Brian Wilson 2018

Daniel Durchholz, writing in the St. Louis Post -Dispatch about a Brian Wilson performance this past Thursday in St. Charles, Missouri:

Throughout most of the show, Wilson sat at his piano, staring blankly and sometimes running a hand across his forehead. Occasionally he played and sang a lyric. But often he missed his cues, mumbled or sang off key. It was sometimes hard to watch.

I recall the use of Auto-Tune during the Beach Boys’ 2012 fiftieth-anniversary reunion tour. Now it seems there’s no need. It’s all unspeakably sad.

Here are four recent performances of “Good Vibrations,” from November 9, 13, 15, and 16. Future performances: November 21, 22, 23, 25, 28, 30; December 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 27, 20, 21, 22, and 23.

I’m grateful to have seen Brian on the Pet Sounds and SMiLE tours (2000, 2004). That’s how I’d like to think of him on a stage — engaged with the music.

Related reading
All OCA Brian Wilson posts (Pinboard)