Beach Boys : Wilson V Love (which to see)?
 

Hi guys -

The Beach Boys are a band I love. Both current incarnations of the group are soon coming to a venue near me, and I am torn as to which concert to go to.

I have read about Brian Wilson and how he is not in the best of health, and so am unsure if I really want to see him in that state or leave my happy memories intact. I know he was/is the creative driving force behind the songs, so it would be swell to see him in person. The show is billed as "Brian Wilson presents Pet Sounds".

On the other hand, Mike Love and Bruce Johnston are coming too, along with other musicians to make up the numbers, and they are touring under the official Beach Boys name. I imagine they will do the full catalog of hits, and Mike is the one who wrote the Good Vibrations lyrics, and as an original Beach Boy has a fair claim on the name of the group.

Logistics make it possible for me to only see one of the dates, and I am having trouble deciding which I want to see.

Any advice or experiences of your own to share?

Many thanks.

I'd go (I am going, actually) to the Pet Sounds show without question.

Thank you.

I haven't seen Mike, but I've seen Brian twice (including on the Pet Sounds tour). If you go in expecting a musical genius with a 20-year-old voice, you'll be disappointed. Brian looks a little lost sometimes, but his backing band compensates. They are phenomenal musicians. Al Jardine sounds every bit as good as he did in the '60s, and his son Matt nails the falsetto parts. They do all the old hits too.

Sweet, hopefully you get to one of the dates with an orchestra. I didn't. :( Still an amazing show though.

EDIT: And then there's Blondie Chaplin...

Thank you!

No, I wouldn't expect him to be the same as he was 50 years ago. I just hope that his team of people aren't exploiting him for financial gain, so that would be another of my qualms. Not to be patronizing or anything, but I hate to think of him being wheeled out and propped up against a piano if he doesn't really want to be there.

Good to hear he does all the hits.

Why not go to both? Splurge a little. ;)

Thanks, I would go to the two shows if it was any way possible. Alas, my schedule and budget will not allow it.

I enjoyed reading your Beatles/Beach Boys comparisons.

^
Thanks! Unfortunately a lot of the Beatles Youtubes have been yanked.

I'd definitely go and see Brian Wilson over the Beach Boys. Seeing both would be the best option though.