Brian Wilson
The Sage, Gateshead

In a world of rock and pop where the words “genius” and “legend” are thrown around with carefree abandon, here is a man who truly deserves to be called both.

Having survived drugs, mental illness and a rock dad who made Joe Jackson look like father-of-the-year material, for 67-year-old Brian Wilson to be on any stage, anywhere in the world, is something of a triumph.

Tonight he shuffles on at the Sage in a baggy beach shirt and white running shoes, perches slightly precariously on a stool behind his electric piano, and yells, “Hello Newcastle upon Tyne! I hope you enjoy the concert!” His ten-piece band assembles behind him and, after a sweet harmonising intro, launches into California Girls. And what a glorious sound. Paul McCartney reckons the musicians behind Brian are the best touring band in the world, and on this evidence it’s hard to argue with Fab Macca. To hear intricate teenage symphonies like Good Vibrations recreated live with such detail in this fantastic venue is simply stunning.

Brian seems happy and genial, even if some of the between-songs banter and skits induce a touch of deja vu. And when he sings, his voice fragile but unmistakable, it’s thrilling. To hear Brian Wilson sing God Only Knows feels like nothing less than a privilege.

The show lasts for two and a half hours, and the only grumble for my 50 quid is that there is not enough material from the Pet Sounds and Smile LPs in the set (no I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times or, my fave, Surf’s Up). The emphasis is on the upbeat, and there is little room for Brian’s more melancholic output. Not that the wedding dancers in the aisles care a jot. By the end of the show, everyone is on their feet, including Brian, leading his band through a finale of Surfin’ USA and Fun,Fun, Fun. Hats off to the band, and thank you to Brian. Won-won-won-wonderful.

Listen to my Beach Boys / Brian Wilson Spotify Playlist.
Listen to Brian’s latest album That Lucky Old Sun on Spotify.

Paul Music