The Smiley Smile Message Board

Show 74..the final gig!

Quite sad to realize it's the last show..
But I will be there!

I shall be there too, block C4, Row 10 seat 53 + 52!

Block D something. THEY SAY THAT BRIAN'S BACK.

Look at it from some distance...

...incredible, isn't it?

I'll be there too  ;D Block B2, Row 13, Seat 9

Can't wait!!!!

Say, that's the day after my birthday. Who wants to fly myself and a guest to London, set us up in a hotel, and give me two tickets for the show? ^_^

Block N15, Row 0, Seat 197. My seat is fucking terrible! And what the hell does row 0 mean??

I think it comes after N  ;)

Block N9, Row R (R!?!?), Seat 106.

I hope the people in better seats (of which there will be many) can physically feel my jealousy burning into the back of their heads ::)

I thought it was a zero and not an O! This now makes more sense.

I'm going and I cannot wait! It was so tempting to go to the RAH and to get VIP tickets but hey, I need to pay for my dinner! I'll be so happy to just be there.

Like so many others, I will be there in spirit. They'll pull out all the stops for Wembley. You guys are in for a treat  :)

i got crap seats too, but hell i'm buzzing for it already.

I suppose Row Zero woulda put you up on the stage, yes?
Or, you know, somewhere in the parking lot. :)

I'd like so very much to be there for this, that, at this point, I might even take the parking lot!

I will be as far away from the stage as is physically possible while still being in the venue. Still going to be awesome though.

And yet I'll still be one row behind you Paulos!  :-\

YOU GUYS.

8 DAYS.


 ;D ;D ;D

Paulos and all , PLEASE REMEMBER THE PRE-MEET AT 'THE GREEN MAN' Pub ( details as posted elsewhere ) Mid Afternoon

Can't wait  ;D

Can't believe this thing is so close now… should we wear red roses in our buttonholes or something?

Block A2, row 8. Can't wait for this. I've seen Brian a few times but never any of the others. What a buzz to see Brian, Mike, Bruce, Al & Dave all on stage together, although just writing it feels foolhardy lest anything go wrong in the next week ...

I say we recreate the outfits from the Reagan gig. I'll be Bruce.

We should all dress as Bruce.

I'm 6 rows behind you-hope you're not planning on wearing a Mike-esque turban

I'm so exceited about next week-RAH on the Thursday, up in the gods and then Wembley.
I'll definitely be there for the pre gig meet up

Rememeber the first rule of Mike Club.......

Na , just all bring your Surfboards that came with the $5999.99 SMiLE Set  :lol

I've already seen them but I'm still jealous!  Have fun guys, you're gonna love it!!

You take two seats? You seem to be pretty obese. :wink

I know what you mean , I was lucky enough to go over to Germany for 2 gigs (phew that was rather great)

I can't get enough of the 'Live' gigs , in fact so much so that I am rather pissed (to save the very least) that I didn't get BBC Tickets for either of the Mermaid or Jools Holland Shows  :(

But am really counting down the days for next week , and you know what meeting all the other fans ( in the pub etc... ) is half the thrill  

Extra tickets just released on ticketmaster..

Good seats too!

¬.¬ Either that or I'm super skinny and my friend is reasonably obese. Or I've got a friend. One or the other  ;D

Dear, Beach Boys

Please write that rock n roll album now.

Sincerely,
EVERYONE

To all who are going to the UK shows:
Enjoy it ! I'm sure it will be a fantastic experience if it'll be anything like they did in Berlin. 

Yes it sounds great you are all going to meet up, wish I could be there too :(   lots of smiley smilers over there.  You should all make it an annual thing to catch up.

Does anyone know when the gates open for this, is it 7 30 or is that the start time? I'd like to get in and soak up the atmosphere.

Without having the ticket to hand, I would imagine no later than 6pm.

7 days! I'll be at the Green Man and I hope to meet many other Smiley Smilers too, Mr Dean I'm pretty sure I owe you a beer!

I will be there B4 row 6 seats 49/50 - me and the wife.

What's this about a pre-concert meet? I will be going from work and might be in the area by 5pm.

There must be hundreds of guys owing him a beer.  ;D Me too, IIRC.


Have fun with what might turn out to be the actual final gig of a BBs incarnation that matters.

Just got an email from Wembley, doors at half 6, concert starts at half 7, finish at 11pm

Pretty good. If they do start at exactly 7:30 with only a 20 minute intermission, you'll probably get a 15-20 minute longer show than the majority of us got. I'm calling Surf's Up.

Hmm, okay. What time are people moving on from the pub, because my friend and i are making our way up and if we get there early enough we're visiting ze pub first to see the Smiley Smilers - but if it's too late we'll go straight in.

Google maps says it takes 8 minutes to walk from the pub to the arena so I'd think we will be there till 7:00pm at the very latest.

Okay, we may pop along. i'm sure someone will now recognise my face thanks to my (rather scary according to my friend) display picture.

Enjoy the last ever true Beach Boys show.

I'm sure things are mighty tense right now within the group.

Maybe. Maybe not. I guess they're much more chillaxed about 'it' than we are. They're pros and they've been doing exactly this (dealing with band bullshit) for the past much-quoted 50+ years. I'm sure Mike has long settled this with the guys.

Plus, they have a much more clearer idea what the future looks like...we don't.  We're all grasping at straws and making assumptions about this, that and the other.  But they themselves know better than we do (at least Mike does, I'd assume) and I don't think it's something that is causing for any tense moments between the group.  My feeling is Mike looks at it as "Dont' sweat it...we'll figure it out."

Just saw these 2 auctions on Ebay for 2 front row seats and 2 front block. What do you suppose they'll sell for? ( they're still very low at the moment) 

  http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-X-THE-BEACH-BOYS-TICKETS-WEMBLEY-ARENA-LONDON-FRI-28-SEPT-2012-FRONT-ROW-/120991831847

  http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-X-THE-BEACH-BOYS-TICKETS-WEMBLEY-ARENA-LONDON-FRI-28-SEPT-2012-FRONT-BLOCK-/110957503106   

About to leave for the airport

Wembley, Beach Boys,  here I come!  ;D

I hope they play the same setlist as the albert hall - if not better!

I'm going to be there tonight. Suspect, sadly, that they won't do a show as long as the Albert Hall one, but even so it should be very, very special.

I'll also be at the Green Man. Anyone who wants to meet up -- or to avoid me -- I'll be the one with the gigantic beard, in a white Beach Boys t-shirt with a yellow and red surfer logo.

I should be at the Green Man by 5pm, probably a bit earlier. I am will be the large chap in a black shirt with white vertical stripes, probably looking around to guess which people the Beach Boys fans are. My Mrs will be joining me a bit later.

The show may well be as long as the RAH, show is scheduled to start at 7:30 and I am given to understand they've been pretty close to the start times the entire tour. Wembley advise it will end "by 11pm" which suggests it could easily be a three hour show.

I'm just hoping the security gorillas at Wembley Arena aren't preventing people from taking a few photos.

We may turn up before the show depending on the time we have before the gates open. I'll be the young blonde but I don't know what to wear yet! :D Argh I can't wait!

Row U Seat 35.

I cannot wait. My first 'true' Beach Boys show. I hope it's not my last.

You have no idea how excited I am to see a Beach Boys show with Al Jardine, David Marks and BRIAN DOUGLAS MUTHAF*CKIN WILSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D :smokin :smokin :hat :hat :afro :afro :3d :3d :drum :drum :spin :spin :tm :tm :tm :happydance :happydance :love :love :thewilsons :thewilsons 8o :pirate :pirate :banana

What a special day today is! Have a great time!!!

Facebook:

(http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/253780_10151187733967241_847107203_n.jpg)

Haha...Brian with a guitar.  As a guitar player myself--that is kinda blowing my mind.  :lol

(http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcREYJvTZ2un8bHTcTADBoPHb-8L__Ia0rlp6a3H31m5F4u1qDoxG-nDbguXlA)

Oh hell yeah!  Was that before or after Brian and the band performed "Won't Get Fooled Again"? ;)

Bucket T/Cantina/Barbara Ann medley.

I think they played tha last night at Royal Albert Hall.  Man, they DID get the best setlist ever.

Seems like they're on stage doing it again....

They started at about 7:45 yesterday

And that's that:

(http://pbs.twimg.com/media/A36YVoXCIAA2kdw.jpg:large)

Via Twitter
KramV Mark: My god! Beach Boys stormed that! 3.5 hours of massive hits, unreal!!!!!

Beyond the typical cheap shot comedians out there, I was hearing some good good stuff on Twitter. Looking forward to the reviews.

Do it again
Little Honda
Catch a wave
Hawaii
Don't back down
Surfin safari
Surfer girl
Please let me wonder
This whole world
Wendy
Getcha back
Then I kissed her
You're so good to me
Kiss me baby
Isn't it time
Come go with me
Why do fools fall in love
When I grow up to be a man
Dance dance dance
Darlin
Disney girls
It's ok
Cotton fields
Be true to your school
Betsey
Don't worry baby
Little deuce coupe
409
Shut down
I get around

Intermission

Bond
Pet sounds
Add some music
Sail on sailor
Heroes and villains
I just wasn't made for these times
California dreamin
California
In my room
All this is that
That's why god made the radio
Summer's gone
Forever
God only knows
Sloop john b
Wouldn't it be nice
Good vibrations
California girls
All summer long
Help me Rhonda
Rock and roll music
Do you wanna dance
Surfin USA
Encore

Kokomo
Barbara Ann
Fun fun fun

They gave it 109% compared to last nights 110%!

Aw shame, really hoped for something more! but oh well, it's still great tho

?

You're So Good To Me I'm sure is what he was aiming for. ;)

Crumbs, that was emotional.  Brian smiling at Mike during "Add Some Music" winded me.

Brilliant! But no Our Prayer  :(

F*cking Brilliant!! Brian was on top form! :D I'll give my thoughts tomorrow when i'm less shattered. :)

Spot on!  :)

Bond?

Is this some obvious acronym I'm missing? Baby only needs Drama? Be Obedient Not Douchebaggy? Band introductions?

Just means that Pet Sounds starts with a few notes from the Bond theme.
Just back to the hotel. Long night!

STE, now what was the thing you couldn' tell us last night?  Did I miss it?

just got back and i'm drunk and shattered but how motherflippin' good was that?!
Brian beamed with happiness during his performance of 'Heroes and Villains', it was a heartwarming sight to behold.
Wonder how it compared to last night anyone?

did anyone else notice that during wendy on the line "don't believe a word he says", Bruce appeared to point at Mikey?

"Summer's Gone"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CouYoLm68WM

"California Girls"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sp2SkDlFniE

"I Get Around"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3ADGswfowg

No "Surfin' USA?"

I just had tears go down my face watching that video of "Summer's Gone."  So beautiful.

That video of Summer's Gone is like the best thing that's ever been ever, hands down.  On so many levels.

Summer's Gone from Soundcheck

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lothario/8034045238/in/photostream

Set list: 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lothario/8034970308/in/photostream

Concert Photos (videos to be uploaded soon - check back often)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lothario/sets/72157631647888752/

Soundcheck Photos (more photos and (videos to be uploaded soon - check back often)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lothario/sets/72157631645809880/

Last song pre-encore - set list corrected… apologies, t'were late! :)

Jesus, that was amazing!

First off, sorry I didn't make it to the green man, our journey took much longer than we thought and we made it to wembley station at about 10 past 7.

But I couldn't have wished for a more wonderful night. My thoughts are still a bit confused. And my voice is shot :) posting on my phone right now, so brevity is key. Everybody onstage absolutely slayed it! Have all the love for Al too, he was amazing.

As an aside, I wonder what Mike is thinking when the Pet Sounds tunes get more applause than Kokomo, which completely destroyed the momentum from where I was sitting. Wibn and sloop, gok and I just wasn't made for these times got the biggest cheers of the night!!!

But yes. It felt absolutely beautiful in there. I hope Mikes plans are only temporary....

Agreed, Kokomo definitely destroyed the momentum.

What a joy to hear and to behold. Photos will follow.

First off, all the Boys were in good voice. Bruce delivered a lovely Disney Girls, Mike didn't sound especially nasal and he is an excellent front man, Al is just amazing, David was great and Brian.....well he was on it and delivering the goods (and beaming smiles) from the start. Brian during H&V was a sheer joy to see, animated, smiling, singing with gusto and on key, gesticulating all over the place....looked like he was having the time of his life. SOS was another highlight and he says he doesn't like that song.

Wow, must have been at least two and a half hours of music, and barely a duff note from any singer or player.

Highlights for me were H&V with the SMiLE artwork on the big screen, honestly who would have predicted that Brian would sing H&V with the Beach Boys and with that artwork?
Summer's Gone.....man that is a great track live. Actually so is Isn't It Time. When Do It Again opened the concert, the atmosphere was electric...everyone stood as if in reverence for the Beach Boys...and they did not disappoint.

I noticed little talking though there were a few people who left during the quieter numbers (to top up drinks or release fluid).

Sound was good, though not the very best I've heard at a gig. The drums sounded great and every voice was clearly identifiable in the mix.

Oh yes that was a great performance. The Beach Boys may for the most part be in their 70's but they put younger acts to shame. Mike may have sweated a bit and joked about needing an intermission but he was on good voice and an engaging front man all night. Al and Brian also did a good share of introducing songs and commenting on their fellow band members....while Jeff did his usual introduction of the musicians towards the end.

And the material. Mostly 60's classics of course with a few early 70's songs thrown in...and the obligatory Kokomo of course, which to be honest didn't sound too bad.....and then three songs from the new album proving that they've not lost it.

Should they end here? I have a feeling there is more fuel in the tank. They looked like there was fuel left in the tank for more. But it's up to them. If not....for goodness sake Brian and Al do a record together! Otherwise....there is that old saying 'leave them wanting a little more'. If this is the end for this lineup of Beach Boys, they have done us proud and will have exited at the very top of their game.

One more thing to add.

There was a *lot* of photography and video-making going on. I shot no video but I can say there is at least one complete audience audio recording of the concert...

Yeah, no-one was going for it where I was sitting either.

On the other hand, Al singing the wrong opening line to "Then I Kissed Her" (and having a second go at the end of the song, apparently so he could get closure on it) was a beautiful moment.

I still can't believe the Beach Boys performed "Summer's Gone" live these couple of times - I'm so jealous!  We all knew the guys would be putting a little extra into these gigs, but I am just floored with the set lists, reviews and videos that have appeared over the last couple of days.

I'm really happy for every one of us who got to be there live to enjoy two such momentous shows.  And I'm happy that the fellows in the band we're able to enjoy as special of a time as it is clear they had.  They deserve it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-B2uZUdEAA

BTW. No teleprompter on Brians piano or is this a poor angle to see it?

I couldn't see it last night....


I may have it all 'simply' recorded... Here is the whole song, with Al mess up and correction.

http://soundcloud.com/frederickjamesfrench-pounce/then-i-kissed-her-live-at (http://soundcloud.com/frederickjamesfrench-pounce/then-i-kissed-her-live-at)

Also, Here's my Summers Gone video - I think the quality is better than the previous upload, although drums have a significant effect on the sound...: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQigc-3xIbk&feature=player_embedded (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQigc-3xIbk&feature=player_embedded)

(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/n_gulliver/BB/1.jpg)

(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/n_gulliver/BB/2.jpg)

(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/n_gulliver/BB/3.jpg)

(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/n_gulliver/BB/4.jpg)

(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/n_gulliver/BB/5.jpg)

(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/n_gulliver/BB/6.jpg)

(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/n_gulliver/BB/7.jpg)

(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/n_gulliver/BB/8.jpg)

(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/n_gulliver/BB/9.jpg)

(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/n_gulliver/BB/10.jpg)

(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/n_gulliver/BB/11.jpg)

(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/n_gulliver/BB/12.jpg)

(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/n_gulliver/BB/13.jpg)

(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/n_gulliver/BB/14.jpg)

Yep! That song was the moment I started blubbing uncontrollably...was all great up til that point as well, but AL JARDINE! Singing lead and sounding exactly like he did in 1965! Getting the lines the wrong way round and going 'oh boy' and laughing...fantastic stuff.

Didn't even think I was going to be able to go...kinda skint (the life of a musician) but a wonderful fellow my girlfriend and I know who's a journalist got some press seats last minute. I was in B3 somewhere or other, though I ended up pretty much at the front when I couldn't find my seat after the interval. Great view for the first four or so songs of part two.

Highlights- well, I enjoyed all the car/surf songs, but I'm all about the sadness. If I had to pick one 'song of the entire show', it'd be Disney Girls. Absolutely fantastic- and THAT was the first song everyone in front of me sat down for...unbelieveable ;) And being 6'4, I couldn't really get away with standing up after that...

Love the way Bruce claps and adjusts his mic stand! Ha! I'd read about it on here and sure enough...constant.


*edit* oh, ps, cool user name by the way, TheydonBois - I was born in Epping, that's just up the road from me!

Thanks for the reports and links! You guys sure got a great and historical show!
This would be the perfect time to end it all imo. Summer's gone and so are the Beach Boys...

The moment when Denny in heaven (or more likely any other place) thought to himself: "F*** it. That's it. The last show. I know I wanted to stay out of it and not freak Brian out but damn - was I ever able to restrain myself? They'll know it's me. I'm awesome." - and proceeded to spiritually transfer his mojo into an unsuspecting Scott Bennett. The rest is history.

Scott Bennet channelling the spirit of Dennis Wilson....I like that idea :)

And Brian did look a little spooked. Maybe he was worried Scotty would break the piano?

"Summer's gone and so are the Beach Boys..."

Please... NO!

Just as I suspected...Scott Bennett has Beach Boys Fever...and he's got it bad!!! :lol

Wow, without a doubt the greatest concert I've ever attended, I nearly lost it during the Carl and Dennis tributes.

The boys (especially Mike) looked very sharp sharp and seemed in awe at the reception from the huge crowd.

I hope this isn't the end

Just echoing all the positive comments really.

Great gig and Al really shone vocally (the forgotten first line was a great moment!).  Loved seeing the history of the band represented and all members getting their chance to shine.

I was in A2 and, whilst the seats were great, was a bit peeved by the over zealous ushers trying to get people out of the aisle.  Also strange considering what people must have paid for tickets the amount of people frequently getting up to leave/talking during songs etc.  Always going to be a factor at a big gig though and not enough to ruin the show.

The sound was a bit murky in places with vocals not being caught here and there too.  Felt sorry for Bruce as his voice really strained a couple of times.

As a huge BB fan who has only been to BW shows it was really amazing seeing stuff like Disney Girls, Cottonfields, All This is That and California being performed by Bruce, Al or the group as a whole etc.

Hopefully some of this gig will make it to the eventual tour DVD, there was a bit of filming in the aisle of audience members dancing etc.

My girlfriend, who has got into the beach boys and BW more and more during our time together was fully converted after the gig like it was some kind of religious experience, well I suppose it was just that for me and plenty in attendance :)

Oh, thanks!  We should totally form a band called the Theydon Boys.

In my ideal world, people would recognize that Brian Wilson got into the tour at the end, was inspired, that other members of the group were truly into it at the end, their fans were excited and devoted as much as ever, and all of the group wanted to keep it going.  That they went back to working on another album, to make the next one a real keeper for history, and then hit the road again.  And then reality descended upon things.  It was a nice thought.

Actually he is using a teleprompter.  It's the plexiglass that is in front of him.  It's different from the screen he usually has.  This one reflects the words from the bottom and reflects upwards at the screen for you to read.  Much more subtle.  It's the most common way to use a teleprompter; a lot of people (like politicians) use them when they give speeches.  You can see it clearly standing right in front of Brian to the right of this picture:

(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/n_gulliver/BB/4.jpg)

God, these reviews are so bittersweet. They make me wanna cry. :'( I've never been to a Beach Boys show, and I missed my chance to see all the guys together!     It's really setting in now. Damn. Why, oh why couldn't they have played a date in Minneapolis?! I was not able to attend the Chicago show, due to circumstances beyond my control, travel costs etc. OH WELL... I'm still gonna go see B&M at Mystic Lake Casino, and as long as I can compartmentalize any wistful feelings regarding C50, it should be a good experience. And as consolation, I'll have a tastefully compiled and lavishly packaged anniversary tour DVD to look forward to. I hope?

Feel a little bad for saying this, but I wish Brian looked/sang/acted this way for every stop on the tour. From the videos I've seen of these last two gigs, he looks so happy to be performing and really into the music. Gotta love it when he smiles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hG4ubXoi7ls

You lucky SOB ...Brian was "on", in a good voice, and uncannily exuding youthful vibes intermittently. that's what I want from a concert.

The last 2 gigs look to have been great and all involved seem to have been going for it which makes me think it was for one of two reasons.

It was a WTF, its over, lets just go out and party with 60 plus songs and have a blast. There....beat that!

or

Ok promoters. We're up for it with a setlist that delivers more than most newer acts. You want more in the future? You claim you can sell more gigs in the UK? Prove it and make us an offer!

I don't get it. You'd rather have him looking happy intermittently rather than most or all of the time? I'm saying that footage of these UK gigs have him looking so unbelievably joyous, I want for him to feel that all of the time and for it to be visible to his fans. I don't particullarly like to see Brian not looking into it onstage. I saw this tour twice. Didn't see him looking like that. Understandably, it might have been because of his back pain....

It was wonderful in so many ways. So many highlights:
Mike *not* doing the long intro to Be True To Your School ;)
The harmonies coming in on Disney Girls
Al pointing to Mike on the line "a nice old man, he had a hat on"
Brian growling "Damn the thunder"
Brian's big goofy grin on Add Some Music -- and hearing the way that when the mic passed from Bruce to Al it went from a whisper to an enormous stadium-filling sound
Al's a capella singing of the first line of Then I Kissed her at the end
Jeff on the tag of All This Is That
I Just Wasn't Made For These Times, with Al singing "he just wasn't made for these times" at the end.
Al, basically. Also Brian.
California Dreaming, where Brian decided he was going to sing the answering backing vocals for the first verse, even though that wasn't part of the arrangement.
Kiss Me Baby...

Oh, the whole thing was a highlight.

No.
I assume he's happy. I just don't expect anyone that age to be oozing youth and outward happiness for long stretches of time. That's
my problem. And as to what uncannily exuding youthful vibes intermittently means, aside from nothing, is that it's just my own definition of what an authentic "It is just like 1965 again"  experience is, for me the observer. It's all Mike's fault. Now everything I say or do, or see, "It's just like
1965 again"...


I agree.

Someone on YouTube is apparently posting the entire concert.

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O07lHcKV_24

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h51M_wciMA&feature=channel&list=UL

Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSlBJHcEkqg&feature=channel&list=UL

Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Tix-HDz1Ao&feature=channel&list=UL

Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJTfsS6Jkkc&feature=plcp

Part 6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOzkXEjoZX0&feature=plcp

Thank you Justin!

This was my first time ever seeing the BB's live, and I felt somewhat emotional at various stages throughout the show, particularly as it set in that this was possibly the final time the real BB's will play a concert. I loved the energy and was blown away by how good they all sounded. The harmonies really were very tight (except for seeming a bit off during That's Why God Made The Radio). It was amazing how many songs they packed into those few hours, and they seemed to just keep pumping out more and more songs without any gaps, which was awesome.

As others have said, Al starting off Then I Kissed Here with the second line was quite funny, and I loved how he made up for it at the end of the song. Other high points for me were coming back to my seat after the intermission and then freaking out as I heard the cool rhythm of Pet Sounds break out, with David Marks just nailing the lead. I felt like the second part of the show had the most energy. The first half seemed to lean heavily on the hits, with the second part delving into stuff like Heroes and Villains which felt like an amazing departure from what had been played up to that point (I loved that they played it, as I am a huge SMiLE fan). Good Vibrations was fantastic, too!

All in all it was an amazing night and you could just feel the audience going crazy with appreciation for the group. The audible rumble that came from the clapping and stamping of feet before the encore was fantastic.

I'm just glad I finally got a chance to see them. It seems like it might actually have been the final chance to see the whole line up.

No problem!  The video is pretty good.  Really puts you in the moment.  Kinda bummed that it's all over (for now).

So awesome. Thanks for finding it and posting here.

This is some good sh*t.


EDIT really, really, really good sh*t. Thanks to you I'm not feeling so left out. And why doesn't everybody just point it at the video screens like this? It's  much better than most videos!

Yeah it's mostly screen shot but it does the job very nicely.  Considering it was filmed on stage wonderfully--surely helps the viewing experience!

I'm watching the whole thing and it's a great way to remember the shows you've been to. 

Part 7
http://youtu.be/dArvfJlwzhY

Part 8
http://youtu.be/AebQGf3XB4U

Part 9
http://youtu.be/lVhsTiA13Hw

You know, I was going to write a big fancy review, but now I can't be arsed! :lol All i'm going to say is that this was the best concert i've ever been to, even if I am only 18. I feel privileged to have attended what may well be the last proper Beach Boys show (I somewhat hope not though) I have to admit as my favourite Beach Boy most of my attention was focused on Brian. Brian was at the top of his game beaming smiles across the arena and singing wonderfully. Two of the highlights for me were Heroes and Villains and I Wasn't Made For These Times. On the latter I was looking at him and the great photos of him from that era on the big screen and trying to fathom how I was watching the guy that wrote and sang on the greatest album ever made! (IMO) He was much less shaky and seemed more confident than when I saw him last year at the Royal Festival Hall. If this was one of Brian's "on" nights then he was really on! ;D Also Sail On Sailor was excellent considering his somewhat shaky history with performing that tune.

Mike was even better than expected and didn't seem to show any of his nasal tone that brings him down somewhat, he is really an excellent showman, he killed yesterday! David Marks played some really nice guitar licks during the show and he is truly an essential asset to this tour, i'm very happy that he's got his dues in this tour! Bruce was quite cool tonight even and although Wendy wasn't all that strong in my opinion Disney Girls was fantastic and I don't know if it was my imagination but he sounded just like he did on the Surfs Up album! :o Lastly Al, I went in with VERY high expectations for Al having heard how strong his voice still is (and they all have pretty strong voices still don't get me wrong!) and I must say he delivered, particular highlights were Cotton Fields and Help Me Rhonda. (which tore the house down) Then I Kissed Her was quite funny too with Al missing the first line! (and mentioning it after!)

Also the team players, they were of course brilliant and working with the Boys there was this full sound that really rocked! Paul Von Mertens was just fantastic on the sax, Darian did justice to Darlin', Scott climbing on top of Brian's piano was pretty funny as well! Say what you will about Jeffrey Foskett's somewhat whiny falsetto but he was terrific here and did justice to all the songs he sang lead on. On another note All This Is That was phenomenal and after hearing it live it is now one of my Mum's favourite BB songs!  ;D

All I can say is if this is the last proper Beach Boys show I see I can go away with happy memories! 54 songs! Fu*king unbelievable!

Part 10
http://youtu.be/bQK804FUq0Y

Part 11
http://youtu.be/e_sMw4_R8YE

Part 12
http://youtu.be/8Xhp_FhwpCc

Part 13
http://youtu.be/Vt2RpiuuBpo

Part 14
http://youtu.be/Vt2RpiuuBpo

Mike's shirt/jacket combo reminds me a lot of what he wore at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in '88. 

Perhaps not big, but still quite fancy - just like the reviews above, thanks all.  Glad you Brits had a huge time, keep the reviews rollin'  :)

Have to say my heart got pretty heavy watching In My Room. Perfect camera work, perfect rendition. Breathtaking.
I would be so happy if they just released the straight feed for one of these shows to DVD (in dvd quality, of course). No frills, fancy shots, any of that - it isn't needed. What I've seen from these videos is an accurate, down to earth, uplifting experience of what the Beach Boys are all about and what they should be forever remembered to be.

The Boys were looking stylish this tour.

Part 14
http://youtu.be/XFo5lKtoUz0
Part 15
http://youtu.be/H2FY1qZWL40

Brian is singing every damn note in this show.  He's not missing anything.

I think the secret to get Brian totally "on" for a show is to catch him on the final night of a tour  :lol

California Saga. All of the major players there sounding like the record. So good.

A few notes:

I was really impressed with the tour program, beautifully done..

A man was going around with the back of his head shaved with the words "beach boys 50", the words were dyed a bunch of different colors

A lot of people cried during "surfer girl", two young couples were in front of me, one with the boy crying the other with the girl

Al botched the opening line to "Then I kissed her" but handled it like a pro, he did just that line over again when the song ended

It was very cool to see "this whole world" and "You're so good.." get a huge reception

"It's ok" and "Rock n Roll music" really slow the show down, I would say "kokomo" too but people seem to like it

The Beach Boys might have the most adoring fans in the world

A lot of cougars were on the prowl during the show. This 22 year old guy had a great time  :lol

Wouldn't that be ideal? It's the best in house video crew treatment I've seen on any of these videos. Unfortunately, I'm sure Wembley owns it, and where would that leave the folks 50 Big Ones paid a bunch of money to document the shows? They want to throw in the gib arms, swoopy things, and stupid shots of inept audience dancing.

boy was Brian ever on!
If you listen to "All This is That" you'll notice that Brian is singing a large part of Carl's sections...
amazing!  :-D

Anyone else notice the audience didn't respond that well to Kokomo? At least where I was standing! :lol

what a show--watching the youtube videos--the best ever. They play as if it were for the last time. . . . . .who  is weeping as I am?

A certain intensity, as in California Dreamin', is unprecedented; I just don't get it.  This is the ultimate in heart, beauty , and harmony.

the BB: wow.

One of the great things about this gig is that the new teleprompter has Brian looking up, whereas previously he used to have to look to the side or slightly down. If he continues to tour (with or without the Beach Boys), I hope he continues to use it.

Part 16
http://youtu.be/J3ardnTq1Wk

Part 17 ;(
http://youtu.be/r8fMbcMsr4c

Holy sh*t...Brian sounds good as hell, looks confident as hell...and did I mention he's singing well? Not just singing well for 70 year old Brian Freakin' Wilson, but singing well period. He's very audible in the harmony stack, and he's nailing pretty much everything he sings. He was even singing parts he normally doesn't do. He knew it was the last show for a while, and put 110% of himself in his performance. This, my friends, was the real Brian Wilson tonight.

Whoa.. is that BW taking a stab at his original falsetto part in Forever?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2FY1qZWL40&feature=player_detailpage#t=165s

Wow! Yeah, I would say so. Only because he doesn't really reach it - if it was Jeff or a band member, there would be a pronounced falsetto. I love how he intro'd Carl on the screen after that, too.

Man, he still has that tone! I hope he tries to utilize it a little more in the studio on any future recordings. Makes me wonder if that's the first time in the tour that he attempted it, and if he tried any other falsetto parts at random.

That brought a tear to my eye.

Part 16 - try and spot Al get the lyrics to Wouldnt It Be Nice wrong. He's pretty well covered, but nonetheless, pretty funny....some things stay the same. Even after you've sang the song 70 times this past summer.  ;D

He gets pretty high (no pun intended) on parts of Think About The Days and Pacific Coast Highway (I'm better on my owwwn....).

Brian looked so much more 'there' (at Wembley) than when I saw them in July. More relaxed, more present, more connected. We happened to be seated right in front of Brian so I had a good vantage point.  Nice to see a more comfortable, happy person sitting behind that piano. Granted, some of it was a function of having the teleprompter up and slightly facing the audience rather than directly in front of him.  And maybe some was a function of a back operation.

But something has definitely changed in his eyes. It looked like happiness to me. This is a very good thing.

Now is the time to walk away.

Greet stuff, including Dave singing lead on Getcha Back, with Mike's Ba Ba Da Dom backing vocals.  The BB 50 Reunion concerts remind me of the many times when I've come close to thinking I'd trade being able to listen to every song ever recorded except for those done by the Beach Boys for being able to listen only to everything done by the BBs, but then realized I couldn't do it, even though I'd be giving up the most incredibly inspired and enjoyable music ever made.

I've attended many great Brian Wilson shows, and since the addition of Scotty T. and John C., many great Mike & Bruce shows, but none of them will ever come anywhere close to the sheer joy of attending the Beach Boys 50th shows.

Had a great night, the Boys were great again and getting to see the Dennis and Carl tributes was a highlight as they didn't have the tributes when I saw them in Berlin, was welling up through both tributes and the huge ovation for God Only Knows was especially touching. Not much more to add to what others have already said, was good to meet other Smiley Smilers at the Green Man, only wish I hadn't been riddled with a cold!

Managed to upload a number of videos.  The difference between these and the others is that these were video'd from the second row and include clips from the Soundcheck.  Enjoy:

Soundcheck

Then I Kissed Her (Enjoy watching Al strip): http://www.flickr.com/photos/lothario/8035075513/in/photostream

Summer's Gone: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lothario/8034045238/in/photostream

Concert

Surfer Girl: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lothario/8035024153/in/photostream

Surfing Safari: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lothario/8035054640/in/photostream

I Get Around: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lothario/8036596290/in/photostream

Closing into Intermission: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lothario/8036510365/in/photostream

Had a fantastic night! Was amazed by Summer's Gone and placing it before Forever and GOK just made the whole thing an emotional powerhouse.  Only read the RAH setlist after the show and was a bit disappointed they didn't include LHRW and a couple others but not fussed really. I'm a little glad SG wasn't the final encore though, the Beach Boys needed to "go out with a bang" IMO. Also I must be the only person that missed WHEEEEEEN and Bruce's ENGLISH GIRLS bit :p

Disagree.

yeah, total mood killer where I was sat- B3, but my girlfriend was up in the balcony (free tickets related) and said that was the only one that got a lot of people going up there! I got the impression even the 'i remember the Beach Boys' crowd that went nuts to Cottonfields etc didn't really know what Kokomo was. Only thing I'd say about the setlist, is that Mike seems (justifiably) proud of the 'hit' material, but not a lot of the cars/surf stuff WAS a hit here in the UK. As he himself points out, they were at their biggest circa Pet Sounds. I'd have thought even by his standards, which seem to be 'give the public what they want' that should have meant a slightly deeper set.

I think I lucked out being sat next to a fellow obsessive, so I didn't get too many funny looks when I (we) went nuts after Disney Girls etc ;) Suspect it might be someone off here or the blueboard or something, scottish fella with shoulder length hair.

"Old friends have gone
They’ve gone their separate ways
Our dreams hold on
For those who still have more to say..."

It wasn't a very big hit in England iirc. Maybe that's why...


Great show. Thanks for the videos! Did they do "Prayer" at this show? i couldn't find it on the videos.
 
Only thing I disagree about is putting "Summer's gone" on that place. It seems to have worked awesome as the show closer.

BTW are those new videos on the wall? I like them.
And Brian seemed really happay. His smile is not the usual "camera-dvd-recording-smile".

Possibly because they didn't do it ?  ;D

I agree, that is not our call to make. As long as they want to continue on, I am all for it.

I've found out already. I thought they did the same set on both nights. Have to look for the first night then. "Our prayer" sums up the tour so well. I mean there are some rare cuts that you were suprised to hear but they don't seem as unlikely to be ok with Mike ("This whole world"  for example) but "Our prayer"...  Who would've expect that? And therefor it is like a mirror of the whole tour; they really pulled off what seemed impossible, a fantastic tour with quality and setlists you'd never dream off and they put their egos aside.

That was the original plan, according to the band members, but there was a curfew at Wembley which meant they had to cut Prayer, Marcella, Let Him Run Wild, Still Cruisin' and The Little Girl I Once Knew (and maybe one other?) for timing reasons. A shame, as I'd have loved to have seen all those, but there's no possible way to complain about the show they *did* do.

So appropriate, Andrew, for the close of this most amazing tour...

"...Our dreams hold on,
For those who still have more to say." - yes, they do...
and may draw fine compositiional inspiration from their experiences this year.  

So glad you guys had outstanding performances across the pond, yet, none was sub-par.

Renewal is good.

I went with my girlfriend and two other friends who could all be described as casual beach boys fans and it was nice to see them all completely blown away!

Al Jardine is king.


Agree with everyone saying Brian was in rare, rare form.

Definitely the best gig ever. I'm still in shock!

I was lucky enough to be in the 8th row. I've seen Brian a couple of times, but never the others, and it was such a joy to be so close!

I just grinned and grinned for the entire show and that they maintained such a consistently high level of quality throughout the vast set was nothing short of miraculous. I went with an older casual fan who is usually very picky and hyper critical and he was also blown away and felt it was one of the best shows he'd seen.

Al was definitely the hero of the night for me. When he sang Then I Kissed her, it was like hearing the original - incredible. Cottonfields was similarly fantastic for the same reason.

Other high points were Brian singing You're So Good To Me, Bruce's raspy but moving delivery of Disney Girls, All This Is That, Heroes & Villains, the Dennis and carl moments. The surprise for me was Rock n Roll Music. Never liked the song but man Mike just rocked it. I'm not a Mike fan by any means and find a lot of his stage posing a little creepy, but I couldn't take my eyes of him for this song - he nailed it.

The peak of the show was Sloop John B and Wouldn't It Be Nice. These two were performed so tightly. With the original voices ... what can I say. Nothing will top that for a live music experience.

Review in the Guardian:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/sep/30/beach-boys-review

"During Add Some Music to Your Day, when Wilson sings "You can feel it touching your heart," he looks over his right shoulder, directly at Love, who glances back with all the sentiment of a workhouse beadle who has been asked for more food. And come the end of the show, it is Wilson who seizes Love's hand for the group bow."

5 Stars, sounds about right

Also it's interesting to note: I was talking to a staff member during the intermission and she told me that demand for tickets was so huge they could have sold out Wembley 3-4 nights in a row

Some harsh comments, but I admit -- I laughed at "Mike Love, whose stage moves are so reminiscent of a man who has just sh*t his pants a little bit" -- he goes on to give dear Michael some credit, tho.

I just finished watching all 17 videos of the full final concert and I am blown away. Everyone sounded really good. Top form. Brian tackling some of the high parts was awesome. Loved it. Thank you to whoever filmed and posted the whole show.

Thanks for the info! Too bad they couldn't do all of them, but anyway it's still a fantastic setlist

How come?

(http://arkhonia.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/vlcsnap-rnrhof-love-500.jpg?w=500&h=409)

Man, they really tear into California Dreamin'. Brian sure seems into it, much more intense than the version I saw.

That sax solo still needs to be fuckin' strangled at birth, tho.

Ha don't even know now.  I thought they were the same outfit.  Guess not!  I guess Mike in a nice shirt and jacket throws me from the usual canary yellow shirts he dons. :lol

Still working my way through the complete show...just finished "H&V"...man oh man....this show is perfection.  It's as if that joke that both Brian and Mike have been using in interviews about how they've been "practicing for fifty years"...is actually true.  It's almost as if they were all working to get to these last shows in the UK to be the definitive performances of their careers.  Everyone on stage is on top form and playing their ass off.  It's a breathtaking sight, really.  This Wembley performance shows a confident band who's proud for finishing an amazing tour but most of all...proud to be performing this wonderful music while sharing the stage with the exact members who were part of those original recordings.  Whatever bullsh*t we think is going on behind the scenes does not pair up with the good vibes I'm seeing on stage in these videos.  You just don't play and sing this damn well when you hate the people you're working with.  There are way too many smiles and signs of emotion to imply that there is any kind of falling out or that things are ending on a bad note.  I couldn't have asked for a more perfect ending to a perfect tour.

btw, thanks for keeping track of all the shows Justin..

It's incredible we have a thread for each show with setlist/pics and vids.

Very cool

Another soundcheck clip

IIT,Please Let Me Wonder, Summers Gone

Very nice!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-v7r_Bh1nlE

I was amazed at how big of a response Wouldn't It Be nice got - probably one of the biggest cheers of the evening, and I don't think a single person wasn't singing at the start! I knew it was received well, but not that well!

Someone to our right also screamed at the start of In my Room - very funny!

And the guy on my left saw them when they first came to England in 65/66 - now that's incedible!

Aloha Beach Boys. Mahalo for this one last ride!

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Source: http://www.music-photographer.co.uk/blog/beach-boys-live-wembley-arena/



(http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mb611tJMWk1rb8xk3o1_500.jpg)
Andy Partridge and Brian Wilson

(http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mb3ckpD8XJ1qlxxe0o1_1280.jpg)
The Beach Boys at Wembley Arena, London. September 28, 2012. Last show of the 50th Reunion tour.

Source: http://briandouglaswilson.tumblr.com/


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Final bow

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobwatt/8039168423/



Facebook:

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And "someone" once again messed up the words  :lol

It was my pleasure!  I'm definitely going to miss the fun of checking a new show thread and seeing the great reviews and pics from the members on the board.  This was a great summer for all of us!

WOW.

to the Boys and all my great friends - I love you all.

THANK YOU

Andy Partridge WOW freaking superb musician/songwriter (and great guy) and not only another hero of mine BUT a fellow (nearly) West County boy ;-)) first met him in 1986 but that's another (long) story 

So glad someone posted those clips, what an amazing show.  They were all in fantastic voice, and it was so wonderful seeing Brian so happy and enthusiastic!  If this does turn out to be the end, you couldn't ask for a better final Beach Boys concert than that.

So when does Alan Partridge get to meet Brian?

Like Slash with top hat & shades, or Tom Wolfe in a white suit, Mike's tuxedo and classy fitted baseball cap pairing, would make an
excellent permanent uniform choice. Appropriate for all official Beach Boy occasions. It has just the right "I'm Mike Love, so deal with it" vibe.

Some things never change.  Pretty much all Al on those verses, Jeff comes in on the higher notes but you can hear pretty much all Al and the crowd especially on the 2nd verse. One of the best mixes I've heard so far.

Sincere and heartfelt thanks to all of you over in England for the fantastic coverage, all of the clips, and all of the reportage. With any luck this will not be the last go-round for the Beach Boys as they so gallantly assembled for a virtually unprecedented 50th anniversary tour. Despite all the ups and downs over the years--perhaps, in fact, because of them--there's no group with anything close to the longing, lingering associations that are palpable to every fan--young or not so young. Watching the videos and reading the commentaries here is incredibly touching, a reminder that the love radiating from Brian Wilson's music is something truly timeless. Our boys are total pros, and they gave us something to marvel about for years to come, no matter what else happens. They rose to the occasion magnificently. What an amazing conclusion to something most of us never thought could happen at all.

It was literally a dream come true...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYpEDYnd7DU

Thanks again, everyone!

Al Jardine - FFF (fluffing first lines for fifty years)!

This was one of those special show moments - it made it even more of a Beach Boys show! :D

If an audio recording of this show makes an appearance please could someone point me in the direction of it  ;)

Those girls literally grabbing Mike's mic from his hand annoyed me to no end.  >:( Awesome show though. Thanks for the links. Wouldn't mind a dvd of it somehow.  8)

They're his daughters so I think they get a pass. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vt2RpiuuBpo  PART 12
All This Is That finally clicked for me!

I was in a funk, and the funk was getting deeper. "More Wembley might help" , I said to myself. 

Thank my lucky stars, it helped a great deal!... it really soothed my jangled nerves.  :)

Fun Fun Done: Beach Boys Cap Reunion With Epic London Show

http://www.billboard.com/events#/events/fun-fun-done-beach-boys-cap-reunion-with-1007965182.story

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Thanks to all who have posted reviews and thoughts from the show, I was at the RAH gig and it sounds like an equally good night, although glad we got the few extra songs.

From the footage I've seen, Brian looks slightly more on in the Wembley gig than RAH, never seen him smile so much. I think aswell it doesn't look forced, unlike some of the earlier filmed concerts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_sMw4_R8YE&feature=channel&list=UL

In Sail On Sailor in the tour, Brian either finished the song with a low note, or an octave up, in my opinion always sounds better on higher octave. From 3:02 in this, he goes low at first, then decides to go for the higher note and finishes after the rest of the band I think - sounds great anyway!

I finally got around to watching the youtube footage.  I was under the impression that "Summer's Gone" was the final song but apparently it was played right after TWGMTR.  Is that right?  What about the night before?

Thanks in advance.

yeah, Summer's Gone was the last song the night before but at Wembley it was just a regular part of the set.

OK.  Thanks!  Now I have one more:

Who took over he organ for Scott on "Surfin' USA"?

Thanks again!

I think it's Tim Bonhomme. He plays keyboards in Mike and Bruce band, and was touring with the reunion as the co-tour manager.

Can anyone confirm that there were cameras at this show as well, filming the concert? And I don't mean in-house monitors

I can't recall seeing any camera men up on stage, but then I was very far back but I was on one of the higher tiers and had a good view of the stage. But I could easily have missed them if they were lurking more towards the sides.

Ah!  That makes sense.  Thanks for the answer.   :)

Nothing much new, but another "I Get Around" video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVvLBp6XmTM

Awesome to see them together in that pic and awesome that you've met Andy Partridge.

Do Tell!