7/9/2016 Brian Wilson presents Pet Sounds, Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix, AZ


 5 years ago today...

July 9, 2016 - Phoenix, AZ

The leader and creative genius behind the Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, performed the band’s greatest hits and the entire “Pet Sounds” album in a concert at Celebrity Theatre.
This rare tour from Brian was in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of “Pet Sounds,” the 1966 release that is generally regarded as one of the most creative and influential albums in rock/pop music history. Former Beach Boys bandmates Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin played guitars in his band. This was a superior group to the Mike Love-led band touring county fairs and casinos behind the Beach Boys name.
The first half of the concert was Wilson’s solo work and select Beach Boys classics. Following an intermission, the band returned to play the “Pet Sounds” album from front to back in its entirety, followed by “Good Vibrations” and a six-song encore.
This was the best Beach Boys-related show that I’ve seen. Jardine served as the front man and introduced most of the songs. Brian’s mental health challenges have been well documented, but on this night he was lucid, animated and often chimed in with his own commentary on the songs. A backup vocalist sings a lot of the high parts, but Brian was in good voice and humor and seemed to really be enjoying himself on stage. This was truly a memorable and special night. We saw Brian again three years later and he did not have the same energy and personality that shined through this evening.
Here’s a link to the lengthy setlist:

https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/brian-wilson/2016/celebrity-theatre-phoenix-az-33ffe495.html

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