show i've seen in years! First off, I really like Rodriguez and what a great choice for an opening act... I love "Crucify Your Mind" and his humble, hilarious patter won over the crowd. Two survivors on tour together! I approve.

I knew immediately when BW came out all full of energy about a "hot show" that it would be special. No withdrawn Wilson, no Foskett covering for him,  no Al acting as MC. BW was in command, exuberant, playing his Yamaha constantly and asking the men and women to scream three times! His real smile came out to play, and what a difference that makes.

The band was rehearsed, telepathic, and having a ball goofing around. Scott Bennett gets MVP, and extra points for getting the well-heeled, predominately gray audience on their feet. After the quiet, low key Rodriguez set it was incredible seeing them churn out hit after hit mixed seemlessly with new songs and stuff like "Busy Doin' Nothin'" which I have been dying to hear live. Probyn juggling guitar, melodica, and trombone on "Wake the World" was ace!

Blondie Chaplin! What an addition to the band, adding such power and style. Keep him on stage longer, I say. "The real stuff," as Von Mertens said. Dual Jardines in the harmony stack blended in so fantastically, this is bar none the best band lineup they've had and a real treat for Beach Boys fans.

When Brian said the words "Leonard Bernstein," my head exploded a bit. It's been a long time since the SMiLE tour and this song belongs in the setlists... While the Beck version was fun, this is how I want to hear Surf's  Up! Those on the fence about the tour, hock your kidney and go. It's worth it! Who needs kidneys anyway.

Brian mentioned Lenny? Nice!  :)

Got my tickets for next Friday's Atlanta show at the Fox; wonderful venue--just saw Dylan there in April.

2nd time seeing Brian; 1st show was the Beck tour. Looking forward to a more standard set (though a surprise "Pet Sounds" show wouldn't hurt!)

From Humphrey's:

God Only Knows: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3_pJ9OcjzI
Good Vibrations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BmuIp_QxXw
All Summer Long/Help Me Rhonda: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BKtjb5HOPc
Surfin' USA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIG9xYqvMzw
Fun Fun Fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kIp2g1G41A

Brian sang that part, and it looked like Al was quietly doubling it at times. Brian was much more prominent on that part. I was looking forward to Al singing it, but that's a minor quibble.

:lol  Great review! Praying we get a show like this next Monday in Philly.

Sounds like a special tour. Very happy to read all the positive reviews.

Busy Doing Nothing, Wake the World and Surf's Up. Man. So cool!

Al should be singing Wouldn't It Be Nice!  He did a fantastic job with it on the C50 tour so on the Jeff Beck tour, I was disappointed when Jeff Foskett sang lead on it, it was nowhere near as good as how Al sings it.  He absolutely kills with it on the Venetian DVD.  I haven't heard Matt sing it though.

I agree Al should sing it. Here's Matt on lead from last night though, sounds great, and Brian's good as well on the "Mike" part: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqa4bJ3E79k

Matt has always sounded great singing WIBN. But yeah, Al sounded REALLY good singing it on the Venetian Blu-ray.

I think both Jardines do a great job singing WIBN. Did Matt play the kettledrum part at the end?

Sail on Sailor....Its 1973 again.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNrm_0EO61E

Wow. I have never heard Al play audible lead guitar live before like in that Sail on Sailor vid.

Now THAT rocked like a motherfucker. 

Incredible.  This tour. ..oh man...this tour.

That rendition of SOS was great! I am so looking forward to Friday's show.

BTW, the Atlanta newspaper finally mentioned the Fox show, one week out. Oh, well...

Makes me wish even more that Blondie had been a part of the C50.

I went to the show tonight. Brian said to the audience "I'm glad you all came dressed up tonight. You have very nice shirts."

Also, I got a bone to pick. I'm mad, but I ain't stressin'. Sebu, I'm already putting up with so much with that beard of yours,  and if you continue to change the melody to "Don't Worry Baby," we're gonna throw down.

Set list? Differences from the two previous shows?

Wait, Sebu was there?

Can't say for sure about the set list, as I haven't seen any of the full list for any prior show, but it seems consistent. I guess Sebu was the difference - he sang "Runaway Dancer" and "Don't Worry Baby". I have to agree with what people have been saying about Brian: he seemed to be in a really great mood. It was fun to watch.

I thought Rodriguez was pretty uninteresting as an opener. 

It would be great to see them break out Funky Pretty or He Come Down.

Great show...fantastic selection of songs with swift pacing.  The band was on fine form.  Blondie should tour with Brian forever.  My video of "Wake The World"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ekv_LUanJUk&feature=youtu.be

Thanks for the great video. It's called Wake The World, by the way.

Thank you for "Wake the World" and focusing on Al!

Fantastic!

Wow, the true fans are getting spoiled with this tour

Wonderful, can't wait for this tour to hit the UK.  Thanks for the video.

Thanks Justin!  Best clip I've seen so far.

Al sounded great! Reminded me of the live version from '69 in London! Can someone load the Surf's Up video if anyone has it? Would love to see that and I wish Al did his old part at the end.

Justin - thanks for that! Wake the World! I think Live in London is the only live version I've ever heard!

Al still rocks the white suit!  ;)

Yeah that really scorched. Only way that gets better is if Al breaks out his pilgrim hat. Can't wait for this show.

http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/brian-wilson/2015/greek-theatre-los-angeles-ca-33c9081d.html#sfmses3bb660f8

Setlist from the Greek Theatre.

He still rocks the suit...

Maybe he could hang the Pilgrim hat on the mic stand, as a tribute to the era...

The hat was never worn with the suit, that I remember... ;)

One Kind Of Love from last night: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVO_TkCwahI

They're in Philly Monday the 29th, and Philly has a whole bunch of events that week leading up to July 4th. Picture this: Al dons the Uncle Sam top hat on stage. The crowd would go wild.  :-D

Wow. So nice to hear that song! Al is the man. If you heard a "thud" while watching it was probably Ben Vaughn's jaw hitting the floor...  :lol

I am really impressed with Blondie and Al on Sail On Sailor. I love the edge that Blondie provides with his guitar playing. Also, cool seeing and hearing Al play that staccato guitar part. Now, that is The Beach Boys at their finest! ;) I can't wait for the Philly show next Monday. :)

Nah! Put the Uncle Sam hat on Brian, too!  :lol

Cool seeing Al play the guitar licks on SOS!

Video of "Surf's Up" was just posted:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHZp90d9P6w (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHZp90d9P6w)

Very Nice!

Wake The World/Busy Doing Nothing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cln9EXPefJg

And THAT is the real McCoy. Now my jaw hit the floor along with Ben Vaughn...  :-D

It looks like the person filming this fainted or something when that Bossa beat kicked in.  :lol

I'm markin' out, bro!

I love the BW sign language on "thoughts in the morning" and "I write 'em all down". This is so cool to see. Has Busy Doin' Nothin' EVER been done live before?

Yes, Brian and band were playing it live in the early 2000's, pre-Smile. Some of those setlists and shows were epic.  :)

In that video of WTW/BDN...anyone else notice what looks like a juicy red apple sitting on the drum riser behind Al? Keepin' it clean (and healthy) with Al Jardine indeed!

I'm just glad he kept rollin'.  A wow moment to be sure.

Only thing that could make me mark out harder is if he bust out with something from Love You. Cmon Brian, you got 2 days...make it happen!  :lol

Wild Honey from the 19th:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIx0vzVhAnY

It's probably the percussion/shaker Al used during the show I saw (during Runaway Dancer for instance).

(https://fbcdn-photos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtp1/v/t1.0-0/11046353_917772514928151_8926809984937086005_n.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&oh=2aae1fdaff8b7d72324bea26a0d417f4&oe=55EFDF3E&__gda__=1446235656_395ef064e75e2c882d1ea49f109d08b6)

Aha! A shaker...of course, although I've never seen nor used a shaker that looked like an apple before. Shaker eggs, empty pill bottles filled with dry beans, actual LP brand shakers...never an apple.

And here I thought it was there for Al to snack on between sets.  :lol

Good God , That solo by Blondie is superb (some very weird chords there) and just look at Paul Von Mertens facial expressions to Blondies solo says it all

We used to do 'Vegetables' in the Surfs Up band, and we managed to purchase some shakers shaped as cucumbers and peppers (great laugh)

Is Brian okay there?

(http://www.musicworksmagic.com/guiros/uploadedFiles/1290599436088-6513.jpg)

Source: http://www.musicworksmagic.com/guiros/maracas--shakers

To quote Brian when introducng "Wild Honey" last night:  "It rocks like all hell."

(http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/dagNE0KOnpremyNhUJYLM9XoAdvMASGtJ7WxtwhPdsa1=w1015-h761-no)

(http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-olLds8gdxgI/VYcMYEEf5XI/AAAAAAAAzlo/UCmCBlj17UY/w853-h640-no/IMG_0869.jpg)

(http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/KI8-cjzW2-idQPI2Ey1MrmIhnqDcWeShDM3sVDIa8VdA=w1015-h761-no)

(http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jQ6i6dnHRLy-z-TjHCAhQAg_7IjcvNuUln4Vigp5x4h=w1015-h761-no)

(http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/gv4gK0M4fF2Qk23JCqNPHKUp0nNicjP4KqJhFOGSj_so=w1015-h761-no)

(http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Uhim5W-J9LVqEfz30Q7MEkoCBAz_NR_6W0AkeH2_e2L8=w1015-h761-no)

A nice Wilson family party was had last night

Great pics  ;D

hey, was that Mama Cass?

Love the extended finish. Maybe someone read my post below....

Wow.  Fantastic.

Having watched a few videos from the Greek theater show, I can say that the acoustics at Humphreys in San Diego are much better. (Or perhaps it's just the video quality). Also, Runaway Dancer actually sounds much better without Sebu in the live setting.

Posted by Al's wife:


(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/1471236_10207043807478592_6862101379475068634_n.jpg?oh=7b860506cf1748fbaace1cd61af2b843&oe=55ED12F6)

At the Brian Wilson Show with Al Jardine & Blondie Chaplin. Today is Brian's Birthday! Happy Happy Day!

Greek Theater, Los Angeles, June 20 2015
Courtesy of Cal Vid


Our Prayer & Heroes & Villains
https://youtu.be/96K3aL65Sw0 (https://youtu.be/96K3aL65Sw0)

Surf's Up
https://youtu.be/VHZp90d9P6w (https://youtu.be/VHZp90d9P6w)

Then I Kissed Her
https://youtu.be/onlUgg7S_BA (https://youtu.be/onlUgg7S_BA)

Runaway Dancer & Don't Worry Baby  featuring Sebu
https://youtu.be/IJc2ZgVuyT4 (https://youtu.be/IJc2ZgVuyT4)

One Kind of Love
https://youtu.be/lVO_TkCwahI (https://youtu.be/lVO_TkCwahI)

The Right Time
https://youtu.be/BAM6BdkcEnM (https://youtu.be/BAM6BdkcEnM)

Sail Away
https://youtu.be/1rNAiVly-Zw (https://youtu.be/1rNAiVly-Zw)

Sail On, Sailor
https://youtu.be/XN0t23zIBBI (https://youtu.be/XN0t23zIBBI)

Encore
https://youtu.be/LgZkGX8c7iE (https://youtu.be/LgZkGX8c7iE)

Love & Mercy
https://youtu.be/J6lXRdHdSEQ (https://youtu.be/J6lXRdHdSEQ)

Love how happy Brian looks from 4 minutes on in Busy Doin Nothin  ;D

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-ms-brian-wilson-review-20150622-story.html#page=1

Note to future reviewers: The white piano is just a shell holding BW's usual electric keyboard. Try not to make too much of it. A great piece otherwise, though!

Note to LA Times reviewer Randy Lewis: If you thought it was "culminated ruins domino," you're hardly one to chide Sebu about using a teleprompter on DWB.

http://rocknycliveandrecorded.com/brian-wilson-at-the-greek-theatre-saturday-june-20th-2015-review.html

People who are allowed to change melodies of songs written by Brian Wilson while performing live if they so desire: Brian Wilson.
People who shouldn't be allowed to change melodies of songs written by Brian Wilson while performing live if they so desire: Everyone else (ahem Sebu).

I remember I realized that when I saw them taking it apart between his and Jeff Beck's set on the 2013 tour, I thought that was pretty funny.  But it makes for a cool looking prop nonetheless.

Who's Random Black Man?

That's common practice in the business and has been so for quite a while. It's much easier to have the great sight of a grand piano that way but at the same time don't have to worry about tuning.

I'm a big fan of Brian's rendition of Busy. Surf's Up... nnnnno.

Common practice is correct, maybe even moreso in the world of guitars and amps, especially in how rock shows have been staged for years. It's part of stage design. Many rock shows which feature heavy guitar have been staged for decades where the visual on stage is the guitarist rocking out in front of a wall of amps, it used to be walls of Marshall full stacks or Orange stacks, or a bank of Fender Twins or AC30's. Most of those setups were done purely for show. Stage a rock show, have a wall of Marshall amps on stage.

The truth is, in most cases only one of those amps is actually the primary amp that is mic'ed and going to the house, or if it's stereo then several mic'ed and panned as needed.

Neil Young on various tours was known for having a wall of amps on stage as part of the set. Yet his actual tone was coming from a small Fender tweed Deluxe outfitted with a mechanical switching device he called "The Whizzer", a low-wattage 50's amp that was generating his main tone which the crowd heard. Yet they had a wall of amp stacks on stage, and ear-splitting house sound, while Neil's old Deluxe was delivering most of the tones.

Same with AC/DC, their stages were full of amps at various times during tours, suggesting all of the heavy riffs and tones were pumping out from a massive wall of amp power. The real tone was coming from a single Marshall amp head in most cases that Angus would run through and if I remember correctly, it wasn't even seen on stage but rather placed and mic'ed off stage.

So it's common practice and showbiz too across the board, but it is a cool visual to see a white grand on stage! I'll drink to that.  :beer

I agree. It's nice to see them attempt it but I feel pretty bad hearing some of those vocals. He's really doing his best and should be commended for it but...  :-\
Brian sounded pretty great on several other songs at that concert though. Maybe he just has to get a few more performances of Surf's Up under his belt.

I'm hearing Ding Dang at sound check in Austin right now. Brian is directing.

GAH!

It ain’t exactly musically mind-blowing, but it would be a huge kick to see Brian and Al do that one on stage!

How about “Santa Ana Winds”, “Goin’ On”, and “Funky Pretty” next?

They say they're saving Ding Dang to do in Dallas tomorrow. But they ARE doing Cal Saga tonight.

Dunno if it'll be in the set tonight, but the band is running Funky Pretty right now. Somebody reads this board!

Californ-i-a and Funky Pretty? Nice!

Hope the "Holland" tracks make it in the setlist soon (with YouTube videos of course!).

I finally got around to watching some of the Greek Theatre LA video clips, and it's interesting to note that while Al is singing "Wake the World" in that clip, it was definitely Brian singing it opening night in Saratoga.

I'd love to think the "somebody" reads this board and considers songs accordingly. I'm sure they do the former, not sure how much the latter. I think in the case of "Funky Pretty" it might have something to do with Al pushing for it. He said in an interview before the tour that he really wanted to do that one with Blondie.

It also makes sense to add that one if they're inclined to work Blondie into the show more. There are only so many BB tracks they could do that feature him prominently. A few tracks off of CATP and Holland are about all they have to work with.

Someone get the news songs on video and up on YouTube! I would have tried at Saratoga, but they are sporadically rather draconian there about use of cameras.

I'm at the show too! Took an hour to find the damn place as Google maps took us wrong, and by the time we got here we already missed the meet n greet and the soundcheck.  Construction is a bitch over here.

Best show ever. Brian was in top form, and seriously sounded better than I've ever heard him.

Cool! Any debuts?

Nah same setlist but it was so good it didn't matter

Setlist for Austin, 6/23/15:

Our Prayer
Heroes & Villains — Brian sounds very strong, not whispery like sometimes
California Girls
Shut Down — lead by Al
Little Deuce Coupe — lead by Al
I Get Around
Little Girl I Once Knew
This Whole World — Darian
Then I Kissed Her — Al
California Saga — Al
In My Room
Surfer Girl
Don't Worry Baby — Matt
One Kind of Love
Sail Away — Blondie comes onstage at this point
Wild Honey — fantastic!
Sail On Sailor — Blondie leaves after this one...but he was great on vocal AND guitar on this song
She Knows Me Too Well — Matt
Wake the World — Al
Busy Doin' Nothin' — Brian sounded so strong and on pitch that I looked to see who was doubling him...nobody! He was in great voice and great mood.
Surf's Up — a tiny bit shaky, but still awesome...and Al did his part at the end.
Right Time
Runaway Dancer — Brian seems to really love this song
Wouldn't It Be Nice — Matt
Sloop John B
God Only Knows
Good Vibrations
_________

Encore set:
All Summer Long
Help Me Rhonda
Barbara Ann
Surfin' USA
Fun Fun Fun

Love & Mercy — Brian was singing the verses with great feeling and improvising on the rhythms and words a bit, seemed very into it. At one point he stopped singing his line and it seemed he got a little choked up.

The band sounded incredible and the mix was very good. You folks in the next few shows, be ready...Ding Dang and Funky Pretty are definitely in the works.

Rodriguez's opening set was about 45 minutes. He was led onstage by four people and I wonder if he is almost blind; truly seemed that way, reaching out to feel where the mic was, like Stevie Wonder does. There were some in the audience who came mainly to see him and he was well received by all, especially on the songs from Searching For Sugar Man. Two things surprised me about Rodriguez. 1. Before EVERY song, he turned down his guitar, played the first three or four bars of the next song, then turned the volume back up and began; it was like he was reminding himself of how each song started. Very unusual. 2. He did a surprising amount of covers, especially for a 45-minute set by a guy with a couple of albums to pick from. He did "Fever." Yeah, the Peggy Lee "Fever"! He did "La Bamba." He did Elton's "Your Song" and Jefferson Airplane's "Somebody to Love." He sounded good, played the guitar well.

Finally, the VIP experience was fairly smooth and less strict than VIP Nation's version on the C50 tour. Today, we were let into sound check, told we could sit anywhere, roam around, take as many photos as we wanted. That was great! Almost made the concert anticlimactic. Al and Blondie were still trading lines on Sail Away: "Why don't you do this part and I'll come in here..." When Brian, Al, and Blondie left, the band stayed to run through some stuff and that's when I heard them trying Funky Pretty. We were escorted to a table in the lobby where the three BBs sat, Sharpies in hand. They were all pleasant, signing things readily, and Brian gave some very genuine smiles and handshakes, looking me right in the eye when I thanked him. Good experience.
Now I'm beat and I suspect I have seen Brian Wilson for the last time. If that's true, I'm completely at peace with it. He has given me more than I can ever express.

No California Girls? Wow

Looks like they've handed over more leads to Al. In Saratoga, Brian sang Shut Down, Little Deuce Coupe, and Wake the World. Looks like they dropped Cottonfields to add California Saga.

Oops, my mistake, California Girls was right after Heroes & Villains.

Sounds like an amazing show.  I didn't realize Blondie is only onstage for three songs though, that's kind of disappointing, I was under the impression he was a full member of the band on this tour as David Marks was on the 2013 tour.  I've read Rodriguez has lost most of his eyesight due to effects of glaucoma in recent years.  But it sounds like it hasn't diminished his performance ability so good for him.

Blondie did come back out for the entire encore.

One other little note: before launching into California Saga, Al introduced it as being from "my solo album, A Postcard From California." Nice try, buddy.

:lol

The crowd was something else. During Rodriguez's set somebody yelled out 'I love you Rodriguez ', and he laughed and said 'I'm sure that's the drinks talking,  but thank you!'

Of course I was no better...I'm the guy who yelled out 'I love you Brian...in a platonic way though ' and got a chuckle  out of Al.

Hope you didn't waste your money on the food there, though...

These reviews and setlists are great. With the rumors of new US dates in the fall, I'm hoping that NYC's Beacon Theater might be one of their stops later in the year. I will have to miss the Jones Beach show next week... pretty bummed about that.

I'd like to hear more about the VIP experience. I figured it would be a rehash of the strict VIP Nation C50 experience. I had no interest in a quick posed picture and then hustled away without any meaningful engagement. How far ahead of the concert did you have to be there for the soundcheck? Did they do a professional photo at the meet & greet or could you use your own camera? Did they limit what you could have signed and how many things you could bring? I'm on the fence, but might have to pull the trigger depending on your response...

I'm not going to lie...I'm really sad about missing the meet and greet. It's one of those things where the more I think about it,  the worse I'm feeling about it.

That said, got to meet a couple of the guys post-show (Paul and Darian), who were extremely nice and cool.

We'd all take it badly, unlucky man.

Re: VIP experience --
We had to be at the venue at 3:00; the show started at 7:30. Once we checked in, we were given a nice BW VIP laminate on a lanyard. We had a chance to check out the merch table and to buy stuff as long as we had cash in the proper amount. Nice to get that out of the way. After waiting awhile, we could hear the band starting up. Ten or fifteen minutes later, we were admitted to the theater and told we could sit anywhere, roam around if we wished, and allowed to take photos and video at will. Al and Paul welcomed us to the sound check and told us it was really behind-the-scenes stuff. So there was starting and stopping and rerunning of that last chorus one more time. After each song, Brian would say, "What now, Paul?"
When everyone was satisfied, our guide led us back out to the lobby as Paul asked the band to stay put, except for the three stars. We were given copies of the Love and Mercy sheet music, which Brian had signed earlier in the day. After five minutes or so, Brian, Al, and Blondie came out and sat at a table. We had been told we could bring one item to have signed. I had them sign a birthday card for my daughter. There was no photographer present, bunt the road manager was happy to take shots with your phone or camera. I had a few seconds to speak to the guys and pose for a pic. Then I held out my hand to Brian and said Thank you and he shook my hand, looking me in the eye and saying you're welcome, while my wife snapped a shot. That's the one I'll treasure. He looked much more at ease and natural this time, with a not-fakey looking smile.
I was first in line, so I was the first one done. I wish now that I'd hung around to see what others brought to be signed. But we were now free until showtime, so we left the venue, went and had dinner and came back in plenty of time for the show.

 :thud :

Damn, this is a great tour. I was just remembering that the other night right as the audience was reeling from "Wake the World" and they lurched into "Busy Doin' Nothin'," people behind me literally gasped loudly. I suspect one of them to be the guy who yelled KEEP IT CLEAN!

I know you're out there, you!

I am definitely in for another round in September.

If you're talking about last night, that was me :D

How was the attendance for last nights show?

Pretty much full or close to it. 

Sounds great!  Keep it coming so all of us in the UK know what we're missing! ;D

At last night's show in Austin, the second balcony was closed, but the rest seemed pretty full. A friend who is an usher there said there were over 1600 tickets sold in advance.

Ahh...didn't even realize there was a second balcony.

Anyone at tonight's show?

Better late than never (in publicity)... from today's AJC:

http://music.blog.ajc.com/2015/06/24/brian-wilson-will-bring-good-vibrations-to-atlanta/

BRIAN WILSON WILL BRING GOOD VIBRATIONS TO ATLANTA
June 24, 2015
By Melissa Ruggieri

Brian Wilson has watched “Love & Mercy,” the new theatrical adaptation of his life, four times.

“Each time I liked it even more. I was fascinated with the people who portrayed me. They were very well done,” Wilson said last week.

Chatting briefly after a flight from northern California to San Diego, where he would perform the second of his 20-date summer tour with opener Rodriguez, Wilson praised the accuracy of the film -- which stars Paul Dano as “Pet Sounds”-era Wilson and John Cusack as the musical legend in the ‘80s -- and acknowledged that “the harder parts of my life were difficult to watch.”

Wilson’s complicated life story is certainly ripe for Hollywood and is handled with sincerity and sensitivity in “Love & Mercy.” Even the love story with wife Melinda (astutely played by Elizabeth Banks) earns validation from Wilson, who said he was pleased with the portrayal of the couple.

But while the Hollywood-ized story of Wilson’s life is nestled in theaters alongside summer blockbusters such as “Jurassic World” and “Inside Out,” his current musical journey has steered him back to the stage. He will perform in Atlanta on Friday at the Fox Theatre.

The career-spanning set lists from the first few dates of the tour have so far included Beach Boys chestnuts “Heroes and Villains,” “In My Room,” “God Only Knows,” “Little Deuce Coupe” (with tour guest Al Jardine), “Sail On, Sailor” (with other tour guest Blondie Chaplin on lead vocals) and the two songs Wilson said he enjoys playing most in concert “because they’re good records” -- “California Girls” and “Good Vibrations.”

The show also includes a trio of tunes from Wilson’s current album, “No Pier Pressure,” released in April. “Sail Away,” “Runaway Dancer” and “One Kind of Love” are the choices Wilson plucked to play from the new release.

Wilson, who turned 73 last week, worked on the album for about a year and was joined by younger artists including country darling Kacey Musgraves and Fun frontman Nate Ruess. The celebrated songwriter said he knew the album was ready to roll, “by the harmonies … we tried to make a lot of harmonies on the album.”

While he hadn’t yet met tour opener Rodriguez after the first night of the tour, Wilson was eager to shake hands with the man who was the topic of the fascinating 2012 documentary “Searching for Sugar Man.” The film won an Academy Award the following year for best documentary feature and turned the once-reclusive folk performer Sixto Rodriguez into a cult favorite who has now achieved single-moniker recognition.

Rodriguez is the only other name joining Wilson and his crew for the near future.

When asked if there were any plans for another Beach Boys reunion concert, such as the one in 2012 in celebration of the band’s 50th anniversary, Wilson responded resolutely, “At this point, no.”

CONCERT PREVIEW
Brian Wilson
With Rodriguez. 8 p.m. Friday. $46.50-$96.50. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499, www.foxtheatre.org.

http://www.dallasobserver.com/music/brian-wilson-was-at-peace-with-his-legacy-last-night-at-verizon-theatre-7346669

I watched "Searching for Sugar Man" last night to get a better idea of what Rodriquez is all about. It's an incredible story and he seems like quite a character. Looking forward to seeing the Boston show.

The setlist is up on the setlists.fm website, and appears identical to Austin. No "Ding Dang" or "Funky Pretty" yet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBfbKmysOpw

Wild Honey last night. Sound could be better, but you can still hear Blondie scorchin' it at the end.

In LA the VIP folks were asked to be there by 3 PM but there was a delay in getting into the venue of at least a half hour. The soundcheck was several songs in when the group was asked to sit in the first couple rows, right in the blazing 100 degree sun! Most of the band was in the heat so there could be little complaining. I didnt hear any notice regarding photos but people quickly pulled out cameras and phones and recorded the event. Brian asked a couple times if it was time for the meet and greet but Von Mertens would say they need to do a few more songs. Blondie was there the entire time but only played for Wild Honey and Sail Away however he would be motioning to the sound guys in the back during the entire check if something seemed off. Sebu came out to do his tune and to practice Dont Worry Baby. He pretended to take a bite out of Al's apple. Eventually Brian said "Its time for the meet and greet!" so thus endeth the soundcheck.

A table was set up in the shade and water was provided for the guests. It was a lot more leisurely than the 50th anniversary VIP. You could take a photo with your own camera or phone and could have 1 item signed. Most had their tickets signed, a few had cd covers and there was one Pet Sounds album and 3 Holland lps.  Brian seemed drained from the heat and by the end seemed to want to get it over with as he would encourage chatters to get behind them so they could take a photo. Al and Blondie were receptive and friendly. Al was very surprised to see my Magic Transistor Radio EP sleeve and kept asking how much I paid for it. He said it was Brian's masterpiece and asked again where I got it. I told Blondie I saw him with the Stones during the Bridges to Babylon tour and Al piped in that he saw that tour as well and thought it was very good. Technically I had two items to be signed (Holland and the EP) but none of the organizers noticed or said anything and Brian, Al and Blondie all signed. They guy taking photos mistakenly gave my camera to Al so I had to ask for it back. Brian was asked to sign a few more pieces of sheet music and by that time really wanted to go eat, as he stated a couple times while it was winding down.

I had some internal debates about getting the package but now I am really glad I did.

The vibe last night in Dallas was fantastic.  Brian was in a good mood, and the band kicked ass.  It was a night and day difference compared to the BBs 50th reunion show, which was at the same venue.  This show was so much better.   

Random memories as they come to me:

Brian introduced The Little Girl I Once Knew by saying that the first two notes sounded "Chinese," but not to worry because the rest of the song was "American." 

Twice during the show, Brian divided the audience up and asked the boys to yell real loud and then the girls too.  After the first time, he said something to the effect of "they sound so different but they are both part of the same trip." 

As they were about to begin Sail Away, Al said something like "Aren't you gonna introduce Blondie?" but Brian had apparently forgotten.

Speaking of Al, seemed like he was having some sort of issue with his monitor most of the night. 

Brian introduced "Wild Honey" by saying "This next song rocks like hell!" 

I was really hoping for "Funky Pretty," but it didn't happen.  Maybe next time.  Regardless, the show stepped up a notch whenever Blondie was onstage.

Wake The World segued straight into Busy Doin' Nothin', so there really wasn't much of a gap in between.  Regardless, I screamed my head off after Wake The World, and I think I startled the old couple sitting in front of me.

During the encore, Nelson Bragg pulled out a cowbell and began to 'explore the space.'  Then he went up to Al and started doing the full Will Farrell bit.  I thought it was hilarious...dunno what Al thought.

Also during the encore, Scott Bennet ran over to the drums and started playing the floor tom, and later was doing 'The Robot' at his keyboard station.

Brian introduced Surf's Up by saying "This next song has some really complex vocals."  I braced myself, remembering what some had said about it on this forum, but I thought it was outstanding.  Brian sang on practically the entire song, except a couple of times when he left the high bits for Matt.

Brian was doing his pantomime hand gestures throughout the night: when the lyric referenced driving, he acted like he had a steering wheel in his hands.  When the lyric referenced eating, he'd act like he was spooning something into his mouth. 

Before Runaway Dancer, Brian said, "This next song is usually sung by a guy named Sabu...S..A..B..U...and he's got a big black beard."   

One sort of funny thing at the Austin show...... there were two women at the front right side providing sign language interpretations to some audience members throughout the entire concert. Each would do a few songs and then the other one would do a few. It was very interesting to watch as they were very animated in their signing, using their entire body to convey the essence of the song. One of them kept making a face like she was smelling something bad. Guess that was supposed to signify " bad ass rock music".

But the funniest thing was when Brian and band did "Surf's Up". She pretty much stood there dumbfounded.

That is freaking hilarious.  Should go into the list of Brianisms for sure.

Saw that! She was also doing the chatter motion with her hand while Brian was talking during several songs, and pantomined laughter when Brian chuckled after the 'how many Jardines do we have?' bit.

My hastily written review of opening night in Saratoga is up on my blog (blog and Facebook links below in the signature line). Wrote it to get out there before the tour ends! Because it was written during random down time this past week, it's probably not the most well-written review ever, but in any event...

To those of you attending the Philadelphia show on Monday (6/29), let's agree on a time & place to meet up, if only for a few minutes before the show. I would really like to meet all of you.

I second this.

A similar version of these comments are also posted in the "Brian in Atlanta tonight at the FOX!" thread:
http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,22229.0.html

This was definitely one of the best Brian (as opposed to The Beach Boys with Brian) shows I've seen. There's a lot of variety (crowdpleasers, deep cuts, and new) in the setlist, the band is solid (as always), and Al, Blondie, and Matt are great additions to the ensemble.

That, and it took place in the very BEST, top-of-the-line venue in Atlanta. As Paul von Mertens said so joyfully in his band intro last night, the Fox was the place his band Poi Dog Pondering wished they could have played back in the day, and now he was there thanks to Brian.

Brian seemed very comfortable, although both pleased and a bit non-plussed when the standing O for GOK went on and on. Blondie brought a tremendous amount of energy to his numbers -- you could see he learned a lot in his tenure with the Stones. Al's voice is as strong as ever, and you could hear him playing guitar throughout the show, even taking some lead parts. He had his own Fender amp, as did Blondie. In the Fox's splendid acoustics, you could hear everything clearly. Darian, Matt, and Scott also had featured leads.

As for the setlist, I found it on setlist.fm. See listing below. It's not every day I get to hear my two favorite songs, "Wild Honey" and "This Whole World," played in the same concert. They also did "Surf's Up" and "Wake the World"/"Busy Doin' Nothing." "The Little Girl I Once Knew" was a surprise for me. The band is still working on "Funky Pretty," but it was not in the show.

   *  *  *

http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/brian-wilson/2015/fox-theater-atlanta-ga-33c95c9d.html

Brian Wilson
No Pier Pressure Tour: With Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin
Fox Theater, Atlanta, GA
June 26, 2015

Our Prayer
Heroes and Villains
California Girls
Shut Down (Brian and Al Jardine on vocals)
Little Deuce Coupe (Al Jardine lead vocal)
I Get Around (Al Jardine lead vocal)
The Little Girl I Once Knew
This Whole World (Brian with Darian Sahanaja on vocals)
Then He Kissed Me (Al Jardine lead vocal)
Cotton Fields
In My Room
Surfer Girl
Don't Worry Baby (Matt Jardine on lead vocals)
One Kind of Love
Sail Away (Brian, Al and Blondie Chaplin on vocals)
Wild Honey (Blondie Chaplin on lead vocals)
Sail On, Sailor (Blondie Chaplin on lead vocals)
Darlin' (with Darian Sahanaja on lead vocals)
Wake the World (Al Jardine on lead vocals)
Busy Doin' Nothin'
Surf's Up
The Right Time (Brian and Al Jardine on vocals)
Runaway Dancer
Wouldn't It Be Nice (Matt Jardine on lead vocals)
Sloop John B (Brian and Al Jardine on vocals)
God Only Knows
Good Vibrations

Encore:
All Summer Long
Help Me, Rhonda (Al Jardine on lead vocals)
Barbara Ann
Surfin' U.S.A.
Fun, Fun, Fun
Love and Mercy

I don't think Darian or Scott would appreciate some crazy guy  moonsaulting onto their keyboards.

I'd like this as well.

I haven't been to the Mann Center in many years. Are there any specific areas where we can all meet up?

Me neither.  Also, I'm confused.

made it over to Nashville last night... what a great f*cking show.

I've never seen Brian so animated and funny and just happy to be there, and I've seen quite a few shows since '99. I was blown away by how cool and comfortable he seemed.

nothing new on the setlist, and Little Girl I Once Knew was dropped... one of my favorites but I've seen them do it a few times.

Wake the World/Busy Doin Nothin was definitely the highlight for me, much of the crowd didn't seem to get into it but that was deep cut heaven! man I'd love to see them play the entire Friends album... or at least When A Man Needs A Woman!  :)

they put up a little barricade as folks were leaving to let some vehicles out of the backstage area, including Brian in the passenger seat of a van with his window rolled down. he gave everyone a big wave which was a nice way to end the evening.

so glad I made the trip, especially after missing the Brian/Jeff Beck show a couple years ago and regretting it for quite some time. you never know when it might be the last time he takes his show on the road, and seeing him with Al and Blondie playing such a sweet setlist would be a great last show for me... if that's the case.

a few Brianisms:

when Brian came out to start the show he said, "It's great to be in Salt Lake City! uh, I mean Nashville" clearly making a joke... it was great.

after Our Prayer the band kicked into Heroes & Villains and Brian said right into the mic, "hey the teleprompter's not working!" to which Al replied, "you know the words to this one, Brian." towards the end Brian goes, "ok it's working now!" funny sh!t.

Brian introduced Darian as "one of the greatest singers in the world" or words to that effect, before This Whole World. (Brian sang the bridge)

when it came Al's turn to do Then I Kissed Her, Brian gave him a really nice long introduction... something like, "and now here's one of the most powerful singers of all-time, not from an egotistical place but from his heart..." and so on. then he failed to actually say Al's name. Al just kinda stood there waiting. a friend of mine likened Al & Brian to an old married couple, having some passive aggressive fun with each other throughout the night. hilarious

before Cottonfields Brian was like, "you wanna sing this Al, or should we let Paul do it?"  :lol

before In My Room/Surfer Girl he goes, "all these fast tunes are makin' me nervous! we're nervous wrecks up here!!! we need to slow it down with some sweet ballads..." or similar words.

can't remember his exact intro for Blondie but it was very complimentary. he said Blondie was in the Beach Boys and then played with the Rolling Stones for 10 years. before Wild Honey, Brian said they were gonna really rock out and Al said, "we're gonna get wild, eh Bri?" or words to that effect. afterwards Al said something like, "boy he learned a thing or two playing with the Stones!"

before Darlin Brian said something like, "here's a song I wrote for my brother Carl who died. Darian does a fantastic job with it." and he did

before Surf's Up Brian said, "this next  song is 20 minutes long!"
afterwards Al goes, "it's actually 4 minutes with 20 minutes worth of information!"  :)
(Al was definitely singing the "children's song" part on the tag... apparently he didn't at other shows?)

before God Only Knows Brian said something like, "here's a song that a lot of people tell me is the best song I ever wrote." it was probably the best I've heard Brian sing it live. a real softness in his delivery and he hit the high notes fairly effortlessly.

likewise Love & Mercy was beautifully executed with Brian really engaged, sometimes speaking and altering the lyrics just a bit.

Brian did the "how loud can all the girls yell???" and "now the guys" a couple times. the first time he goes, "the girls sound sweeter but the guys sound more money, y'know?"  :lol

It was rather warm during the Nashville sound check, and I was forced several times to take on oxygen. Unfortunately, while there was cold Pabst available in the bar at an on-site restaurant, there was none at the sound check. I made do.

Blondie and the band worked through “Sail Away,” and Blondie asked to do the same with “Sail on Sailor.” The band struggled some in determining the proper backing vocals to “Shut Down” and asked whether any of the 50 or so of us in attendance could help. Having at the moment had head stroke, I was unable to provide guidance, but the proper lyrics were determined, and all were pleased. The band had come up with a special intro piece to accompany “Wake the World,” but Brian rejected the idea, indicating that he wished it to adhere closely to the record. And so it was done.

The band ran through a nice, relaxed “Don’t Worry Baby,” which made my soul soar and brought cool relief for the remainder of the sound check.

After a rather sterling Italian dinner at the on-site restaurant (I had chicken saltimbocca and seven Pabsts), we re-entered the concert area to be treated to a lovely set from Rodriguez who was wonderful on his acoustic “I Only Have Eyes for You”. Blondie stood in the wings listening intently to the set.

The sun showed us mercy by sinking as it does below the horizon, and the impressive afternoon heat gave way to a splendid evening, “Our Prayer” offering the enthusiastic audience all the proof it needed that harmonies would be in abundance. The segue to “Heroes & Villains” brought the audience to its collective feet – most of which were clad in one type of shoe or another. Some were baffled, or so it seemed, by the “Cantina” section, but it was done so beautifully the brief confusion gave way to excitement.

As is always the case, with the first notes of “California Girls” the crowd erupted in ecstasy, or perhaps hives. The performance was immaculate, and by following with “Shut Down,” “Little Deuce Coupe,” and a driving “I Get Around,” the band forced the elders among us to the realization that seating would not be an option for much of the performance. A young man directly in front of me was either mesmerized by the show or seriously involved in an LSD trip.

“You’re So Good to Me” was a highlight. What an amazing vehicle for the guitar! Many in the crowd might have been unfamiliar with “This Whole World,” but the response to the song was quite wonderful. Al did his usual solid job on “Then I Kissed Her” and “Cottonfields” before Brian remarked that a nice ballad would ensue – “In My Room,” which was merely magical and which clearly moved the audience, including the LSD fellow. “Surfer Girl” followed, and I was moved to see the 60th businessman-type fellow in front of me sing his heart out with every word. It was an emotional highlight.

Matt Jardine simply nailed “Don’t Worry Baby,” and the harmonies were sublime. Brian then introduced “a love song for my wife” and credited Scott Bennett with his collaboration – “One Kind of Love.” The response from the audience was quiet, but not in a negative manner. Many had seen the film, it was clear, and a certain reverence prevailed.

Brian offered Blondie an enthusiastic introduction, referencing his time in the Beach Boys and his decade-long stint with the Stones. “Now he’s with my band!” The crowd was quite taken with “Sail Away,” and it was a somewhat surprising highlight of the night. “Wild Honey” followed – a blistering version. Blondie moves the band a step from pop and into the rock realm. Brian introduced “Sail on Sailor” as “Sail Away Sailor” and was corrected by Al, who was summarily executed. Years of clean-leaving prevailed, though, and Al emerged phoenix-like back on the stage. The performance was strong, and Blondie’s vocal was soulful.

Brian then referred to Darian as “one of the greatest singers in the world,” and told the crowd he had written “Darlin’” for his brother Carl. Darian gave a remarkably strong performance – remarkably strong. I was, though, forced to be alert to avoid his spittle.

Al was quite effective on “Wake the World,” and it was fabulous in the outdoor setting. While it is a “deep cut,” it was sufficiently strong and well-positioned to do more than delight the crowd. “Busy Doin’ Nothing Followed,” and I much preferred the live version to the Friends recording, which I quite like.

Brian then said something to the effect of “this next song is 20 minutes long” and conceded that the title was deceptive. He followed with a mesmerizing performance of “Surf’s Up,” Matt Jardine somehow managing to be both strong and unobtrusive in providing the high parts. The younger Jardine’s vocals were impressive throughout the night. At one point, I noticed Al looking back at his son with quite obvious pride,” and I wept unashamedly until the man next to me threatened to have me removed.

“Surf’s Up” is a bit of an issue in such an eclectic set of songs. Brian was strong. Matt was strong. The band was beyond strong. But the song didn’t quite fit in context with the rest of the concert. The audience was respectful, no question. But being sandwiched between “Busy Doin’ Nothing,” and “The Right Time,” “Surf’s Up” left something of the impression of having visited an exhibit of Rockwell paintings and seeing in their midst a “Renoir.”

But “The Right Time: was done well, and Al was in great voice. As was the case with most of the songs from No Pier Pressure, the audience response was more enthusiastic than I had anticipated. The slight exception was “Runaway Dancer,” which followed. The version was quite solid, but the response was perhaps a bit confused. If there was a weak moment in the concert, this was probably it. That’s not to say it was a clunker – not in the sense that my third wife was a clunker, a Chevy Nova if you will.

Any brief loss of audience enthusiasm was recouped and then some with the opening strains of Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” and Matt Jardine sang it remarkably well. Thus began a half-hour or more of sheer perfection. “Sloop John B” was done incredibly well, and the acapella break was seamless. It was here, or perhaps earlier – forgive an old man’s memory – that Brian broke into a magnificent grin and shouted “Wilson and Jardine!” He and Al looked at each other, and it seemed as if for a moment they were transported back in time. I believe that Brian’s relaxed mood – and by his standards he was quite relaxed – might be attributable to Al’s presence on stage. Perhaps knowing he is near the end of his touring days, Brian finds some joy in being joined by his long-time friend and band mate.

Vocally, I thought “God Only Knows” was Brian’s highlight, at least this night. His voice was as pure as I’ve heard it in a long, long time. His phrasing was impeccable. Brian can have a tendency to “bark” lyrics, a bit, and it can be at least slightly noticeable that he is relying on a teleprompter. But he did a beautiful, fragile, nearly perfect “God Only Knows,” and this is the memory I will take from the concert. I was jolted.

“Good Vibrations” brought the crowd to its feet, was done beautifully, and closed the pre-encore show in a rousing, scintillating fashion, as one would expect. It remains remarkable to me to see the song done so well in a live setting.

The encore was strong. Paul introduced the band members individually, and they took deserved bows. He pointed out that they needed trombone for one song, and Probyn volunteered to teach himself to play. The crowd clearly appreciated this wonderful band.

“All Summer Long” opened the encore and was a crowd favorite. Al did a great job on “Help Me Rhonda,” and the noise level raised appreciably during the performance. The audience loves “Help Me Rhonda.” “Barbara Ann” isn’t a personal favorite, but it was exciting in its context and kept the audience dancing in the aisles. “Surfin’ USA” maintained the elevated mood. And “Fun Fun Fun”... how could this ever be anywhere but in its penultimate place in the show? Young and old, people were on their feet, singing along and pretending to be masters of falsetto. Powerful rock ‘n’ roll.

“Love & Mercy” closed the show, as always these days, and Brian did a nice job. As evidence of his relaxed mood, he played with the lyrics a bit – and it had nothing to do with memory or with stumbling over a lyric. It was intentional, and it was good. The backing vocals were superb. The audience would have loved another encore.

Random thoughts: Fred Vail introduced the band, and I found myself quite emotional. “I’ve known these guys for 53 years,” he said. He referred to Brian as his “hero.” And he riffed on the “gala concert” bit from the first live album. Many in the audience were reciting the words he used that night so long ago. It was a treat.

A random young woman – quite attractive – joined the band on stage during the encore and waltzed from one mike to another. She is either a Nashville country star or someone sufficiently attractive nobody bothered to check her credentials. She was not introduced.

Brian was humorous and – by his standards, at least – comfortable. More than that, he was happy. I would defy anyone who saw the show to think otherwise. This was, on this night, a remarkably happy man.

Terrific review and quite funny, as well. I am so happy that you enjoyed the show. My turn tonight. :)

The attractive young woman who came onstage at the end of the concert was also present in Austin. I'm going to assume she is the girlfriend or wife of drummer Mike D'Amico...because Scott Bennett grabbed a mic at one point and said, "This is our drummer's DAUGHTER!" So I'm thinking it was an in-joke. She's cute but it seemed odd for her to be flitting about the stage.

Seeing the description of Paul introducing the band, that reminds me of something I didn’t put in my review of opening night in Saratoga. As Paul was getting ready to do the introductions, all of the band came back on stage all at once. Paul then said something along the lines that he was going to introduce everybody, but they were already on stage, so they just went into the next song instead. He seemed amused by the band being oblivious. I would imagine they “rehearsed” this for the subsequent shows. I obviously know who everybody is, but had never heard a non-Foskett introduction before.

Al very definitely sang the "children's song" part of "Surf's Up" in Atlanta, clear as a bell.

Enjoy! I shall lift a Pabst to you.

Hard to believe they haven't canceled the Nikon Beach show, it just isn't selling, simple as that.

Really getting jealous reading all these reviews, praying Brian comes to Ireland in 2016, if not I'll make it to the UK. These shows sound incredible.

Just got home from the Mann in Philly.

I arrived just as Rodriguez began his set; people were very receptive to his performance. I've listened to some of his stuff before but haven't really spent a lot of time with it. I plan to in the future.

Pretty amazing stuff on display. My thoughts echo pretty much everyone else's in the thread who has seen the recent shows. Just an all around great time. Always great to see Al and Blondie alongside the man himself. The mix was a bit wonky early in the show; Matt was hard to hear and some of the instruments seemed a bit buried in the mix. It was pretty cool to hear some of the No Pier Pressure songs in concert, but to be honest, Runaway Dancer has to go. It just doesn't work either on the album or (barely) in concert.

The big moment for me was the Friends medley. I was so glad Brian dusted those two songs off and did them again tonight. I was kind of stunned that Do It Again wasn't played; seems like a glaring omission or it could not be fit into the itinerary due to a slightly abbreviated show. Blondie was a trip during his mini-set. Probably one of the best Wild Honey performances I've heard. And of course, lots of Al to be found in the mix as well.

Great show. See this tour, people. And again, bolded, italicized, underlined, striked-through, glowed, shadowed, marquee'd, and BLOWN UP NICE AND HUGE...


Seriously. Do it.

Some great sound check clips here.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYMDWfYMwM1HRX_ht0X9umQ

Re Brians piano. Not sure if its just him playing but someone says "Brian Wilson on the piano" at the end. Nicely done.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igF1wheAUEU

They did "Do It Again" during soundcheck, but said it wouldn't be in the show. I second, awesome show at The Mann!!!

Was at The Mann last night also.  

Probably too tired to write a full review as I had to drive over 100 miles from Baltimore, but here's a few things observations from my first BW solo show.  
 
-The crowd was very respectful.  I was expecting to hear some rude talking, cell phone conversations, etc during newer tracks and lesser known BB songs, but everybody seemed to be there to see and hear a great show.

-I've seen Surf's Up in concert now!!  After Surf's Up, he could've played Shortenin Bread for an hour, and I'd have been OK.  

-Wake the World/Busy Doin Nothing were really nice surprises.  I really liked the look on Al's face when Brian intro'ed Wake the World by saying "Here's a song for Al, and this one's a really good one."  

-Who was the blonde woman who came out during Barbara Ann and Fun Fun Fun??

-Now I know why people were critical of the sound mix of the Soundstage DVD.  This band rocks in person, but the DVD sound is pretty flat.  

-I liked the less is more stage approach.  Just the band and the music.  

-Still can't believe I saw Surf's Up live!!!!!

-The live version of One Kind of Love was amazing.  The NPP songs held their own alongside the numerous BB classics.  

-On the way out, I actually heard somebody say (and they were serious), "They missed Mike Love.  He sang most of the those songs."  (I don't want this thread to devolved into a ML hate thread, but I thought this was worth pointing out."

-Darian did a wonderful job on This Whole World.  Great voice.  

-The pavilion looked to be about 85% full, which was really great to see.  

-Saw the following T-shirts in the crowd - C50, Gershwin, BW Pet Sounds, BW Smile.

-Weather was absolutely perfect for an early summer evening.  

-Love and Mercy is a great closer and a nice way to come down a bit from the corker of an encore set of All Summer Long, Help Me Rhonda, Barbara Ann, Surfin USA, Fun Fun Fun.  

-Surf's Up!!!!!!

-Love Matt Jardine's leads on Don't Worry Baby and Wouldn't It Be Nice.  

I really cannot add much to what Jason & KDS had to say about the show. I took my brother, a long time Beach Boys fan, who actually started me on my journey back in 1964. This was his first solo Brian show and he was not let down. He was so impressed with everything that we talked about the concert for the entire 1 hour drive home.

My thoughts: Brian was very chipper. More so than just about any other show that I have attended. He was in pretty good voice, as well. Al was terrific, as usual. I cannot believe how well his voice has held up. You could hear his guitar on quite a few songs, especially on Sail On, Sailor. Blondie looked like he was really enjoying himself out there. He was dancing around and making arm and hand gestures, and can play a mean tambourine. I love the energy his guitar playing brings to the band. Matt did a great job backing up Brian on falsetto. Once they finally got the mix right, he sounded great on the back up vocals too. In my opinion he sounds better than Jeff. His lead vocal on Don't Worry Baby was very good, but I think I would have rather heard Al sing lead on Wouldn't It Be Nice. Kudos to the band, excellent as always. Great show and as both before have said, don't miss it.

At 1st reading the last posts I was unsure of the girl's ID. But now I am, because Scott wasn't joking - it is indeed D'Amico's daughter. She's done it before during Barbara Ann, Surfin' USA & Fun Fun Fun. There's a video on Youtube dating 2011 with her. Some old threads indicate it too.

Sorry, didn't see Shadownoze's post about the identity of the mystery lady during the encore. 

The guy next to me at the show definitely noticed her and he craned his neck in front of me a couple times while following her on the stage. 

Another nice moment last night worth mentioning is that I noticed Blondie offstage waving his arms during God Only Knows.  He was a great addition to the tour. 

Flew in from Miami Beach :lol. This was without a doubt, the absolute pinnacle of following Brian Wilson and his music over the past 53 years and yes, with no disrespect,  I was at Carnegie '71.
Brian, Al, Blondie, Matt, Darien and every other member of the band put down a flawless performance that I would find difficult to be surpassed by any band now touring. Wake the World was far beyond wonderful but the segue into Busy Doin' Nothing with Brian taking the lead, well, it just doesn't get any better than that period. If you are a fan, do whatever you have to do to see this amazing show-you will not be disappointed. myKe luHv comments? Yep, heard plenty of 'em and they weren't pretty. Funny, but as I look back on last night's incredible show, M&B never crossed my mind. Looking back, they wouldn't have been needed whatsoever. Just telling it like it is, man.
I'd like to personally thank every last person who helped put it all together and to Brian, thank you for signing NPP and the Catch A Wave book and to Al, thanks for signing Postcard. Al, thanks (ha!) for remembering the ride I gave you to the hotel after the Villanova concert in '72 in the back seat of my '70 Camero.

Whew! What a night including the ride to 30th Street Station!

More observations during the Mann show.

-If they release a show from the tour of DVD, they need a special feature where you can isolate Nelson Bragg.  

-I agree with Dr. Beach Boy that Runaway Dancer is a bit of a square peg in the setlist.  I'd like to swap it for Saturday Night.  Its probably my least favorite track of NPP.  Not a bad melody, and the live version is much better.  But it just didn't seem to fit with the rest of the song.  Sail Away, Right Time, and One Kind of Love melted perfectly with the classics.  The band seems to enjoy playing it though.  

-A lot of people were singing along to Surf's Up, and the song earned a standing ovation.  

OSD,

I agree that I never really thought of M&B during the two hours. 

I'm seeing them in August, and I'm sure it'll be a fun show, there's no way they're going to top what happened at The Mann last night. 

My only real complaint was, no offense to Rodriguez, I'd have rather see a longer set with no opener (similar to C50). 

C50 was a delight twice, for me at least. But no, no Mike & Bruce in my thoughts either last night. The show was excellent without them.

Unlike the Beck tour, I don't feel like the opening Rodriguez set significantly shortened Brian's set. Looking back at his non-album-themed tours, this current setlist isn't a great deal shorter (some early shows also might have felt longer because there were often intermissions). Rodriguez also did a relatively short opening set for an "opening act." I don't think it clocked in at much more than 30 minutes. I've seen opening acts do 45 easily.

Back to "Runaway Dancer", while it isn't one of my favorites, I would say it's probably the tightest-sounding performance in the show in terms of the new album stuff. "Sail Away" always sounds great, but it always feel like they still can't decide who should sing which part of it. Brian seems to dig doing "Runaway Dancer", so if it gets him all jazzed, then I'm all for it. I enjoyed watching Al on stage essentially watch the rest of the band doing the song while he just shook the apple shaker. (Glad to see Al stay up on stage for even the solo stuff he wasn't originally on; as opposed to the Venetian Blu-ray where he came and went several times). Given how these guys were estranged for much of the 2000's, it's still surreal to see Al on stage singing along to Brian's solo material (didn't get to see the 2013 shows where both Al and Dave were on stage singing and playing on "Your Imagination" and "Goin' Home.")

Sounds like I missed something remarkable! NO doubt about that...hoping there's a second leg in the fall...just couldn't work it out for last night!

>> Real Beach Boy---wd very much wish to see this tour but AM IN UK.

Ticketmaster called today to say my refund is on the way. I should have preferred to see & hear this.

Going to the Jones Beach show tonight. Can't wait.

One of my good friends is going tonight too...you're in for a treat!

Really interesting to compare these Brian/Al/Blondie setlists with the recent Mike/Bruce ones.  If you put their most recent US setlists against each other, they've got about half the songs in common -- 16 shared numbers, Brian doing another 17, and Mike doing another 22.  But the other numbers make them look like completely different bands -- Mike's setlist basically stops dead after "Good Vibrations" (only "Do It Again", the shared "Darlin'", "Disney Girls", "Goin' To The Beach", "California Dreamin'", "Kokomo", and "Pisces Brothers" after that), while Brian has fifteen tracks from "Smile" through "No Pier Pressure".  On the flipside, Brian has only two non-shared tracks before that point -- "In My Room" and "The Little Girl I Once Knew" -- while Mike has sixteen more cuts from the early days, including deep cuts from "Farmer's Daughter" to "Why Do Fools" to "Betsy" and four or five more tracks from "Today!".

It really does give the sense of two very different careers, even with about half the songs overlapping.  I always knew the Beach Boys were one of the greatest rock bands ever...  these setlists make a strong case that they're two of the greatest rock bands ever.

Cheers,
Jon Blum

Excellent point. I am glad to have both these bands.

I wish I could see this tour, but I'm happy I saw the BAD tour stop in Ohio, at least. :)

EXCELLENT post.

We're in a very fortunate position as fans to hear essentially any Beach Boys material we want live...popular or not. Sure, there's always more to be had...but that's what keeps us coming back, right??

Any reports yet?

Looks like someone posted the setlist and I don't see any new additions:

http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/brian-wilson/2015/nikon-at-jones-beach-theater-wantagh-ny-33c94411.html

Same set as Philly. 

I always find it amusing to see Then He Kissed Me (Al Jardine lead vocal) on BB/BW setlists.  You'd think Setlist.FM would call the song by the actual title used on Summer Days, Summer Nights. 

Yeah, that’s a weird tick that the website has. I think they do that to collate all of the data across all bands/setlists about a given song. I’m not sure who would need to know *every* band that has ever performed “Then He Kissed Me”, but I guess one can do that.

I know of at least three variations on the title:

Then He Kissed Me  - Crystals
Then I Kissed Her - Beach Boys
Then She Kissed Me - KISS

Ya think?  And for a long time, s/he/they conveniently forgot to give "attribution." 

I went to the Jones Beach show last night and here are my thoughts..

1.  The band was AWESOME.  Insanely good.. If you have any reservations about seeing the show.. Don't.. GO SEE THEM!

2.  Al sounds like he is still 25.  Simply amazing! 

3.  No offense to Jeff Foskett, but Matt Jardine sounds much better in the blend (to my ears).  His vocal on Don't worry baby was especially beautiful.  Even my wife said so during the song!

4.  Loved seeing Blondie..  Wild Honey seriously rocked.

5.  Brian seemed happy and relaxed and sounded very good, especially on the new stuff.

6.  Plenty of "Brianisms" throughout the show..  Introducing Darlin' he says "I wrote this for my brother Carl (cheers from the crowd) ..and then he died".  Introducing God only Knows he says "I wrote 400 songs and this is the best"

7.  Loved the Friends songs..  a very pleasant surprise

8.  Good vibrations rocked very hard

9.  Did I mention the band was insanely good?

All in all a wonderful experience, and thank you to my wife for an amazing Father's Day gift.


Go see this show!

That just reminded me of the God Only Knows intro from Philly on Monday night

"I've written a lot of songs.  I've heard this one is the best one.  Maybe it is.  God Only Knows." 

Saw the Jones Beach show last night. Stadium was only about 30% full, so they closed down the mezzanine and we swapped out for closer seats. It was still so relaxed that we gradually drifted down further and further to the front, till by the end we were dancing in the aisle next to the front row with others. I was standing about 3 yards away from Brian and his piano. I'll post some photos as soon as I can figure out how to upload them onto this finicky server.

All in all, a great show. Brian seemed like he was doing great (although physically quite shaky when he walked off stage) and the band totally kicked ass. A few highlights: The great scat-singing bit on "One Kind of Love." A fantastic stuttured vocal a-la "My Generation" by Blondie on the "lying, dying" part of "Sail on, Sailor." Darian sounded just great--and a lot like Carl--on "Darlin'," and they ended the song with a great a cappella bit. The vibraphone (I think by Scott) on "Busy Doin' Nothin'" was fantastically inventive. Great sounding mandolin on "Wouldn't It Be Nice" and they DID NOT include the "goodnight oh baby" vocals at the end, or at least I couldn't hear them in the mix. "Love and Mercy" was just beautiful, and Brian's piano was simple and lovely on it. Brian was a little shouty last night, but certainly more than competent.

He also swapped out "a lot of people out there hurtin'" with "a lot of people getting shot" in L&M  :lol

In Austin,  he sang ' and it scares the hell out of me' :lol

I'm glad you mentioned that.  I thought I misheard him.  So, I did hear right. 

Sitting outside the venue, Probyn Gregory just happens to be out here too, just kind of hanging out.  He talked to a bunch of fans for a little bit while we're waiting for the doors to open, it was pretty cool.

good times :lol

Went to the Philly show and I'm still blown away. Brian sounded really good on God Only Knows, Darian sang Darlin I believe and I almost thought Carl himself was singing.

The real horns add so much to the mix, the sax that was played during the chorus of Don't Worry Baby was truly a highlight for me.

The best part of the concert for me was Surf's Up. Was tremendously moved by how perfect it sounded, and the song received a long standing ovation from the majority of the crowd. Runaway Dancer was killer - I love the album version, but the live version has a perfect feel to it - it's more acoustic than electronic, making it seem more Brian Wilson and less Capital Cities.

The band was really tight. The acoustics of the venue were perfect. Blondie sounded almost better on the live version of Sail Away than on the actual album!

The encore was truly special - the energy of the crowd was electric, and everyone was up dancing and singing. Anyways, I'm running on almost zero sleep for the last few days, so this post may seem a bit scattered. Point is, if you have the ability to see any shows on this tour do not hesitate to get a ticket. Invite your friends, family; they will not be disappointed.

Thank you Brian and the band for putting on such a tremendous show. Without a doubt it'll be a night I will never forget.

Some quick comments about tonight's show.

-"Cottonfields" was performed as a duet between Al and Mike D"Amico's daughter who did a fine job.

-"God Only Knows" recieved a standing ovation, Brian stepped out from behind his piano and took a bow.  Beautiful moment.

-Brian led the crowd in a singalong of "Row Row Row Your Boat" with Al joking that it's a good lead-in to the next song which turned out to be an incredible "Surf's Up".

-Bruce Springsteen was present at the show though stayed mostly incognito.  He came out during the encore in a baseball cap, nobody recognized him until Al sings "tried Bruce Springsteen" during "Barbara Ann".  Chants of "Bruuuuuce" most certainly followed and he strapped on a guitar for "Surfin' USA" and then quietly walked off.

-Tonight's lyric improv in Love & Mercy. "A lot of people broke in the money, well it's just not fair."

-Setlist surprise of the night was "Drive-In"!  An odd inclusion but Brian got really into that one.

Overall, an incredible show even though the sound mix was a bit lacking at times.  I'll have more to say about the show later I'm sure.

I'll catch the show Sunday at the Fox Theater in Detroit.  It seemed like an eternity away when I bought the tickets...4 nights from right now I should be in the car and heading back home.  I'm thinkin' this'll likely be the LAST time I'll get to see Brian. :(

My wife is still not here...she'll miss the show by a couple of weeks...so I'm takin' a golfing buddy.  He'll love it I'm sure.  Can't waste a ticket.  :o

Rodriquez is quite the story.  I have one of his albums.  Maybe it's the only one...from back around 1970?  That'll be OK...but the more Brian [et al] the better. :hat

Glad you had a good time RR!     Saw Mike and company Monday night.   Both bands a good time even on a bad nite  for folks like us.    right ?

EgoHanger and Billyman, I find the lol smileys at the end of your comments to be highly inappropriate.  

Is there something funny about Brain lamenting a lot of people getting shot and saying it scares the hell out of him?

Where to start? Brian Wilson at the Mann in Philly, June 29th. A terrific show. I don't say this lightly, but still coming down from the whole experience, I am still thinking this was the most enjoyable show I've ever been to. It was definitely the most memorable experience I've ever had at a concert, for that there is no doubt. But as a pure rock and roll live show, this was as much fun as I've had.

Echoing others who have said this already: Try to see this band if at all possible. I was again amazed at the level of musicianship both individually and as a group that these musicians bring to the table. I'll try to single out the highlights where possible, but taking in the big picture - This group is amazing. Adding Al, Blondie, and Matt to that blend made an already great band even better. I'm calling them "The Best Band In The Land" on Facebook, and I'm calling them that from now on. As Sinatra sang, "here's to the band." Indeed, I drink a toast to everyone involved.

I need to say a few things.

First, thank you to everyone who made this possible. Words can't express my gratitude. If there is a way to say thank you for giving this fan the experience of a lifetime beyond saying "thank you for everything", I'll come back and edit it into this paragraph.

Second, there wouldn't be a better group of fans I would have chosen to share the experience with then those in our group Monday. For those I knew personally and those I only knew through online communities and fan circles but finally met in person Monday, I say thank you, it was great to share the experiences. I feel like we got the golden ticket. All of you are great people and great fans, it was a pleasure to talk, meet, and watch the show with you. I have a few Stellas left over, to all of you I'll raise one and say "Cheers!".

Third, during the show I kept up a steady stream of air drumming, air guitar, air vibraphone, conducting, shaking my head back and forth to the beat, shouting "yeah!" and other things, and singing along with what could have been any of the harmony parts or none at all. I hope I was at least somewhat in tune and not too distracting. I couldn't help myself. But kudos that we did get a well-timed "keep it clean!" into the mix.

So the show...The Mann in the summer can have a habit of hosting concerts where it pours down rain or has stifling humidity and summer heat. Monday's weather was beautiful. Perfect outdoor concert weather, not too hot and not humid, and the sun shining with a nice breeze blowing at night. Perfection. We had flooding rains and downpours all around Philly over the weekend, I had visions of the Mann's grass parking lots being like Woodstock with all the mud, or "BrianStock" as I called it. But somehow it all left the area and a beautiful day opened up around the Mann on Monday.

At some point walking the parking lot, there was a group of fans already tailgating who had "Karate" playing on their speakers. Talk about deep cuts you wouldn't hear outside any other show...Well, ours were deeper and the beer in the trunk was Belgian (and Coronas too), so...

And not one parrot head or cheeseburger hat to be seen in these Philly lots in the middle of summer, not one Eagles flag or EAGLES chant going up at random, not anything like that anywhere close. You knew this was the right place when rarities and deep cuts were playing from the cars. I'm surprised no one had an Uncle Sam hat, though, to be honest. Al and Apollo Creed owned that look in 1976, it's a Philly thing.

So onto the soundcheck. Wow. A few details that stood out:

The band was going to run through "Wake The World", and Darian started playing the intro. It sounded incredible, the sound of that detuned piano filled the place and it was note-perfect, spot-on. I think Al and I know a few other band members even commented on how cool it sounded, that for me was a highlight. What a sound, what a musician.

They go to kick off "You're So Good To Me", and Nick has the original Leslie'd guitar tone dialed in. What a sound, and again what a musician. Nailed it.

They do "The Little Girl I Once Knew", and Probyn was playing a red Danelectro 12-string and it was *that tone* channeled from 1966 filling the Mann in 2015. That's the kind of things us gear and tone freaks both appreciate to the core and tip our hats when it's hitting on all cylinders. Add to that Scott and those vibes sustaining in the breaks...awesome.

Blondie had been hanging out off the stage, and came up to give the thumbs-up and listen as he walked around. Then he took the stage to do his tunes like Wild Honey, straps on the Les Paul, and it's off to the races.

Let me say this: Blondie brings the rock and roll. He tore into the song - and this was only the soundcheck - singing all out, and taking an extended guitar solo on that Les Paul that seemed to kick everyone on stage into turbo drive. It rocked like there was no tomorrow, and you could see and hear his bandmates riding the wave of energy. Blondie walked all around the stage soloing, from the front to the drum risers, and it was rock and roll bliss seeing this man play all-out, balls-to-the-wall rock and roll...during a soundcheck... It's a thrill to see him on stage.

Onto the show. To be honest, I don't remember too many specifics from song-to-song. I had to look up the setlist to recall the order that they played the songs. It was all a wash of fun and the joy of hearing a terrific band playing live in front of a crowd that gets what they're doing, and some unexpected emotion mixed in too.

Rodriguez opened with just his vocals and acoustic guitar. It was very cool to see him in person. If you've seen the documentary "Searching For Sugar Man", then you're sitting in the audience hearing him perform in 2015, it's a pretty neat way things came full-circle. It was a very cool and very fitting opening set. And I can say I saw "Sugar Man" play live after the chances of that for decades were slim to none as he had basically disappeared from the music scene if not the general public's eye in general. Much like Brian up to the late 90's, some of us never thought we'd be able to buy a ticket to see Brian perform live, now look at things in 2015 for both he and Rodriguez. Again, a fitting choice and an enjoyable opening set.

"Our Prayer" segued into "Heroes And Villains"...opening a set with music of that caliber and difficulty? The band, as usual, nailed it. Heroes has become for me both a driving song and a song which sounds great live, where at one point it was a "listener" when at home with the stereo. And I confess, the first time I welled up (out of many, and I wonder if those around me saw it later in the set...) was when the "Cantina" section started up. One of my favorite pieces of music Brian ever wrote. And here it was, again live, right in front of me performed by the man who wrote it. Damn, we're fortunate.

One of the tunes that also got me right away was "I Get Around". The vocal and instrumental elements combined made for a version that blew me away. Brian sang this in full-voice, with some added grit and punch that I didn't expect. He also played with the phrasing of his lead vocal, changing some rhythms and accents like I had not heard on that song. Matt Jardine *nailed* the falsetto. Instrumentally, the band again delivered. But the vocal blend...having Al and Matt in the harmony blend made this one really stand out. It was a rocking good version of a song I heard so many times since I was a little kid. This was one of the best versions I've heard.

"Surf's Up". I knew it was coming, but as other commentators and reviewers have said, this version really seemed to connect with the audience Monday night. It had that extra bit of that unknown something that made it a special performance. And the audience connected and responded in kind. Wow.

"Wake The World" into "Busy Doin Nothing"...never thought I'd hear these tunes done live on stage in person, and I just did. Darian's perfect version of Brian's classic detuned piano, Al's vocals, Probyn's trombone, Brian singing those lyrics to that Bossa beat...that's the good stuff.

"Sail Away". I had heard this at the WXPN studios in Philly a few weeks ago, when Blondie and Al were not on stage. Now there were the three vocalists from the record on stage in a row trading lead vocals. I wrote in my review of No Pier Pressure that the element of having those three men sharing leads and telling the story was one of the album's standouts. Seeing them live like this, trading leads? Priceless. The song brought energy and a bit of emotion to the Mann, the emotion of seeing it come together and come together so well in such capable musical hands. A+. Special credit to Paul von Mertens whose playing throughout the whole show was great, but on this song and the others surrounding it, he knocked it out of the park.

"Sail On Sailor"...this is the Real McCoy. Fantastic.

Brian's vocals were something I listened to closer than perhaps at other shows. I really liked the way he seemed to stretch out a bit with the phrasing and his delivery, and it brought a new kind of feel to some of the songs we all know. I really enjoyed that, and it was neat to hear some of the melodies delivered a little differently than they've been done hundreds of times. That was very cool. And the piano playing? Hell yes. I love hearing Brian's piano playing, especially when he's banging out those familiar chords.

Al Jardine sounded terrific. I'll say it again, he's discovered the fountain of youth. His voice hasn't aged. He delivers the goods. He sang every lead right on the mark, and they were great, every one of them.

Matt Jardine's falsetto fits this vocal blend so well, and he has that perfect kind of tone to fit the music too. There is again that family connection with the voices that creates that "third voice" when family members are singing harmony together, and the Jardines' vocals sounded great.

Blondie Chaplin - As I mentioned before with the soundcheck, he brings a certain energy level and a certain rock and roll vibe to the music when he's on stage. I can't pinpoint exact moments or reasons why, but when he's on stage the energy level goes up a few notches and you can feel it even in the way the rest of the band plays the songs with Blondie. I missed his original run when he and Ricky were Beach Boys, and now I have heard live part of what those who saw him in the early 70's on stage have said about the way those shows rocked. Now I know firsthand having heard him sing and play that Les Paul. Pure energy and rock and roll.

Drums and percussion - Mike and Nelson, Bob on bass, Nick, Darian, Scott, Probyn, Matt, Paul...A+. Fantastic.

This is, in my opinion, "The Best Band In The Land". I can't single anything else out because it was all that good and that full of energy throughout the entire show.

As far as the other songs, again it was all kind of a blur. There was a certain feel to this show that other Brian concerts I've been to didn't have, and it's hard to explain. It felt like there was more of a celebratory vibe as they played versus other shows I've seen. It wasn't as much about meeting expectations or living up to something or another...it felt like Brian and the band were there to rock the house and have as much fun as they can doing it. I can't explain it any other way. They had a different kind of energy Monday night, and it was again something I think I noticed throughout the band and it was something that at various points (some unexpected) the crowd seemed to feel and respond by either jumping up and dancing, or simply cheering after a certain musical moment.

And there were emotional moments too. The ballads, Surfer Girl, In My Room, Love And Mercy, God Only Knows...beautiful moments. The slow organ section before the climax of Good Vibrations just slayed me for some reason this time, can't explain why, don't know why, but that organ break "gotta keep those lovin good, vibrations a-happenin...", perhaps it had a different meaning in 2015, June 29th to be exact, then it had ever hit me before.

It all felt *right* and it all felt good. It felt like it was all working together, from artists to audience. And the summer weather in Philly even cooperated and delivered an almost perfect night for an outdoor show. Go figure.

Do what you can to see this show, if possible. Share the experience with fellow fans and friends. I'm happy and feel so grateful that I had the chance to do so Monday. Again, my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved. And, as I post this so everyone who was there can see it whatever forum they choose to read online, I open, pour, and raise a glass of Stella to my friends who were there. Cheers.

Again, thrilled to hear folks were so knocked out.   I read and hear too much negative stiff about these bands.     Glad it is good.   Haven't seen BW since the Jeff Beck shows.  Glad to hear it is going so well this time around.

"Drive In", interesting! I remember seeing him do it on the 2004 Smile tour, and it looks like it last made it into some 2011 setlists.

Seeing on FB that Bruce Springsteen was onstage during Barbara Ann tonight.

Nevermind, someone who was there already posted about it.

It's because Brian was playing with the words. He's changed them in every performance of L&M on this tour.   It's basically a Brianism...he never performs that song the same way twice. Hell, at the show I went to in 2004, he began speaking the lyrics in a William Shatner-esque manner. So, speaking for myself, I didn't mean the lyrics were funny,  more of a lol in the sense I found it endearing.  Trust me...I'm the LAST person here to be making fun of Brian, and I'm sorry you took it that way.

Brian and the Boss

(https://fbcdn-photos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-0/11703041_10153435657967241_2944523858384828828_n.jpg?oh=3dbbf5b09b3b3a150f25e5a9acbe1d92&oe=561E55E2&__gda__=1445627990_9d6c7ceb7eb37b6e8e5840c7661b6a98)

What a thrill to see two of my musical heroes onstage together.

Great to see "the Boss kick out the jams" with Brian

Nice photobomb by Blondie. 

All I can say is Wow! Last night was the third time I've seen Brian. I saw him twice in 2012 on the reunion tour and both times Brian did not seem that into it. However, last night he was animated, singing great and seemed to be having a great time. Al Jardine's voice was as clear and strong as ever. As many have said it seems as his voice has not aged at all. Matt Jardine was a wonderful addition to the band his falsetto has that bite to it that (no disrespect) Jeff lacked. I thought Brian did a wonderful job on God Only Knows and Our Kind Of Love his voice sounded clear and sweet. The highlight of the show for me was Blondie Chaplin. I have always loved him and Sail on Sailor is one of top 3 favorite Beach Boys songs. He was rocking on Wild Honey and Sail On Sailor. His Les Paul was on fire and really brought a ton of energy to the show. He ROCKED! I would have loved to see him sing lead on one more and would have died if they pulled out Here She Comes with Blondie and the band it would have been amazing! Bruce Springsteen showing up at the end was a fun surprise and Bruce was very humble and did not want to take the attention away from Brian and the band. Overall it was the best Brian Wilson show I've seen!

I saw Brian in 2012, and have seen a few videos of some of the C50 shows and, with the exception of the final show at Wembley, I agree that Brian didn't seem to be as into the shows.  He definitely seems to be more comfortable with his own band than with The Beach Boys. 

The Asbury Park Press newspaper linked to this fan video of Bruce Springsteen on stage with the band:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL6wd3OgUrY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL6wd3OgUrY)

Maybe Brian'll ask The Boss to be on his Rock 'n Roll album!  8)

Awesome review, GF! Just awesome. Thank you.  :h5 :rock :thumbsup :woot :woot :grouphug :drunks

Just hoping Brian's energy is still there Monday night...

Me too! I regret missing his last show at the Ravinia, but man, I cannot wait for Monday now.

I'll be at tonight's Boston gig, as well as the VIP, so I'll report on it late tonight, and maybe grab some video if I'm able.

So far just two clips of Runaway Dancer on the tour have been Youtubed; one with Sebu in LA, the other from the Fox Theatre below. I don't think this is going to get me to move the studio RD from the second-to-last NPP track ranking I gave it on another thread but it's making me realize that the song is not as drastic a stylistic departure for Brian as I at first thought.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsUl7awMbno

Springsteen's hair's the damnedest, isn't it? Whoever it originally belonged to...

I'll be at the Boston show too! My ninth BW solo show, if I recall correctly.

I think he's glued Blondie's pubes to his head.

Not much more to add to Guitarfool's post - but I was at the Philly show as well, and it was wonderful to meet and hang with some of the board members here. In the sea of a few thousand, I felt I was at home with people who shared the love of the best music ever made. Brian was the best I've ever seen him in concert. The set list satisfied hit seekers as well as hard-core fans.

Blondie photobomb! Apropo of nothing, here's a text from my friend who'd just seen the show here in Phila, Monday night:

Blondie Chaplin should stay home though. What a jackass. He's noisy, out of sync with the group and the vibe, and acts all goofy with body language like the whole thing is a joke. About 10 times he mentioned he used to be in the Rolling Stones band. He should go back to the stones. I'd have preferred john stamos.

 :lol

That's not the show I saw. ::)

Not trying to shoot the messenger of course.

I’ve never heard Blondie mention the “Rolling Stones” at either of the gigs (2013 and 2015) I’ve seen him play with Brian and Al. For that matter, nobody else mentioned the Rolling Stones as far as I can remember. It sounds like at later gigs on the current tour Brian started mentioning this.

He’s not out of sync with the band; he’s only brought on for the three songs he sings a lead on, and then comes on during the encore. On opening night, he did often just come out on stage and sit behind the drums. I get the feeling he doesn’t have much to do in between songs. I was a bit surprised to see that they only bring Blondie out on his songs during this tour. It was sort of a “special guest” situation at select shows in 2013. But he was on equal billing with Al for this 2015 tour, so I assumed he would be on stage for the full thing. It’s not a big deal; it’s not as if he’s going to bust out a guitar solo for “Little Deuce Coupe” or something. But I am surprised that they’re taking on the expense to have Blondie on for the entire tour, but don’t either have him on stage for longer, or at least add another song or two for him to sing when he *is* on stage.

And yeah, Blondie definitely puts off a different vibe from either Brian or Al. That’s why it’s awesome he’s there. He’s an oldschool veteran of the biz; I love that he has a “I don’t give a f—k” vibe in terms of demeanor, but not in terms of singing and playing. He sings and plays his ass off on the tracks he does. It was funny watching him during soundcheck in Saratoga just sitting in the front row and joking, asking Al to play a solo.

I heard one guy after the show in Saratoga say something to the effect that Blondie doesn’t sing well. I have to say it takes some huge balls to go to a Brian Wilson gig and criticize someone *else’s* singing, especially Blondie. I’m as big of a Brian fan as one can be, and I cut him way more slack than most. But objectively his voice has its limitations even on the best of nights. It’s pretty rich to single out Blondie.

And he’s nothing like Stamos. Not only does Stamos usually stay on stage way longer than Blondie does (and keep in mind Blondie is an actual advertised member of the band presently), but Stamos is an amateur musician. Blondie can rip on the guitar in addition to singing. And even if only for a couple years, he was an actual Beach Boy.

Different strokes, I guess.

I was at the Philly show too, and I thought Blondie was great.  He brings a lot of energy to the show, and I think it's a bit contagious as the band seemed to feed off it, especially during the rocking encore.  Loved his leads on Sail Away, Sail On Sailor, and Wild Honey.

Now, when Brian introduced Blondie, he did mention that he was with The Rolling Stones, and it got brought up a couple times on stage too. 

Agreed KDS, blondie hasn't lost a step from his BBs days. Sail on sailor and wild honey were amazing.

Incidentally, what's up with David Marks? I'd think he'd be a great addition to the lineup.

Next time you talk to your "friend" you might want to tell him how off base he was about trashing  Blondie. Just knowing he would have preferred Stamohs tells me the guy is a complete wack job.

Nothing new on his website.  Looks like he was with Mike and Bruce's The Beach Boys during that UK tour a month ago. 

That ^ was a joke. I'm a Blondie fan, and came to his defense.

I loved Marks so much at the 50th show, wish he'd come back to someone's tour!

I'm hoping he rejoins Mike and Bruce at some point.  It would be nice to have another Beach Boy in the lineup when I see them in August. 

You friend sounds like he takes himself just a bit too seriously. Blondie was terrific in Philly. The hand waving  was during the encore. He didn't have a guitar nor a tambourine, so he started waving around while at the mic. He looked to me like was enjoying himself. This time, at this show at least, he looked more comfortable than when in Philly during the Beck tour.

I thought Blondie was a definite highlight and loved the energy he had throughout the show. The two things that still stand out the most to me were his guitar playing during Wild Honey and his tambourine/dancing/backing vocals during Darlin'.

Ok, band was late starting cause they were stuck in holiday weekend traffic. But once we got in the soundcheck was great. They ran through "Salt Lake City" a couple times (I'll post video later). Brian wanted the band to watch his hand for the fade at the end, then Al made a crack about something sounding similar to "Christmas Day" and then started singing it and Brian joined in while Darian pointed out it was Al's first lead vocal and Brian said "1964!" At one point Brian asked Matt if he was taking one of the high parts in "Salt Lake" and demonstrated briefly, which was awesome to know he can still sing that high from time to time when he wants. Al referenced Boston history a lot while they were doing "Cal Saga". "Sail Away" and then "prayer/heroes" and it was done.

I was first in line for the Meet and Greet. Brian lamented about his bottled water being room temperature and then he and Al debated whether to pronounce "liberty" in "Cal Saga" as "li-ber-ty" or to say it like Bostonians like "libuhdee", which was kind of funny. I brought my copy of the Made in California box (which surprisingly few people in the VIP with me seemed to recognize), and Blondie, Al, and Brian jokingly debated whether they should try to trace over the signatures that are printed on the inside gatefold but eventually signed the front. Al was very chatty as he tends to be. I think he serves as kind of a wingman ice breaker for Brian, so Brian seems very at ease. His smile was very genuine in the photo and at one point in the soundcheck Al said something I couldn't hear and Brian laughed aloud for a solid thirty seconds. He seems to be in really high spirits.

Also, at one point while everyone else was talking Brian was noodling around on the bass end of his keyboard and it was mixed very loud, which is awesome to think that he's in the mix at all. Very much looking forward to the gig in a couple of hours.

Cool report, keep them coming! I would imagine they're rehearsing "Salt Lake City" in anticipation of the show there next week.

So jealous...I missed my meet and greet due to traffic. Meeting Brian's on my bucketlist, alas, that will have to remain unchecked for the time being.

I'm here and seated!

That's bullshit. I mean, total bullshit, what that person said. He wasn't at the Philly show if that's the story you got.

If it's a joke, I don't get it. Just ask the people who were actually there. Blondie was one of the true highlights of the whole event, pre-show, show, and after-show. But don't ask me or anyone else, we were only there and just wrote about it. Yep, same old board. Have fun while it lasts.

For those interested, this is a shot of the encore/finale from Philly Monday and Blondie is playing his Les Paul guitar.

(http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n295/guitarfool2002/IMG_0228_zps6v5bb8fz.jpg)

Nick, Blondie, Paul during the encore(s)...note the guitar.  :)

(http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n295/guitarfool2002/1a6cd010-2a98-44c2-aef0-0b5be6f5ea08_zpshidsposw.jpg)

I don't agree with that person's assessment of Blondie's role in Brian's show, and it may show a predisposition to not like Blondie's style. I don't think that means the person is lying about having been at the show, though. I've been to shows where others had vastly different opinions of the very same thing. Like I said, some dude was railing against Blondie's singing after opening night. I think the guy was an idiot, but he was definitely at the show.

Philly soundcheck:

(http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n295/guitarfool2002/9c9b2228-96bf-4b5e-a39c-0103f388c1e1_zps15anfx4d.jpg)

Man, if someone says things happened that just didn't happen, you don't chalk it up to difference of opinion. You call bullshit. Which is exactly what that original "report" was. And if that person was actually at the show, they're full of sh*t in what they're saying. Simple as that.

It was emotional watching the show the other night, for many reasons. And after dozens of shows over the years, the reason why is this: The proper amount of LOVE is being put out onstage. I’ve more or less watched these same guys perform this music -- as Brian produced it -- with love for 16 years. And it’s been delivered with same intent that it originally was conceived and performed by the Beach Boys. This band loves Brian, they love his music. They create a place for him. No one hates him. No one resents him. When Brian hits the stage he sits IN his records, which are -- as we can attest to -- the most loving and safe place. And, yes, it IS the best band. And it’s the best band because it has the best intent. Even on nights where you know Brian is having a tough time, they provide the love. They've never phoned it in. And the thing that hit me the other night was not only the obvious “We’re not going to have Brian forever” -- but the fact is when that happens we won’t have them forever, either. And that made me very sad. These brilliant musicians doing God's work will one day move on and away from each other and this music. With Darian and Al sandwiching Brian onstage, he was cushioned by love. He’s never been better supported -- along with Matt Jardine hitting those notes in a way you forgot you weren’t hearing 22-year-old Brian. It fit and felt like home. It wasn't like a McCartney show where it's an imitation of it -- it WAS it. Nothing there reeks of Mitch Weissman.

Y’know, as great as Pino Palladino is, he’ll move on to another gig someday. Despite how hard Abe Laboriel tries to convince you how incredibly into it he ALWAYS is (e.g. the arms and grimaces and manhole cymbals) it’s just a guy distracting you while playing songs for really good cash. Brian’s band means something. They have become historical because they play Brian Wilson music the best. It’s the best that music can sound. My only hope is that it continues in indoor venues created specifically designed only for music and that Brian rounds third with every one of them along with Al, Blondie, David, Billy, and his eldest daughters.

That’s how it should fade out.

I suppose. Most of that short comment is opinion though. The "ten times" comment is surely incorrect, but is just a jackass case of hyperbole.

I came away finding the comment hilariously ass backwards. But I could totally envision someone exaggerating their distaste like that even if they were at the show. My first reaction was not that they weren't at the show and just made the whole thing up from scratch.

Believe me, I know how this can get. I was at the 2007 gig where Brian took a nap on stage, and within hours I saw utterly incorrect reports because they were coming from people that weren't actually at the show.

Well put....

It does feel immensely better to know every person on that stage feels that way about Brian.

I'll come back briefly to I Get Around. It's one of those songs some have referred to as part of the "meat and potatoes" setlist. But on Monday it was *not*, it was different, and it really got to me. I'll add to the comments about Matt Jardine's vocal, that falsetto of his on that tune (and others of course) just seemed to have the tone that I didn't hear in previous performances, and adding to that his dad Al in the harmony blend, and Brian that night singing the song all-out in a way I can't remember him singing, it was special. This is one helluva lineup, they deliver the goods.

McCartney's show is an imitation?...Please.......

Yes. It is.

Beautifully put.

Howie wins the thread!

I hate to derail the thread, maybe start a new one? I am curious to what leads you to think this though.

He's out there playing his songs, the way he wrote them, from his past and present still in (for the most part) great voice...just like Brian.

Maybe this will catch on at the remaining shows, maybe not, but I forgot to mention: Besides our group's "Keep It Clean!" shout-out, I've been wanting to pay tribute for years to whoever the guy was at the Allman Brothers show that's on "Live At The Fillmore" who yelled "Play all night!" after one of Duane's jams, but wanted to find the right show and the right band to do it. This was the right show to do it. So if any live recordings come out from Philly June 29, and you hear some dude yell "play all night!" at least twice toward the end of the performance, it was me.  ;D  

And I really did want them to play all night.

Rubber --

I don't want to derail the thread either, but it's Mitch Weissman territory. And has been for a while.

I'd give anything if it wasn't, but I'm long done pretending it's the live Macca of '76/'79 -- it's Presley '75 with dudes with hair-do's backing a lead singer burping his way through the most beautiful songs of all time on a cheap obsolete instrument.

I love Paul McCartney to death, but it's devolved into a tribute show (and not even the best one running.)
And he is most certainly NOT for the most part in great voice. He's in fact in horrible voice.

What happens when that thing you love isn't really that thing you love anymore?

Lovely show tonight in Boston. No Runaway Dancer. Blondie on fire.

 :woot :rock :thewilsons :serenade   Awesome!

No Runaway Dancer?! Was there a new song added?

I would add that it hasn't helped that McCartney has gone, in the US at least, from exclusively the already-large indoor arenas of 2002 and 2005 to in some cases the even larger outdoor stadiums in more recent years. Paying hundreds to watch a jumbotron isn't so fun.

McCartney *could* do something more interesting.

3 nights to go for me.  Can't wait.  And...regarding McCartney...Paul himself has called Brian's backing unit the BEST in the biz...and Brian has improved it since then.  So Howie isn't even marginally wrong.  Ask Paul.

Girl Don't Tell Me and California added. No Cotton Fields either.

Those are incredibly absurd and exaggerated observations.

This is from two weeks ago...first time played in the states in EXCELLENT voice, playing his heart out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIZL94d2ayQ

Cheap, obsolete, horrible....? I think we have different definitions on this terms.

Set list for tonight, complete with Brianisms:

Right as Scott was doing the vibraphone intro to "Our Prayer", Brian finds a spot is shining in his face and shouts out "Hey, lighting guy! This is Brian Wilson here! Turn that spot off!" PERFECT Brianism to start.

Our Prayer
Heroes and Villains
California Girls
Shut Down (Al)
Little Deuce Coupe (Al)
Girl Don't Tell Me (Brian w/Matt)
I Get Around

Brianism #2: "I wrote this for my brother Carl, then he died. Darian breathes new life into it"

This Whole World (Darian)
Then I Kissed Her (Al)
California Saga (Al)

Brianism #3: "OK, now let's slow it down. Slooooowwwwwwwwwww dowwwwwwwwwnnnnnnnn down down..."

In My Room
Surfer Girl
Don't Worry Baby (Matt)
One Kind of Love
Sail Away (Blondie/Al)

Brianism #4: "Now it's time to REALLY rock. That last one was kind of medium. This one is REAL rock!"

Wild Honey (Blondie)
Sail on Sailor (Blondie)

Brianism #5: Identically word for word the same intro he gave "This Whole World". Darian even sort of gave a puzzled look and indicated like "is that the second time he said that?"

Darlin (Darian)
Wake the World (Al)
Busy Doin Nothing
Surf's Up (Brian in VERY gravelly voice until around "The laughs come hard in auld lang syne" at which point Matt covered while Paul brought Brian a bottle of water. Brian came back in on "a choke of grief")
The Right Time (Al)
Wouldn't It Be Nice (Matt)
Sloop John B (Al on 1st verse, Brian on second 2)

Brianism #6: He did the "Row Row Row" thing, except when he cut us off we kept going for another two or three rounds. Al found this hilarious, but eventually Brian just shouted over us "OK, here's the best song I ever wrote" and launched straight into

God Only Knows (probably his best vocal of the night)
Good Vibrations ("finally!" as he put it)

Encore:
All Summer Long
Help Me Rhonda (Al)
Barbara Ann
Surfin USA
Fun Fun Fun
Love and Mercy ("from my new movie!")

I was absolutely dead center in the front row, so I got some great photos (which I'll post next). I didn't take any video during the show, but I got some at soundcheck. Al has most definitely broken the ice for Brian. Brian seemed dramatically more comfortable than when I saw the C50 and Jeff Beck shows. The chemistry up there is great, and you can feel that Brian is having a good time. Several times when he looked out to the audience and saw that someone had a phone held up, he would smile as if to give them a better picture. He played piano throughout, even during many - but not all - songs on which he was singing lead. Blondie's set was a scorcher, much more so than when he did the same numbers at the Jeff Beck shows. It's also remarkable how well Al and Matt sort of make eye contact with each other at various times to figure out if one of them needs to suddenly cover for Brian. Matt is an extraordinary addition to an already incredible band, and his falsetto has a grit to it that Foskett never did.

Fabulous evening that I'll remember the rest of my life.

This was the fourth of four shows in a row for BW. He seemed spirited, but perhaps a bit tired.

My favorite BW moment was when Blondie started on his second extended solo in Wild Honey. Brian looked at him, a little puzzled, stopped playing the piano and took a drink of water. Then he went back to playing the piano.

Some of the best on-stage vibes I've ever felt at a BW show. Howie nailed this point. Everyone there is just so happy for and supportive of BW.

A side note: Little Deuce Coupe was sung in unison by Brian and Al. It sounded pretty cool. And Matt is awesome. Some ladies around me acted like they were at a showing of Magic Mike when he sang Don't Worry Baby.

I can see your friend's point about Blondie -- if I'm looking through the perspective of someone who hates fun and would prefer no one dares move, except to play an instrument. Is he also bothered when Scott circles the stage during Help Me, Rhonda? Or when Nelson runs around with his cowbell? If so, maybe he should close his eyes at concerts. Otherwise, such antics might offend.

I went to the Boston show tonight, and Blondie was an absolute highlight. He was having fun, and it's obvious from his vocals and guitar solos that he's certainly not taking this as a joke.

Something that stood out about his performance is that I saw him interact with nearly every band member on stage. When Darian sang Darlin', Blondie came over with a tambourine and tapped Darian on the back with it mid-song. Darian looked over and laughed/smiled.

During Help Me, Rhonda, Scott came out to share a mic with Blondie, and Blondie kind of took a step back like he didn't want to sing with him. He quickly stepped back up and Scott doubled over laughing. He also looked back to mimic Nelson a couple times while he had his tambourine, and the two shared some laughs.

It's fun to see Blondie walk all over the stage while he's up there, either while soloing or while playing the tambourine. His vocals on Wild Honey, Sail On, Sailor and Sail Away were superb. Brian and Paul mentioned Blondie was in the Rolling Stones. I couldn't imagine Blondie saying it.

It's a bit strange that Blondie comes and goes, but it kind of makes sense. Beach Boys songs aren't easy to play on guitar, and the vocal blend already sounds so good.

I think this is the best touring entity of Brian Wilson's band yet. The additions of Al, Blondie and Matt really pull everything together. It also gives Brian some rest from having to sing every song while adding some Beach Boys "legitimacy" to lead vocals. (I would have liked to see Scott take a lead vocal, since Darian got two, but I'm sure he appreciates hearing Brian sing "One Kind Of Love" every night.)

Matt sounded great on all the falsettos, and his new bandmates seemed to admire his rendition of "Don't Worry Baby." DWB is my favorite Beach Boys song, and it never felt quite right with Jeff singing it, though I'm not sure why. I like Jeff and Jeff's falsetto. It just suits Matt better.

Al still sounds fantastic and appeared very happy to be there. I was happy to see him sing so many leads -- basically 9 total. They're definitely not wasting him.

Brian was a bit hoarse at times, and both Scott and Paul made sure he had water a couple times during the show. He sounded best on "God Only Knows," and the raspiness actually kind of worked on faster songs like Fun, Fun, Fun and Surfin USA. He was very animated between songs and appeared comfortable. He introduced almost every single song.

I noticed Blondie, not Brian, sang the "Oh, let me take you there to another land. Don't expect the world to understand." Sail Away bridge.

Overall, it was a fantastic show that covered the highlights of Brian's whole career. Surf's Up was fantastic.

Imitation of what? 

Too late.   ;D


Why would you expect him to sound and perform the same as he did in the 70's?  And do you really want to see him with the same hairdo he had back then???


But this is all subjective.  The ironic thing is you could make the same exact argument about Brian Wilson.  Hell, he doesn't even sing lead anymore on about half the songs.  And even if McCartney's voice isn't quite what it used to be, he still sounds a thousand times better on stage than Brian does. 

Honestly I love both guys and have seen them both in concert, but trying to compare their shows directly is a tad ridiculous.  They both have different strengths but I came away satisfied (for different reasons) after seeing them both live (multiple times). 

Dislike.  Blondie was easily the most entertaining guy up on stage.  He was like a South African Keith Richards (which would make sense, as Blondie actually toured with the Stones for years). 

Not lately. And that's not a knock against Paul, either.

Anyone else seeing the show on the 12th?

Man, it just hit me that I'm going to be seeing the man who wrote and sung the music that I loved so much as a kid. I am so excited... I will probably cry like the fangirl that I am. And my dad will be there... 

I cried like a baby (happy tears) during several songs at my show. As I shouted out between  songs, I love that man, in a platonic way.

Love the music, love the band, love the man, just as surely as night follows day.

Howie got it, about the band, but Brian is also buoyed up by the love from the fans: my (then) gf saw the TLOS show in 2007, and Mike & Bruce's legendary UK show the following spring, and she put it far better than I ever could: "Mike's show is great, huge fun... but at Brian's show you could feel the love for him". Not better, just different.

I certainly hope they can do some more touring. Obviously, if Brian's ready to retire soon, that's cool. But with Jardine still singing like its 40 years ago, and with Brian in perhaps the most sustained, consistent high spirits of any tour he's done, and with fresh blood in the band with Matt, and with the consistent support and perfectionism of the entire band, I'd love to see them keep going for awhile longer.

I also wish Al had the capital and management to get his own tour going and just use most of Brian's band when Brian isn't on the road. I'd love to see Al backed by Matt and those guys, digging into the back catalog.

Does anyone know if Brian will have Al and/or Blondie in his band when he tours the UK later this year?

Spot on.

I worry that soon someone will be writing posts along the lines of "you couldn't possibly have enjoyed that show, because this other show was better…"

We the luckiest fans in the music world cos we have two top notch bands out there playin the best music ever written in the best way possible. Neither is a tribute band: we get two helpings of the real deal.

I'm happy with that.

Was also at the Boston show last night.  The other posters covered most of what I would have written as well. Few additional random thoughts;

-Rodriquez seems to have quite a faithful following. There were quite a bit of his fans there.
-Matt J was excellent. Haven't seen him since the early 90's.
-In my opinion, Wild Honey and Sail On Sailor were the best two #'s of the night. WH seemed longer, hotter, and better than any of the Youtube video's I've seen thus far. As someone mentioned, a big difference between Blondie doing these now than on the Beck tour. He's not a guest, he's part of the band, and you can see the difference .
-Was disappointed that they didn't do Runaway Dancer as the other 3 songs from the new record were really good. I think they had a punch in a live setting...better than the recordings.
-The two songs from Friends were fantastic. I've been going to shows for close to 30 years and it's always great to hear something you've not heard live before.
-This band really enjoys performing together and you can see it in their interaction with each other on stage.

So... the tour's back on ? Most excellent !  ;D

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^Looks like some good merch, what else did they have available on this tour?

One thing that is striking about the difference between Paul and Brian's shows is that Paul plays huge venues and fills them which means that he could easily afford to carry a larger band. I think that there are missed opportunities that are being filled in with modern technology.

I believe that Paul is still a great and exciting performer. The catalog is huge and above reproach but he comes across as a bit cheap. He has a great band but it could be fuller.

A string quartet and a small brass section would go a LONG way, and still leave Wix (keyboard guy) plenty to do on just about every song!

I bought an autographed NPP cd for only $25. I figured since Jeff isn't around anymore it must be Brian's signature.  ;D

Let me tell you what the BW show in Austin did for some friends of mine. Their husband/Dad has been sick with terminal cancer for two years and we went to the show. They were laughing, clapping and singing along the entire concert.We played Beach Boy music all the way home(2 1/2 hours). We bought both daughters t-shirts. They haven't taken them off yet. That's what this concert meant to three people from Houston.

There was a white tee with the NPP sign on the front and the tour cities on the back, a sort of baseball-style shirt, one with surf boards, the signed NPP CD, and a signed lithograph with Brian's image made up of lyrics.

Most of the tour merchandise is up on Brian's website store:

http://insomniac.fanfire.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/Store.woa/wa/artist?sourceCode=FANWEB&artistName=Brian+Wilson

But aren't you the guy who said that Wix's Casio sounded "just as good as a real string quartet"?

The point Howie is making is that at a Brian show, you get Brian being himself. He says whatever comes to his mind at that exact moment, sings whatever notes he wants (sometimes it works, other times it doesn't) and puts up very little in the way of pretension. At a Paul show, you see a guy pretending to be Beatle Paul and deliberately doing so. His shows have become high-end Beatles tribute shows. The Wings shows were much more organic and not-quite as calculated.

That's amazing! Music has that weird ability to affect our lives like that. I'm glad they enjoyed the show, and I hope the dad is doing well!

Hey, you're just saying what we're all thinking  ;D

Yes, absolutely! For one, he doesn't use a Casio...anyway; I do think it sounds just as good but, if he can have the live strings/brass...why not? It would add another element. I don't think one is better than the other, nor do I think THAT many people would care. But like I said, it would go a long way (to certain fans) and still leave Wix with plenty to do.

I totally agree, Paul's show is way too scripted. I've heard the Jimi Hendrix plays Sgt. Pepper, George Harrison played the ukulele, and the Russians learned English from the Beatles story way too many times. But I can also point out the differences as well. I think Paul has "checkpoints" in his dialogue that he ensures he gets to, but there's plenty different. To say that what he does on stage is "pretending" is absurd.

Why are you talking about McCartney in a thread about Brian's current tour. Why not start a new thread and let the negativity begin.

Thank you. I'm a fan of McCartney, but this is a thread about the current tour of the greatest songwriter on the planet. Let's please keep it that way.

Are they still trying Funky Pretty or Ding Dang during the sound checks, or have they given up on doing those songs?

Funky Pretty would be an excellent addition. I'd say swap this for "Sail Away"...or maybe make "Sail Away" into a medley with "Sloop John B" and then continue the Pet Sounds trifecta.

Seems like Funky Pretty is out of the picture for now.

Hard to say, but you're probably right. At least we've gotten "California Saga" and "Girl Don't Tell Me" in there..would have been nice for "Drive-In" to stick around. I don't really care for Brian doing the straight up hit car songs...it just doesn't really seem to be him. But "Drive-In" just digs a little bit deeper! Also glad to see "Runaway Dancer" out of there...

Have I missed something, did they really play Ding Dang in a soundcheck!? That's super cool!

as it hasn't been played in any of the shows yet, it doesn't appear to have ever been in the picture.



Why draw the line now? Why THIS thread?
The beauty of Smiley is every thread digresses into 7 other threads; right?

True, but this one is about Brian's current tour, and I'd rather just about any other thread get derailed before this one.

If you'd paid attention to the thread, you would know that they worked on it in sound check at least a couple of times. A band member also confirmed to me personally that they were planning to add it.

I've, sadly, read every single post in this thread, no matter how bored I got; and I repeat, it hasn't been played in concert once, so....

You're both right! The back and forths on this board are ridiculous.

It hasn't been played in concert. It has been rehearsed and soundchecked (is that a word?)

Anything is possible...I think there's still a chance of hearing it if they're still making additions this late in the tour.

What I'm more curious abotu than songs...is future dates! I've seen San Francisco on Sept. 11th advertised...anything else out there I've missed? I'd love to  catch this since they skipped MD/DC this time 'round...as usual.

So why on earth did you pick a fight with me, man?

Just trying to stir up sh*t? Because I am so not in the mood right now, it's not funny.

He's stirring up sh*t because he disagrees with you?

I'm curious if more US shows will be announced for the fall. Considering it's already July, that doesn't leave a whole lot of time ticket sales.

I may be the only one but I'm sad to see Runaway Dancer leave the setlist. I think it has a strong melody and great energy. It was one of my favorite performances at the Atlanta show.

Yes, yes. That's the exact reason.

There's nothing to disagree about. The band rehearsed Funky Pretty. That's a fact. They were planning to include it in shows. That's a fact. So the song was in the picture -- especially given that seats at soundcheck are now sold to paying customers.

People paid to go to a Brian Wilson show. They heard the band play the song. Ergo it was in the picture. Then the band stopped playing it, and people stopped hearing it. And thus it was out of the picture.

The only reason someone would attempt to take issue with such self-evident facts is because he or she is trying to start something. It would be comical if it weren't so infuriating.

Sigh.....

Good lord, people. These are supposed to be happy times? I'm leaving for Detroit in the morning. Can't wait.

On that note, lighten up.

I'd say a song that is seriously rehearsed at a soundcheck, with or without an audience, can be characterized as "in the picture" at that point.

The two of you must be checking out different picture books from me, then.
 I haven't seen any evidence that every song played in soundchecks ends up being played in concert.
If you have some definitive evidence of same, please present it now.
Otherwise, I guess we're going to have to agree to disagree.   
BUT, if we're to come to blows, Wirestone, will you be claiming  the Cassius or the the Sonny trunks? 

Word.  Mostly (if not always?) in the original keys too.  Everything from "Yesterday" to "Helter Skelter" and everything in between.

To me, "in the picture" as a setlist inclusion means it's a possibility, not that it's guaranteed. If a song had already been performed in concert, I wouldn't characterize it as "in the picture"; I would just say it has already been performed.

To me, "not even in the picture" connotes something that is nothing more than a pie in the sky wish or guess, not something the band is in the process of demonstrably considering.

Some videos from Boston (not mine):

Surf's Up:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwcocOIXLGQ

Darlin' (at :43, you see Blondie tap Darian on the backside with his tambourine, followed by Probyn cracking up):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSNyBRdc9vE

Don't Worry Baby:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R52nuRmQoTY

This Whole World:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcEttWu8ThU

Good Vibrations:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3A3_ButWECE

Sloop John B:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imsLvPYbDwk

All Summer Long:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79J-fGVPrCk

Wouldn't It Be Nice:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElMPDAWK9ck

California Saga:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSAOZkaW4ME

I Get Around:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pM6SBLoIimw

Blondie did not mention The Stones, but was intro'd as having been with them for 10 years.  They did what I'd call an "extended jam" at the close of WH that was fantastic.  Paul von Mertens had to tell the audience, "Boston, get up off your asses!" Game over. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVvHOOLxWAw

WIBN: who is singing lead? that's Al's song live, but he he only singing his small studio part. . . .what is happening. Is this becoming a BB covers band? DWB: with Jeff gone, I want Brian to sing it. . .

Matt sings WIBN (with BW on the bridge) and DWB.

When I saw the Beach Boys in 1997, Matt sang Don't Worry Baby as well.

Darian sings This Whole World (again, with Brian on the bridge) and Darlin'.

That's four songs of a 32-song setlist. The rest are done by Brian, Al and Blondie.

I'm in my seat for the show in Detroit tonight. I saw Scott Bennett outside the venue and he was a little hoarse and said he was battling a cold. He said he hoped he didn't pass it to Brian...I hope he's joking.

BTW, Fox Theatre in Detroit is absolutely beautiful. I'll give a fuller report tomorrow.

Enjoy yourself!

You don't mean that, do you?

I wouldn't joke about that. Scott was definitely hoarse, not sure if he was joking about Brian. I'm sure there is concern any time someone in the band is under the weather. I'll let you know how he sounds tonight.

Eclaim.ca Music Concert Review
Brian Wilson
Danforth Music Hall, Toronto ON, July 4
By Thierry Côté
Published Jul 05, 2015

http://exclaim.ca/music/article/brian_wilson-danforth_music_hall_toronto_on_july_4

Same thing I noticed on night 2 of the tour in San Diego, and others have mentioned as well, "he has never seemed more at peace on stage".

Tonight in Detroit was the 11th BW solo show I have attended. And, it was...without question...the absolute best one I have ever seen. From the moment they walked onstage, I could tell it was going to a great night. Brian opened by saying "It's great to be in the Motor City.....Black and White by Three Dog Night!!!!!" Then, into Our Prayer...and off to the races!

Just got home from Detroit.  Great show.  Tired.  Have to be up at 6:00...which is 5 hours from now...so...to be continued.  I have my doubts that I'll get to see Brian perform another live show.  There may well be another album...but a tour that'll venture anywhere near me again?  I don't think so.  The UK next year?  As much as Brian might 'prefer' to honour the commitment...I don't know that he'll be able to do it.

The poor guy needs help onto and off of the stage.  [as did Rodriquez...who was also quite the entertainer.]

Do NOT pass up the opportunity to catch Brian on THIS tour.  Really.  The grains of sand left in THIS hourglass are running really low.
---------------------

ps...Ran into Doo Dah.  Nice.

I'm sorry to add negativity to this thread but here goes:

I missed the Detroit show.  I had the wrong date on my calendar.  Since I can't fly anywhere else to see him, I probably missed the only opportunity to meet the man.  I'm really sad and heartbroken.  They all mean so much to me and not being able to shake Wilson's hand really hurts me deeply.  Did anyone film the show or record audio of it?  That would ease a little bit of my pain right now.  I apologize for spoiling the fun fun fun.   :'(

But surely there can't be, as they would conflict with those important "commitments" that caused the UK tour to be pulled.

There isn't anything that could be MORE important than adding more US shows

I’m not defending the abrupt, under-explained cancelation of the UK dates, but I could easily see *more* US dates as a justification (whether a valid one or not). A “need” to promote the film further in the US could include touring to promote it.

Apparently, their reasons for needing help on and off the stage are different. Brian has back issues, while I’ve read that Rodriguez is suffering from glaucoma and is partially/nearly blind at this stage.

Yes, there is.  Rest for his back.  I can't even imagine a transatlantic flight with that back.  I cringed watching him helped off the stage for the encore, watching every pain-laden step.  Add Some's post from last night indicates it might not be much better.

It isn't the first time a rock tour or segment has been cancelled or postponed, and I truly empathize. I held a Maharishi tour ticket.  Show cancelled "hours" prior to the show.  I still haven't decided if I going to forgive them...a 15 year old with a front row ticket.

Maybe I should.   :lol

But, I do bet the tour will be rebooked. He loves the UK.  :love

Those are valid points.  

But the UK Tour was relatively short.  If there were going to be more US shows added, I would think they could have been scheduled for Fall, when the UK Tour ends.  

But, it's all speculation right now until September comes.  

Detroit's only a few hours away from the Ravinia show in Chicago tonight, if you feel like taking a drive.

Fox Theatre, Detroit, Michigan - July 5, 2015

I made the drive from Grand Rapids to Detroit and arrived early due to warnings about construction and the afternoon Tigers game possibly causing delays. Unfortunately, I was unable to buy the soundcheck and meet & greet package, both due to cash considerations and waiting too long and it no longer being available when I finally was ready to bite the bullet. Instead, I was behind the venue as the tour buses arrived between 2:30-3:30pm. There were maybe 4-5 of us back there, the others were "fans" but did not have tickets for the show that night (but stacks of LPs to have signed). They yelled, "Hey, Blondie, please sign?!?!?" to Darian, which he just ignored until I said "Hi, Darian!"--he pointed and smiled. Brian was sitting right up front in his tour bus, so it was easy to spot him when he came in. The bus pulled right next to the stage door (behind a huge gated fence) and he gingerly walked in with to helpers at his side. Al and Blondie were on the same bus, Blondie said he would come out later to sign and Al just looked disgusted with the suggestion to come over to sign.

At that point, I figured my best shot at meeting any of them was after the concert. I grabbed some dinner and walked back to the venue just as the soundcheck and meet & greet was letting out. I saw a lot of lanyards/passes signed, a Pet Sounds LP only signed by Brian, and a Smile LP signed by Brian, Al and Blondie??? (editorial comment: it always bothers me when one of the Beach Boys signs an LP that they are not featured on, whether it be Al, Dave, Bruce or Blondie--no your BB history!).

Around 6:30pm is when I bumped into Scott on the street outside the venue. I said, "Hi, I'm really looking forward to the show tonight." That's when he replied something to the fact that it should be great and we are excited to play Detroit. Then he offered, "I have a bit of a cold. I hope I don't/didn't pass it to Brian." I can't remember exactly how he phrased it, but it definitely took be aback considering he was a little raspy/hoarse.

I went in the venue a little before the stated doors at 7:00pm. Here is a quick photo of the merch (as stated before, they had the signed LP for $75, the signed CD for $25 and the signed lyrics litho for $75--going by memory):

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee92/mbriev16/BW01_zpsk8exdhnt.jpg)

None of the shirts really appealed to me. I already have the signed LP and I really didn't need another copy of NPP on CD (though I was tempted). I know this is a Brian Wilson show, but how about some retro merch that doesn't even say Beach Boys? (i.e. Brother Records logo t-shirts, "Help Me Rhonda" 3/4 sleeve that Brian made famous, etc.).

As for the show, the venue was absolutely beautiful, I had never been to the Fox Theatre before, and I had front row seats in the mezzanine:

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee92/mbriev16/BW02_zpsu8jrrxp8.jpg)

If there were any fears due to Scott's comments earlier, let me put them to rest, as Brian was an excellent voice and was smiling a lot on stage. I didn't take setlist notes, as I wanted to enjoy myself, but I think it was almost identical to what was played in Toronto.

Highlights for me:

Heroes & Villains
I Get Around
California Saga
In My Room (Brian sounded great)
Surfer Girl (same)
Don't Worry Baby (as noted before, Matt does an incredible job)
Blondie's mini set seriously rocks
Surf's Up (intro'd by Brian as being "20 years long, not really, it's about 3 minutes, but it feels like 20 years"--at the conclusion, he said something to the effect of "I toldya it feels 20 years long")
God Only Knows (personally, for me, as it is my favorite song, but could tell it was getting later in the concert and his voice was starting to give a little)

Al, Matt and Blondie bring so much to the table. I'm glad I was able to see this tour. Overall, an amazing experience. If I could tweak anything, it would be to drop Shut Down and Little Deuce Coupe and add another Blondie tune in their place.

Being in the balcony/mezzanine was a trip, all of the rockers/hits made the my seat and floor vibrate and I could see the rail in front of me moving up and down. I would say the venue was 85% full with the upper third of the balcony essentially empty. Here are some photos from during the show (best I could do with an iPhone):

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee92/mbriev16/BW03_zpsjlfnr6b7.jpg)

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee92/mbriev16/BW04_zpsobhcensx.jpg)

After the show I raced to the back of the venue, where there was a bigger contingency that earlier in the day waiting for photos, autographs. Brian had already left on my bus (must have been two minutes at the most since the final note of Love & Mercy). Blondie came out and, true to his word, signed for a good five minutes. No chance for photos due to the giant gated fence. I think I was the only person to get him on something he actually contributed to (aside from tickets and scraps of paper):

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee92/mbriev16/BW05_zpsbzkc7y8e.jpg)

When he handed it back to me, I thought he forgot to sign or used a dead sharpie, turned it over and he signed the back. I like it! Kicking myself for not buying Holland or In Concert on vinyl ahead of the show, but thrilled to come away with anything. Al was a bit sour, again, after the show. Had a bottle of wine in his hand and a scowl on his face. I don't know if he feels burned by the eBay types, but it's simple enough to do one per person or at least acknowledge the fans and say thanks for coming out. I'm a huge Al Jardine fan, but left disappointed by his demeanor yesterday afternoon and last night.

I'm hoping this isn't the last time Brian is in the Detroit/Chicago region. He certainly walked gingerly across the stage, but he seemed very happy and sounded amazing. His backing band was absolutely on point. Well worth the money and effort to see him!

Brian needed help during the C50 shows too -- and he's done two tours since then.

Frankly, the organizers need to simply look out for him more -- he should not be playing four shows in four days. Go back to the way they did the shows back in 99 -- one or two shows, then one or two days off.

I take it no new setlist additions for Detroit?

unless they ARE the commitments.......

Also worth noting, and this depends on the stage setup and venue, a concert stage and stage area isn't the same as a random room. There are sometimes a myriad of amps, monitors, cables, and steps that can make even a steady person trip and fall. Brian may well need some help due to his back and his age, but they may also be going to every extreme possible to not have him trip on a cable and knock himself out hitting his head on the corner of Blondie's amp or something.

That actually reminds me of a story going all the way back to the 2001 Paul Simon tour. As I was waiting for Brian's set to begin, I could see him kind of just pacing and back forth behind the stage. Literally from left to right, right to left. Not sure if he was bored or looking for someone or something. At one point, he clearly tripped on a cable or something. He just tripped and stumbled, obviously didn't fall or anything, and just stopped and looked back at what he had tripped on. It was kind of a visually funny moment; Brian seemed strangely bemused about it.  :lol

Long story short, if someone already has even slight mobility issues, (or vision issues in the case of Rodriguez), they would understandably be extra careful even when the person may not always need quite that much support.

Marty- you had my 1st choice with that album but I found the Holland LP and brought that.  Blondie seemed happy to sign it, and I was happier to have found it! I saw new lot of "new" (which takes some getting used to) vinyl but was happy to have my well- loved oldie at the ready.  It does make absolute sense for him to sign something that he contributed to.  Agree 100%!   ;)

As I suspected, identical to Toronto:  http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/brian-wilson/2015/fox-theatre-detroit-mi-73f6aec1.html



From my vantage point, it seemed offstage and the first couple of steps on stage, he had helpers, but once he was onstage, he was on his own. To be honest, I would have felt better if someone gave him an arm or shoulder, just in case.

First review is out and I think it is a pretty fair assessment: http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/detroit/index.ssf/2015/07/brian_wilson_sings_the_beach_b.html

Yes, this was my first choice, but wish it was vinyl and not my CD booklet. After the show I saw Blondie signing C50 programs, Endless Summer LP, just about anything Beach Boys related, but essentially nothing but my In Concert booklet that he appeared on. Again, I understand the thrill of meeting him and getting the autograph, but I feel it shows ignorance and almost a lack of respect to get him on Smile or something else he had nothing to do with. To each their own...

Didn’t someone here have Scott Totten sign their “Pet Sounds” LP? To his credit, the story I remember reading was that he very respectfully demurred for the obvious reasons and had to be extra persuaded to do so once it was made clear that the person really truly understood he wasn’t on the album but still wanted him to sign.

There is indeed a point at which you have to fall back on whatever someone wants if it’s their thing. Maybe someone wants their “Pet Sounds” LP signed by Wilfred Brimley. Or a photo of Sean Connery signed by Roger Moore….

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3138/2878577349_87e7bb7f5f.jpg)

+1

This might deserve it's own thread. I've seen Bruce sign the back of Pet Sounds, since he doesn't appear on the front cover. I think that is more the fan's preference then his policy, since I have seen him sign the front cover. There is a 15 Big Ones LP on eBay right now signed by Brian, Mike and Bruce, for a steal, I have no interest with Bruce inking it. Again, I think some people are commemorating a moment they had with one of the Beach Boys--for me, as a collectible and historical piece, it ruins it.

From the photos, it looks like the Detroit Fox is as beautiful as its sister venue, the Atlanta Fox.

I thought about what to have Blondie sign, if I got the chance -- and when it happened, I took the Holland CD insert. So now I have Holland signed by three Beach Boys. :)

Well, Bruce does both sing backing vocals and contribute instrumentally to 15 Big Ones.

Good point. I guess I just don't think of that as a record Bruce is heavily involved in.