Last night went up to Reno to see Brian Wilson, the legendary genius behind the Beach Boys.
All things aside, those being overpriced and a cheapish venue, the show was great. I've seen him twice before in concert, and both were probably better shows all around but just seeing him makes me remember how much of an influence he's had on my music tastes. The one thing that never ceases to amaze me is that the music he and the Beach Boys created is still prevalent in today's day and age. No, not everyone likes it, but the songs are still some of the most well known. Any music that can withstand 50 years is gold.
He may not have the same stage presence as he once did, and even when he did-it wasn't much, but he still puts on a good show. The songs he plays may not have the same sound as they once did, or the same members playing them, but they still can make me realize what music means to me. Watching Brian and his band play "Add Some Music," and getting to the part where the line "Music is in my soul," is emphasized, ahh it was pure beauty. Or "When I Grow Up To Be A Man," with him singing the lyrics "Will I love my wife for the rest of my life? When I grow up to be a man..." I'm not sure if any other music artist will ever be able to get me close to tears like that.
Honestly, who knew that he'd still be out performing songs at the age of 66 from back when he was actually with the Beach Boys? Amazing. And I frankly don't care if he really just sits there on stage, and can't hit the same high vocals in songs anymore, the fact is, he created the music and it's marks are still evident in music today.
My Trusted MOGs
Somehow the Brian Wilson "story" touches on all of us. His retreat from reality coincided with a time when reality was becoming ugly, confusing, frightening, and foreign. That music seems to have saved him is the point. I know music provides me with solace when the shit gets too deep.