Review by Natasha Wyborn – Photos by David Jackson
It’s hard to believe it’s been over 52 years since The Beach Boys were introduced to the world with their first major hit. Founding member Mike Love and life member Bruce Johnston entertained a capacity crowd in the nations capital for over two hours last night. Delivering to the audience exactly what they wanted by saturating them with nearly 40 hits from over 5 decades of recording with their onstage extravaganza. Love cemented his stage presence from the outset with an opening 7 song medley including ‘Surfer Girl’ and ‘Surfin’, to name just two.
Love’s interaction with the crowd was a combination of comfort and familiarity emphasized by acknowledging the crowd with every opportunity including stopping to sign the cover of a fans “Pet Sounds” album, something the fan will no doubt remember for the rest of his life.
There were many highlights throughout the show including Love’s acknowledgement of his founding beach boys members, Carl, Dennis and Brian Wilson. The audience was kept enthralled with some breath taking harmonies mixed beautifully with the visual display of memorabilia on the screen behind them.
The stage itself resembled a tropical oasis with a strong collection of well worn Hawaiian shirts. The band invoked emotion by showing the late Carl Wilson singing ‘God Only Knows’ on screen with the band providing touching backing harmonies. Love talked about his time in India with George Harrison. His song ‘Pisces Brothers’, dedicated to Harrison was particularly touching.
After completing a two hour set, the band returned for their encore to give the crowd two more musical offerings, ‘Kokomo’ followed by ‘Surfin USA’.
Witnessing the synergy on stage and the interaction with the audience, a Beach Boys show is an enjoyable and memorable one. Thank you Mike Love, Bruce Johnston and current band members for the experience.
Band: THE BEACH BOYS – http://www.thebeachboys.com
Venue: The Royal Theatre, Canberra
Date: November 13, 2015
Australian 2015 Tour Dates
Nov. 13, 2015 – Royal Theatre, Canberra – Canberra, Australia
Nov. 14, 2015 – Bondi Beach Fest – Sydney, Australia
Nov. 15, 2015 – Sandstone Point, Bribie Island – Brisbane, Australia
Nov. 17, 2015 – Jupiters Hotel & Casino Gold Coast – Gold Coast, Australia
Nov. 18, 2015 – Palais Theatre – St. Kilda Victoria, Australia
Nov. 19, 2015 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre – Adelaide, Australia
Nov. 21, 2015 – Kings Park – West Perth, Australia
Nov. 24, 2015 – ABS Area Baypark – Tauranga, New Zealand
Bluehawk Presents – http://bluehawkpresents.com/
CLICK HERE for our photos from the night
Photos by David Jackson – sbj.rocks