Bob Marino
Member
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2007
- Messages
- 3,263
Soooooo, being a Brian Wilson/Beach Boy fan for more years than I care to remember, a couple of weeks ago I bought tickets to see Brian Wilson at Radio City Music Hall. It was billed as one his final tours - and I know that many times those advisories are posted to improve sales, but really do think this round of tours will be it for him - at least on a worldwide basis.
A few comments and observations. As many who are familiar with Brian's history, all wasn't/isn't well. Depression, drugs, seclusion and other mental disorders, all well documented. But as also accepted - Brian was a musical genius (a word too easily tossed around, BTW) way ahead of his time, making some of the most beautiful music and harmonies of that time. And speaking of time, most is timeless. Skip to present concert.
Brian made his entrance on stage, but had to be assisted in so doing by others. He sat behind his center stage piano the whole concert, except for the time or two where he simply walked offstage for a couple of minutes. Limited ability to sing and have discourse with the audience. BUT, fans were very accepting and "forgiving" knowing his life's ordeal.He was with an incredible group - with only one original Beach Boy - Al Jardine on hand. Al Jardine's son was onstage as a member singing all those high BB notes - I think that Carl Wilson, Brian's brother used to sing. The band - each and all played their hearts out.
Bottom line, both sad and joyous at the same time, the music and experience were on the money and I am glad I had seen him - at least this once. I'll try and get a video posted here later.Thanks, Brian, for all that music.
A few comments and observations. As many who are familiar with Brian's history, all wasn't/isn't well. Depression, drugs, seclusion and other mental disorders, all well documented. But as also accepted - Brian was a musical genius (a word too easily tossed around, BTW) way ahead of his time, making some of the most beautiful music and harmonies of that time. And speaking of time, most is timeless. Skip to present concert.
Brian made his entrance on stage, but had to be assisted in so doing by others. He sat behind his center stage piano the whole concert, except for the time or two where he simply walked offstage for a couple of minutes. Limited ability to sing and have discourse with the audience. BUT, fans were very accepting and "forgiving" knowing his life's ordeal.He was with an incredible group - with only one original Beach Boy - Al Jardine on hand. Al Jardine's son was onstage as a member singing all those high BB notes - I think that Carl Wilson, Brian's brother used to sing. The band - each and all played their hearts out.
Bottom line, both sad and joyous at the same time, the music and experience were on the money and I am glad I had seen him - at least this once. I'll try and get a video posted here later.Thanks, Brian, for all that music.
