By Susan Schwartz
The death of The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson has created renewed interest in the band and their music, with the announcement of a number of shows celebrating their life and times.
Formed in 1961, the group became one of the most influential acts of their time, with their distinctive vocal harmonies and musical arrangements that became known as the California sound.
Brothers Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson have all passed away, and now the only founding members still alive are their cousin Mike Love, Bruce Johnston, and friend Al Jardine – who is set to perform at QPAC on October 28.
Al is keeping it in the family, with his son Matt Jardine contributing vocals that channel the spirit of classic The Beach Boys harmonies.
Al will be joined by The Pet Sounds Band who toured with Brian Wilson to entertain with their classic hits such as California Girls, Surfin’ USA and Good Vibrations.
The set list also includes cuts from The Beach Boys’ 1970s albums, including radio singles and fan favourites. Al has even expanded the 58-second Ding Dang with new verses which he says are “hilarious”.
The band’s tribute show, The Beach Boys Experience have recently announced more shows for the end of this year, with a tour of New Zealand and then to Australia with gigs at Twin Towns on September 26 and Toowoomba on October 11.
From the 1960s to 2020s, The Beach Boys had 37 songs reach the US Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100. Here are their 40 biggest Hot 100 hits from 1-40:
I Get Around
Kokomo
Good Vibrations
Help Me Rhonda
Surfin’ USA
Rock and Roll Music
California Girls
Sloop John B
Barbara Ann
Fun, Fun, Fun
Be True To Your School
Surfer Girl
Dance, Dance, Dance
Wipe Out (with Fat Boys)
Wouldn’t It Be Nice
When I Grow Up (To Be A Man)
The Beach Boys Medley
Surfin’ Safari
Come Go With Me
Getcha Back
Do You Wanna Dance?
Little Deuce Coupe
Shut Down
Do It Again
Heroes And Villains
In My Room
Don’t Worry Baby
Darlin’
I Can Hear Music
The Little Girl I Once Knew
It’s O.K.
Sail On Sailor
God Only Knows
Wild Honey
Good Timin’
Little Saint Nick
Ten Little Indians
California Dreamin’
Here Comes The Night
Friends
