Check out what happened when our guest music blogger Verity Vincent had the pleasure of catching Brian Wilson for Pet Sounds 50th Anniversary world tour at Bristol’s Colston Hall .
If you often frequent gigs you’ll be privy to the feeling of suspense before the band or artist takes to the stage. While waiting for Brian Wilson to appear at Bristol’s Colston Hall, questions started circulating inside my head, about what was in store for the evening. But before we knew it, Brian strolled on stage in the most nonchalant manner, receiving a wave of applause and nearly a standing ovation before he’d said a word.
The 11 piece band readied themselves for what would be a 2 ½ hour display of incredible musical ability. Standing alongside Wilson was fellow Beach Boy Al Jardine and son Matt Jardine, who performed as an honorary member of the band throughout the 1980s.
This worldwide tour comes in celebration of the 50th anniversary of ‘Pet Sounds’, one of the most influential albums ever made. Changing the face of pop music and beyond. In a 2001 all-star tribute to Brian Wilson, Elton John expressed how revolutionary it was for him to be one of the first artists to move the root note of the chord and play with the 3rd or the 5th on the bass. He pushed boundaries and created music that no one saw coming. It was an extraordinary thing, to be in a room of people that appreciated and respected Brian Wilson in the same way.
The first half of the show threw out hit after hit memory-inducing songs like California Girl, I Get Around, Little Deuce Coupe and Don’t Worry Baby – with Matt Jardine taking lead vocals. Matt has that falsetto Beach Boys tone down to a fine art and it’s a glorious thing to watch.
Wilson seemed relaxed and happy to offer his fans a slice of the music history that he’s built. At 73 years old he’s comfortable enough to sit on stage and do what he needs to do without filling the gaps. When the band takes over, they take over and Brian is only too happy to sit back and take it all in. He introduces each of his songs and thanks the audience every time.
Toward the end of the first set, music veteran Blondie Chaplin made an appearance to perform Wild Honey, Funky Pretty and Sail On, Sailor. Having previously toured with The Rolling Stones, Blondie added a sprinkling of rock n roll in the form of insane guitar riffs.
After the break, it was time for Pet Sounds. Opening track Wouldn’t It Be Nice saw Matt Jardine take lead vocals once again in a perfect rendition. Moving through the album, other highlights were Sloop John B (met with a roaring cheer) and God Only Knows. As Brian left the stage toward the end of the closing track Caroline, No we wondered whether that was it? Would there be an encore? Surely that won’t be his big send off, slinking off the stage while the band concluded the album?
As the stage went dark and the crowd continued to cheer, Brian and company returned for quite possibly the most epic encore I have ever witnessed. Good Vibrations would have been enough on its own but carrying on to play Help Me, Rhonda; Barbara Ann and Surfin’ USA, among others, spurred the crowd to cram forward in a final burst of energy that filled the venue.
Closing with Love & Mercy, Brian quite rightly feels proud of his movie title track. In 2014 the biopic was released, starring Paul Dano and John Cusack in a dual performance documenting Brian’s life from the 1960s – 80s. The film has helped to relay both the astounding musical ability and the personal struggles that he faced throughout his life and career. Judging by the age range in the audience this evening it has also helped to reach new audiences spanning 50 decades.
Leaving with an almost morbid thought, I only hope that when Wilson is no longer with us that he is remembered justly. It’s unlikely that the media would apply a Prince or Bowie sized furore to his passing, but as one of the greatest musical minds of our generation, I hope that this tour cements him as just that. I’d encourage anyone to experience the magic of Brian Wilson’s music live, it will truly be an experience you’ll keep with you forever.