Show Review: The Beach Boys

Review by Marie-Lou Plante

Fifty years ago, five young fellows created what would become the first American rock and pop band of their time.Yesterday Brian Wilson, his cousin Michael “Mike” Love and his friend Alan “Al” Jardine, along with Bruce Johnston and David Marks showed up on the Bell Centre’s stage, barely recognizable. How time flies!

For the people who do not know The Beach Boys Brian Wilson, Mike Love and Al Jardine were three of the five original members of the band. Marks joined them a few years after they formed the band and Johnston was recruited in the late 70’s. Dennis and Carl Wilson, who were the two other original members as well as Brian’s younger brothers died respectively in 1983 and 1998.

The Beach Boys disbanded twenty years ago, but came back together for a new album That’s Why God Made The Radio and a new world-wide tour to celebrate the band’s 50^th anniversary. In addition, on the night of the show,  it was Wilson’s 70^th birthday. The stage was decorated with birthday balloons and after a couple of song we all sang Happy Birthday Brian.

As I thought, the majority of the crowd were aged between 50 and 60 years old but I was surprised to see families with young children or young adults coming to see The Beach Boys live.

We were treated with several hits such as Little Deuce Coupe, I Get Around, Smile, Sloop John B, Wouldn’t It Be Nice, In My Room, and California Girls. The band also paid tribute to each of the Wilson brothers: Forever for Dennis Wilson with pre-recorded vocals and Good Vibrations, Carl’s signature song.

They also played songs from their new album such as the single That’s Why God Made The Radio, which according to Brian is one of the best songs they’ve ever recorded.

Just before they started Be True To Your School, Mike Love did a few dance steps to make the audience laugh. As they were playing the song we could see a film show behind the band. Typical American schools were projected, but to please the crowd, they showed some picture of McGill University and also of the Université de Montréal along with the Canadian and Quebec flags.

Overall, the show was very good. Despite the age of the band members, which didn’t seem to have any effect on their performance. This is why I say : Long live The Beach Boys!