Philzone.org - Philzone Phansite Community Discussion Board: Setlists and Reviews: Non GD Related Reviews: Archive: Brian Wilson, Hampton NH - 7/13/08

This was all in all, a very good BW show. With the exception of a couple of new songs from the forthcoming That Lucky Old Sun, it certainly was a hits show, and I loved every second of it.

I've been to the Hampton Casino many times to see a show (I'll be back seeing Gov't Mule there this Saturday), and I love the place...when it
is a "standing show," meaning no seats, as Mule will be Saturday. This was a seated show, and it was good to see the place packed for
Brian, I would say 90% capacity. I think the place holds around 2,000. The problem with seated shows is that they string out these
long wooden tables across the floor, and cram metal folding chairs together so tightly, and makes it close to impossible to get up and
dance. It looked like a few times the crowd was ready to let loose, but I really think people would have a problem getting up. But, I
have to admit, there was good energy in there on Sunday. But, I am glad we stayed off to the side where we could stand and boogie.
Anyway, here's a few thoughts about the show.


Brian: He was for the most part in very good voice, but I have to admit that he did seem for
most of the show a bit out of it, and at a couple of points he looked like he didn't even want to be there. He was kind of erratic in his presence, meaning that on some tunes he had the hands going and that stuff, but on others, he didn't even move. When he first came out he yelled "HELLO HAMPTON BEACH!!" twice, but after that he was very distant from the crowd. I've seen BW enough times that I'm kind of used to that, but on a couple of numbers he just sat there and barely moved. I think Jeff Foskett caught on that BW was just sitting there like a bump on a log, and got Brian to
start the "Row Your Boat" singalong which fell flat, and then the cigarette lighter joke which fell even flatter. I just got the distinct impression that Brian just didn't want to be there for most of the evening


The Band: Probyn Gregory on bass, Scott Bennett on drums, Nelson Bragg on percussion, Gary
Griffin on keys, Jeff Foskett and Nicky Wonder on guitars. A wonderfully tight band,
that really delivered last night. After watching these guys last night, I roll my eyes over the controversy on the Brian Wilson board about BW not having the usual "full band" with him. This band rocks, and they were perfect for the type of show that went down last night, and they all looked like they were having a blast. Scott can really pound those skins! The backing vocals were also superb. Have to admit, I did miss Mertens on sax, but this band was superb.


That Lucky Old Sun Tunes: Just Going Home and Southern Calfornia. I though they
both sounded great, They did Going Home in the middle of the show, which a few of those of who could get out of there seats, used for a
bathroom break. I thought it sounded great, and Southern California was exquisite.

Here's the setlist to the best of my memory:

Do It Again
Dance Dance Dance
Catch a Wave
Surfer Girl
In My Room
Then I Kissed Her
All Summer Long
When I Grow Up To Be a Man
Add Some Music
Going Home (from TLOS)
Do You Wanna Dance
California Girls
Sloop John B.
Wouldn't It Be Nice
God Only Knows
Caroline No
Help Me Rhonda
Good Vibrations

Johnny B. Goode
I Get Around
Barbara Ann
Surfin' USA
Fun Fun Fun

Southern California (from TLOS)

Always love seeing a good BW show, good to know he's still out there singing the songs.

Thanks for the review.

thanks for sharing.
the Wilson family sure had some talent in it.

Huge Beach Boys fan, am always surprised when i think of them or listen that Brian is the only Wilson Brother left, kind of odd all things considered

You can add "Hawaii" to ther setlist above. Just came back to me!