So, I alluded to this last week in my Beach Boys feature - so, you waited a week, and I shall deliver on my promise - a feature on Brian Wilson live.
I have seen Brian Wilson perform live (without the Beach Boys) on two occasions - both times in Illinois. Brian's aversion to performing live is well documented and that is what makes these opportunities so valuable, as there aren't many of them.
The first time I saw him was the release tour for his brand new solo
CD, "Imagination", back in 1998. The performance was at the Rosemont
Theater - a grand venue, perfect for the occasion. Brian primarily
performed songs from that album, songs co-written by Joe Thomas
(legendary Chicagoland producer), Jim Peterik (legendary Chicagoland
song-writer/musician), JD Souther, Jimmy Buffet, and others - such as
"SR Dahl" who many believe to be DJ Steve Dahl. (oddly, his name does
not appear on newer credits).
Brian stayed primarily at his piano during the entire set, and it was obvious that his aversion to live performances has not been completely overcome - BUT - BUT - he continually looked up from the piano and made eye contact with the crowd - almost saying "I'm trying folks". The band consisted of several instruments, including a Theramin which was used during Good Vibrations and some other songs. Obviously, this means he also played some Beach Boys. Back to the Dahl-mystery, Steve Dahl himself played the Theramin during this concert. Now back to the music - as expected it was of the top-most quality and the show was very entertaining. Definitely not a Beach Boys show, this was clearly a Brian Wilson show - and that's what we came to see.
The second time I saw him was when he toured Pet Sounds Live - at the Chicago Theater. So two shows, two spectacular venues! He traveled with a relatively decent sized "orchestra" complete with strings and horns and percussion and everything else, plus many odds-and-ends instruments (including the Theramin again - but no Dahl).
Brian again stayed primarily at his piano - and again the aversion for live shows was evident - BUT - again he looked up often to the crowd and you could tell it did not bother him as much. What was most noticeable though was his PURE ENJOYMENT OF MUSIC! As the once-ground-breaking sounds of Pet Sounds filled the Chicago Theater, you could see (almost feel) Brian's enjoyment and appreciation for music - not just this music - but all music. This was truly an opportunity to see a musical artist in his element. It isn't often that fans get to see true music artistry along with the music's artist! This was quite a spectacular moment. It was like watching and listening and appreciating a great composer of OUR time!
Both great shows - glad I got the opportunities!!
Brian stayed primarily at his piano during the entire set, and it was obvious that his aversion to live performances has not been completely overcome - BUT - BUT - he continually looked up from the piano and made eye contact with the crowd - almost saying "I'm trying folks". The band consisted of several instruments, including a Theramin which was used during Good Vibrations and some other songs. Obviously, this means he also played some Beach Boys. Back to the Dahl-mystery, Steve Dahl himself played the Theramin during this concert. Now back to the music - as expected it was of the top-most quality and the show was very entertaining. Definitely not a Beach Boys show, this was clearly a Brian Wilson show - and that's what we came to see.
The second time I saw him was when he toured Pet Sounds Live - at the Chicago Theater. So two shows, two spectacular venues! He traveled with a relatively decent sized "orchestra" complete with strings and horns and percussion and everything else, plus many odds-and-ends instruments (including the Theramin again - but no Dahl).
Brian again stayed primarily at his piano - and again the aversion for live shows was evident - BUT - again he looked up often to the crowd and you could tell it did not bother him as much. What was most noticeable though was his PURE ENJOYMENT OF MUSIC! As the once-ground-breaking sounds of Pet Sounds filled the Chicago Theater, you could see (almost feel) Brian's enjoyment and appreciation for music - not just this music - but all music. This was truly an opportunity to see a musical artist in his element. It isn't often that fans get to see true music artistry along with the music's artist! This was quite a spectacular moment. It was like watching and listening and appreciating a great composer of OUR time!
Both great shows - glad I got the opportunities!!
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