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BRIAN WILSON IN CONCERT:

Visionary musical genius Brian Wilson first rose to international acclaim in the early ‘60s as the mastermind behind The Beach Boys’ “California Sound”, and now he’s bringing his crowning achievement back to fans on his Pet Sounds 50th Anniversary Tour. The seminal album won over fans around the world with its pioneering blend of orchestral arrangements, glistening harmonies, and coming-of-age lyrics, and it's widely regarded as one of the finest albums of the 20th century. Now, Wilson has invited top-notch musicians and some old friends to help him recreate each masterfully composed song note-for-note from start to finish—all while ticket buyers sing along to each unforgettable melody. With original Beach Boy Brian Wilson performing each beloved tune from the album with his signature good vibrations, this can’t-miss event is sure to stay with fans for a lifetime.

BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:

Born in Inglewood, CA in 1942, Brian Wilson honed his musical chops in high school by deconstructing hits by The Four Freshman on the family piano and teaching the harmony parts to his brothers. After befriending Al Jardine in his college choir class, the two had the idea of forming a band. They teamed up with Brian’s brothers, Carl and Dennis, and his cousin, Mike Love, in 1961 and began performing as The Pendletones. After changing their name to The Beach Boys, the group rose to phenomenal success in the first half of the ‘60s with massive hits like “ Surfin’ Safari”, “I Get Around”, and “Help Me, Rhonda”. As their principal songwriter, Wilson had written or co-written over two dozen hits and gained complete control over the group’s studio production by his 21st birthday. His ground-breaking use of the recording studio as an instrument led to increasingly elaborate and experimental songs. Wilson's talent and creative ambition reached new heights with the release of 1966’s Pet Sounds, an enduring classic that many critics consider one of the best albums of all time. Sadly, Wilson suffered a nervous breakdown trying to top the album’s brilliance and spent much of the next two decades in deteriorating mental and physical health. He recaptured the public imagination in 1988, however, when he released his critically praised self-titled solo debut. As luck would have it, that same year The Beach Boys were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and scored their first number 1 hit in 22 years with “Kokomo”. Since then, Brian has continued to pursue projects at his discretion—both with The Beach Boys and as a solo artist—including his warmly received 2015 album No Pier Pressure.

Reviews

Rating: 4.6 out of 5 based on 1467 reviews
  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Emotional Experience

    by Ru on 11/2/21Warner Theatre - Washington

    Great to see Brian Wilson one more time, live, in concert. The Brian Wilson Band, which includes founding Beach Boys member Al Jardine, and his son Mike, is exceptionally capable of replicating beautiful renditions of classic Beach Boys tunes, which made up the entirety of the night's setlist. Including Blondie Chaplin to the night added some real emotion and power. Blondie's shout outs to the late Carl Wilson, whom he encountered in London in the late 60's and later recruited him and Ricky Fataar into the Beach Boys in the early 70's, injected a real pathos to the night. Brian himself is now a shell, sitting mostly morosely piano a giant piano that I don't think he ever actually played, but he did gamely attempt to sing some songs, especially Heroes and Villains. But any of us who are 79 and obese, after a lifetime of drug abuse would be hard pressed to summon the vocal chords of our youth. The rest of the band offered beautiful vocals and harmonies, so overall, the experience of seeing the legendary signer-songwriter, even in his declining dotage, but with a sharp as tacks band of Jardines, Blondie and others, made for a 4-star night.

  • Rating: 3 out of 5

    Brian Wilson

    by Bett on 10/28/21Genesee Theatre - Waukegan

    Too bad people have to be obnoxious and drunk and ruin it for others music was great though

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Surf's up!

    by Orracle on 10/28/21Genesee Theatre - Waukegan

    The sound was there--the new members of the ensemble were great! Brian was there--not sure how much piano playing he did, but he did sing. What was missing was some commentary. Like "This was our first top 40 hit" or "We recorded this because" or "I wrote then when" We all know the songs--how about tell us more about them?

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great concert!

    by E. H. on 10/27/21Genesee Theatre - Waukegan

    Excellent concert! I enjoyed every minute of it. I highly recommend it!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great show

    by S. G. on 10/26/21Genesee Theatre - Waukegan

    I was out of my chair dancing from the very first song. They played all the hits and sounded great. Brian Wilson only sings a few parts of songs and then lets his younger vocalists carry the show. They sounded great, like the Beach Boys back in the day. I highly recommend!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Assessment

    by John on 10/26/21Genesee Theatre - Waukegan

    I really enjoyed the event! However, I realize we all age and I was saddened to see the physical condition of Brian. I felt that Blondie Chaplin was an irritating part of the event and was not a "fit". I was really impressed with the keyboard player that was wearing glasses. His high end vocals sounded exactly like what Brian's past performances I witnessed some years ago. It was nice to see Al's son within the group and he too did an excellent performance. I noted that the sound mixer did not give the Sax/Flute player enough level to hear him clearly. All said, it was still a most enjoyable evening.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Brian Wilson is a legend!

    by RitaD on 10/26/21Brown County Music Center - Nashville

    Nashville Mystic Ctr was the perfect venue to see Brian Wilson! Amazing songs and wonderful time. Only drawback was having to show a covid vac's card. Really? You should know better by now!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Brian Wilson

    by Jim on 10/26/21Genesee Theatre - Waukegan

    To see perhaps, the greatest American pop music composer, Al Jardine and the fantastic musicians he assembled was a night that filled one item on my bucket list. I would see Brian again if he does another US Tour near me.

  • Rating: 3 out of 5

    It was OK.

    by Supreme Concertgoer on 10/26/21Genesee Theatre - Waukegan

    Having only seen Brian Wilson once before (with The Beach Boys, in 2012, at the Chicago Theatre), I wasn't prepared for his lack of connection with the audience. I realize that he's 79 years old, but I guess I expected him to be a little bit more animated. Instead, he sat behind a baby grand piano (which he never played) for the entire performance, with a sad look on his face. When he did sing, he only sang the verses of songs, while the ten other members of his backing band (including original Beach Boy, Al Jardine and, at times, Blondie Chaplin) sang the choruses. Sometimes, he didn't even sing at all, but just stared out at the audience with the same impassive gaze on his face while his lips moved. It is remarkable that he's even able to be on stage at his advanced age, but I couldn't help but feel bad for him because he just seemed so disinterested and, clearly, it was just a money-making opportunity for his bandmates and his management to have him up there. Earlier this month, I saw Frankie Valli who, at the age of 88, was much more livelier and involved than Brian was. Also, the ticket mentioned that Blondie Chaplin would be performing as well. Well, he just popped up onstage off and on throughout the show, but he did play some amazing guitar. At one point, he seemed to steal the show with his gold Gibson Les Paul guitar. He came to the edge of the stage and played some hard rock licks on it. Sometimes there were eleven musicians on stage (including Brian), and when Blondie joined in, there were twelve. It's awfully hard to mess up a song when there's that many people involved, so, yes, the music was performed competently, but it was clear that Brian was mainly there due to obligations and not any enjoyment in performing the songs that he helped to make famous. The audience seemed into it (what limited audience there was; I counted ten empty seats in the row in front of me), which, for me, helped the overall vibe. Most of the songs performed were from The '60s (with a couple that I'd never heard before, including, what I believe, to be a more modern song as the show's closer). I will continue to enjoy listening to those songs in my music collection and on the radio, but I don't think that I'll ever go to see Brian Wilson "perform" live again. Lastly, I paid over $100 for my ticket and I really wish that I hadn't spent that much.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Brian Wilson - 10/23/2021

    by Ed on 10/26/21Genesee Theatre - Waukegan

    Although Brian Wilson is very fragile physically, in my view he is still a great performer to see. His vocals are quite good on most of the songs he sings. Al Jardine and his son Matt are both excellent. Blondie Chaplin is a good vocalist, guitarist and entertainer -- super vocals on Sail On Sailor. The rest of the band including Darian and Gary (both doing keyboards/vocals) are also superb. If you have an opportunity to see and hear Brian performing many of his great pop compositions -- do it. He is among the best song-writers of all time.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Had a great time! Brian and Al are the "real" Beach Boys...

    by Grimace on 10/26/21Genesee Theatre - Waukegan

    Brian, Al, and Blondie are always great. They have surrounded themselves with outstanding musicians and vocalists. It would be difficult to find a more talented group of musicians anywhere. The sound that this group puts out is amazing. Even though Brian may not sound like he did years ago, it's still an honor and a privilege to see the musical genius and legend. Al is still still singing and playing great as always. Blondie is quite a character and still shredding his guitar licks. Overall, it was a great night and show.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Brian Wilson and friends.

    by BUD on 10/26/21Genesee Theatre - Waukegan

    From the minute we walked in the door it was very nice. Staff informed us when the doors would open, where we could go to get a drink if we wanted and that pictures WERE allowed during this concert. The concert was unbelievable Brian, Al, Matt and crew did not disappoint anyone in the building. I'd give a 10 star rating for this event!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great concert

    by Squirrel on 10/26/21Genesee Theatre - Waukegan

    I posted a minute ago and it was Blondie Chaplin not Bonnie ( senior moment) plus I never mentioned that the band was awesome ….. Al Jardine still has it going on. I wasn’t sure if Brian was really playing the piano but his voice was just about on point . This concert brought me back to my teenage years - thank you Brian for touring - my husband has most of your music and knows much about your career. God Bless you and the band

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Loved it

    by Squirrel on 10/26/21Genesee Theatre - Waukegan

    Had a great time . It was just awesome to be able to see Brian Wilson plus Bonnie Chaplin was Phenomenal

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Awesome!

    by johnb on 10/26/21Genesee Theatre - Waukegan

    It was great seeing Brian, Al, and Blondie again on stage. A trip down memory lane, that I probably won't get to experience again. I love you guys, and Brian nobody's music ever touched me the way yours has. God Bless you!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Memory Lane

    by Woodsy on 10/25/21Brown County Music Center - Nashville

    The band and vocalists were phenomenal and it was so fun to see Brian and Al after seeing them about three times at the Indianapolis Fairgrounds back in the day. Way back in the day. I was impressed with the harmonies and the variety of instruments played by most of the band members. Glad we spent the money on up-close seats but the venue offered good seats at all prices. We had a blast. Favorite song: "Wouldn't It Be Nice." Thanks Beach Boys! Keep it coming!!!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Love Beach Boys Music

    by Lizit on 10/25/21Goodyear Theater - Akron

    Loved all the musicians appearing. All had nice voices. Nice to meet Al Jardine's son. The only irritating thing was people standing dancing in front that blocked our view. In their one song they asked people to stand and dance and that brought one idiot woman to the front where she stayed to dance to the rest of the songs. Some taller guy came up and joined her. Luckily an attendant made him go back to his seat and the woman's husband made her move to the side. Otherwise it was great.

  • Rating: 3 out of 5

    Great show. Bad venue

    by Snoogans on 10/25/21Brown County Music Center - Nashville

    The show was great. Brian sounded good. The band was good. No problems there. But the venue was horrible. It was extremely small and just kind of a lame place. Why he chose to play there rather than the Murat or somewhere like that I’ll never understand. Good show. Boring venue.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Good show. Brian’s voice was good.

    by Tomac on 10/25/21Brown County Music Center - Nashville

    Great set list! Great band with 11 people on stage to bring the songs alive. Al Jardine’s son has a remarkable voice. Brian did well. Not sure Brian played the piano that he was sitting at but his voice was very good. Happy Brian is still willing and able to tour.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great concert

    by 60s Geezer on 10/25/21Brown County Music Center - Nashville

    What a blast to see Brian Wilson and Al Jardine! Took me back to the '60s. Great concert!