California’s favorite summertime band, The Beach Boys, played a sold-out concert on July 5th at the Vina Robles Amphitheatre in Paso Robles. The iconic band had just played their annual July 4th concert at the Hollywood Bowl for 18,000 people. That show featured special guests Mark McGrath and John Stamos joining the Beach Boys for a 20-song set. That was followed by a spectacular fireworks show with the Hollywood Symphony playing a live score.
While the 3,300 lucky fans at the Vina Robles show did not see the special guests and the fireworks, they were treated to an exceptional two-set performance that included 38 songs. Fans arrived early, lining up long before the doors opened, to enjoy the summer day, drink wine and other spirits, and munch on various fun food offerings.
The first set began in the late afternoon, with the setting sun painting the venue and surrounding mountains in an orange hue. Hot, dry winds buffeted the amphitheatre as the band took the stage. The original lead singer, 82-year-old Mike Love, and the original keyboardist and vocalist, 81-year-old Bruce Johnston, led the group. Longtime core members included Love’s son Christian on rhythm guitar, Tim Bonhomme on keyboards, Randy Leago on Saxophone, Keith Hubacher on bass, and guitarist Brian Eichenberger. Eichenberger has also taken over as the band’s music director. Two new members of the band joined them for the current tour. Brilliant lead guitarist Keith Hubacher and animated drummer and vocalist Jon Bolton have invigorated the group with fresh new energy.
The first set opened with one of the band's big hits, “Do It Again," and included 19 songs from across the spectrum of the group's extensive songbook. Each piece included a synchronized video full of nostalgic beach and surf scenes. The first set was dominated by the surf culture with hits that made the band famous, like “Surfin USA,” “Surfer Girl,” “Surfing Safari,” and “Catch A Wave.” A cover of the Ramones’ “Rockaway Beach” fit right in. The opening set included the hits that car-obsessed teenage culture in the '60s was transfixed on with songs like “409,” “Little Honda,” and “Little Deuce Coupe.”
The second set, which included 17 songs, proved much more introspective, including some of the band's most intricate work from their later years. The octet shined on the more sophisticated material, like the songs from the heralded Pet Sounds album, offering complex layers of live music and sophisticated vocal harmonies. The second set included some great covers that fit well with the band’s legacy, including “California Dreamin’” by The Mamas and Papas and “Rock and Roll Music’ by Chuck Berry.
Drummer Jon Bolton took over lead vocals on the “California Dreamin” song and lived up to his moniker of “Lightning Bolt.” The drummer played standing much of the time and took on lead vocals for an occasional song. Bolton’s snare drums rest mostly below his high hats and bass drum. When he plays standing up, it appears that he is attacking the drum kit from high above.
The show ended with the sold-out crowd on their feet for the aptly titled final song, “Fun Fun Fun,” offering up the perfect ending to a summer day at Vina Robles Amphitheatre in Paso Robles, California. Nederlander Concerts have organized the most ambitious season yet at the beautiful venue. To check the upcoming schedule, visit the venue website: https://vinaroblesamphitheatre.com/concerts
