Yup.
RUBINOOS.
Definitely.

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.

Don't know if you were going for it,  but very nice 'Lion Sleeps Tonight' rhythmic undercurrent. Fits the jungle.

From where I sit, which is nowhere near the level most of you are at, the split personality of the band has always been its blessing as well as its curse.

The recording Beach Boys have always need(ed) the touring Beach Boys to survive and vice versa. Love (for whatever personal reasons) has doggedly and relentlessly kept the band in the public consciousness. Wilson has created the music and continues to be the spiritual driving force. They are two sides of the same coin. They complete each other. Every once in a while those vectors intersect and we are blessed with something that is greater than than sum of its parts.

Patterns. They won't change.  We've been through this before (see 'Brian's Back, all the lawsuits etc.").  It's part of the life of this band. To hope for the best is wonderful. To expect anything different is foolish.  The only difference now is the internet and those of us who feel so connected to the music can communicate about it so easily.

Personally, I would hate to see this incarnation of the band watered down. It's powerful, huge and tight with depth and soul. Great to see Marks getting the recognition and Jardine getting his due. All the ingredients are there (less Carl and Dennis). OR just hang it up after Wembley. Leave em wanting more. It was a great run but now it's over.

But no matter what we say or think, the DNA of the band/myth has always been fractious and fragile. And will always be so. Ancient hatchets are not buried so easily it seems. And, let's face it, they are 70ish now. How long can any one of them keep it up. It won't be long til summertime is through. Thank goodness this moment in time has been documented from every conceivable angle.

On the other hand, somehow, some way this band has always risen from its own ashes and surprised everyone. So who knows?

OK. Just listened to this broadcast while reading everyone's comments while it was happening. Lots of fun.

Finally a decent sounding representation of what this tour sounded like live. Huge and tight. This incarnation of the BBs is a live band to contend with.

Cowsill on drums was the best! EQ on the bass drum sharp and clear. None of this overblown/unnecessary/unnatural overmiking and preposterous low end EQ. Just aggressive muscle hitting skins. It left so much more room in the mix and still commanded the room. He plays with such joy and abandon while still keeping excellent time and driving the whole thing. Good job Mr. Cowsill.

The rhythm section smoked and drove that locomotive that the songs rode in front of. Multi-instrumental band gave the songs size and depth.

I'm not a worshiper but I am a fan. Like everyone else at the 2012 concert I attended, I was astounded at the sheer power of these tunes live.  From thunderous rocking power to aching tenderness.

It would be a shame to water this band down. Thank goodness every single second has been professionally documented from every angle. Future generations can see what all the fuss was about.

First post here.

 Now that the tour is drawing to a close, has anyone had the time/inclination to sift through the posted videos etc and found any favorites soundwise?

 I realize there are limitations to a cellphone recording.  Some are too muddy, some are too tinny. Are there any that are just right (or close)?