Brian Wilson to perform Smile live in London next year

Mmmm. Does anyone here like the reconstructions of that album? How does it compare to other beach boys albums?

I love the one I have. There's a website somewhere you can download it from but I don't have the link to hand. Really wanna see this show.

Wow, this is really incredible. Like, I didn't go see the Pet Sounds tour b/c, well, you only have to hear the album to know why, but shit: Smile's never been done, really. I hope he brings it to America.

This may sound like utter fanboy hyperbole, but after 6 or 7 years, I still honestly believe that all the Smile rep--that it's one of the greatest albums of all time, finished or not--is totally true. The melodies are every bit as good as Pet Sounds, if not better. Van Dyke Parks' lyrics are brilliant -- witty, heartfelt and a perfect match for Brian's music around that time.

And man, that music: Brian was writing just incredible ballads, these extended psychedelic six-part chants, instrumentals, comedy stuff -- the whole lot. And he and Parks doing this incredible commentary on, like, the history of America. Just beautiful stuff -- finished or not. Seek it out -- SoulSeek-style (I think that website may be down). That way, you'll get the best stuff and not have to pick up a zillion different boots.

Ok, it's late and I was repeating myself a bit there. But, yeah, it's good. I also was referring to the Pet Sounds Live album -- Brian's voice is but a shadow of it's 1967 beauty, and that's why I still look at him touring Smile w/ a somewhat skeptical eye.

I wonder what Brian's actual role would be in this. Does he remember the songs? Can he help w/ the arranging?

The version of Smile I've got is patchy. Only about 3 or 4 songs sound more or less finished. No way he was even halfway finished with that album when he crashed. But what's finished, is gorgeous. I'm thinking 'Plymouth Rock' and 'Surf's Up' in particular. As for the much vaunted 'Fire Music', well, it's more comical than scary.

I just bought tickets. Crikey!

This is absolutely incredible news - thanks Harvey.

When he did the Pet Sounds concerts he played Our Prayer followed by Heroes & Villains, and it made sense to me for the first time. It was absolutely astonishing. I remember saying after the gig that if he could keep hold of that band, how great would it be if they had a go at recreating Smile?

I still can't believe it's actually going to happen. My credit card has taken a beating, but I had to get tickets for this.

When I spoke to the Royal Festival Hall they had tickets for all 4 nights but they were selling fast. If you want to go CALL THEM NOW!!!! (Tel no is 7960 4242)

Got 'em - ta Harvey.

i can't find the link to buy tickets! where is it?!!!

google "royal festival hall" and then put "brian" in their search box

I get to see him for free on June 16th at the Hatchshell in Boston. Free concert!

It's good to see that he's going to get a chance to finally make peace with his problem-child album.

UK gets all the luck.

got tickets. phew. thankyou Harvey!

i've decided i can't go :-( Much as I'd love to see this, the only person i know who'd be up for going says he was so put off by his rendition of Pet Sounds that he doesn't wanna go - loser! Also I'm in serious debt and can't even think about buying a ticket.

I am a very sad doggy :-(

dog latin, can't understand your friend - I thought the Pet Sounds gig was stunning. Yes, Brian's voice has lost a lot in terms of purity, but if anything gained in terms of emotion. And I thought the band were spot on.

Beg, borrow or steal the £31.50 for a ticket, but I'd get on the phone to them now cos it'll sell out quick.

Re: "UK gets all the luck." If only that were true! But the Beach Boys/UK 'special relationship' goes back a long way, and I think Brian has always liked playing here - he got to the meet the Queen last time! Also, the UK fanclub seems to have the great man's ear, which prob. counts for something...