BANGOR, Maine — Though a torrential downpour earlier in the evening threatened a wet concert, the atmosphere was all sunshine, bikinis and, yes, good vibrations as The Beach Boys made their Bangor stop on their 50th anniversary tour. Mercifully, the weather turned sunny and breezy, and an audience boasting both original Beach Boys fans and hip 20-somethings responded with loud, excited cheers.
Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and David Marks delighted the crowd with a nearly three-hour show, packed with nonstop hits and high energy. The stage was set with surfboards and a video screen projecting images of big waves, big cars and big fun. Everything from “Surfin’ USA” to “Little Honda,” “I Get Around” to “Be True To Your School” was played, to thunderous applause. Backed by a 10-person band, made up of many of the members of California power pop band the Wondermints, The Beach Boys did not disappoint a near sellout crowd.
“I grew up on The Beach Boys,” said Linda Phipps, of Portland, who came with her husband Steve. “I know all their songs by heart. I’ve only seen them once before, so this is a real treat. I’m so happy to be here. Their music is made to make people happy.”
It goes without saying that The Beach Boys are one of the most iconic and beloved pop bands of all time, accompanying only The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Through personal turmoil and public scandal, the band has remained a powerful influence on countless other bands — from their earlier surf-rock hits, to the era-defining psychedelic pop of “Pet Sounds.”
The group — in its first tour that includes all surviving members of the band — may be, as Mike Love said onstage, “a used band,” but the energy and fun projected did much to convey the contrary. Sure, they have been at it for half a century — but there’s a reason songs such as “Surfer Girl” have remained popular. There’s a timeless quality to them that can’t be changed by age.
Up next on the Waterfront is a Fourth of July concert and fireworks show on July 4, Shinedown and Papa Roach on July 5, Rascal Flatts on July 6 and Styx and REO Speedwagon on July 8.
For tickets and information, visit waterfrontconcerts.com.
so sad, this attempt at hosting entertainment
Right, and you do so much better right? I think the Waterfront Concerts is doing a great job bringing entertainment back to Bangor. I have been to concerts all around the country, and Bangor’s tend to be more enjoyable. Your comment is just off the wall, maybe you a fired disgruntled ex-employee?
He couldn’t afford tickets.. :)
What’s your problem? The waterfront concerts are GREAT for Bangor, for the region, and for EVERYONE. A win-win-win and a great collaboration between local government and the private sector. They are doing a great job. I think you sit deep in the minority on this one.
Well said Tinserblic..
Good article, but re: video—out of all the classic songs, ‘Do It Again’ was chosen for this?
That was (censored) (censored) (censored) (censored)ing awesome!! All class Waterfront Concerts. Keep them coming. Once again, mother nature loves music. This one brought so many generations of fans together for an incredible night.
The last set was rockin!
Totally awesome concert!!!!
i saw them at bonnaroo and was amazed that (now) 70 somethings can hold it together for an extended amount of time
They sounded even better than their recordings from eras ago. They were top-notch and on their game.
Really pleased to hear that the civic leaders are thinking along the lines of continuing to establish Bangor as the entertainment capital of the State of Maine. Bangor now has a great blend of things going on!
What? LePage didn’t come in and announce it was all a waste of money? I’m surprised!
Mr Lepage is a very nice man,, Now ChuckGG what sort of public funded welfare are you seeking again?
Me, personally? None.
However, LePage has a history of complaining about any public expenditures at all. I’m sure he’d find something to complain about with the Beach Boys concerts. Perhaps, the overtime hours for the police force? Who knows what Gov. Grinch would complain about.
I personally find the guy “penny wise and pound foolish” on his attitude toward getting business into Maine. You have to crack a few eggs to make an omelet but he doesn’t seem to see that.
Concerts of this type, while costing the government a few direct dollars, really rake in the tourist dollars (and thus sales tax, employee income tax, etc.) thus providing the government indirect dollars in income.
We have been the entertainment capital of Maine for several seasons. But it’s time to grow with that ideal ! Yes, we have the best civic leaders. Changing the landscape.
The Amazing Beach boys. Saw them in around 1965 and again around 1997 and now last night. Their harmony is still spot on. Great show and amazing after all Brian Wilson has gone through that he is still at his piano and on stage.
Yeah, losing two brothers and also a lot of personal issues. But he is still writing music, still playing well, and his voice is still good. It was just a TERRIFIC show. Those old boys are still doing it great even in their late 60’s. The Beach Boys are truely AMERICA’S BEATLES and unlike the Beatles they have SURVIVED, stuck it out and stuck together, and are still together and making music. I am going to buy their latest cd.
Well said.. They had the monopoly before the Beatles invaded. When Brian Wilson finished the Smile sessions in 2004 and came out on stage in London, who was in the front row cheering him on with a standing ovation? Paul McCartney, his biggest fan.
GREAT SHOW ! I loved it ! They still sound terrific, great they included some locals in the backup band, and they did ALL of the big hits and even some brand new songs from their latest cd. Just AWESOME ! Great crowd and THANK YOU BANGOR FOR THE WATERFRONT CONCERTS. Great COLLABORATION between the public sector (City/Parks and Rec and the private promoters and acts.)
Tinserblic; I am happy about the concerts and that people are having fun!!!!
The private sector is making money which is great!
The public sector of this business will be down a millon plus by the end of next year.
I would like to know who’s butt I have to kiss to get public funding to maintain and develop my business projects.. I have yet to drink from the golden public fountain.
Another question Tinserblic. When did the Waterfront become a Park and get turned over to the City/Parks and Rec. ?
I remember The Grants recieved were to develop the Waterfront as a commerical/Residental district.
I remember talking to Bangor business leaders durning the development stages of the waterfront and was told that the waterfront was not a Park and was never intended ever to be a Park… Is this just a way to skirt the law and allow the Parks and rec to fund through COLLABORATION private sector ventures???
Please fill me in here while I go look at the past and present Parks and Rec budget
When does Ted Nugent play?
I thought he was going to be with Styx and REO Speedwagon on July 8th (but the story leaves him out ).
Thanks Hollywood Slots and Casino for help bringing all the concerts to Bangor and the Bangor PD for being there to keep everybody safe, as understaff as you are.
So did Mike Love and Brian kiss and make up? I thought these guys were at each others throats. Good for them, put the music first. Not a BB fan but I can appreciate their craft.
Here is the review from the PPH. He needs some cheese with his whine.
http://www.pressherald.com/news/beach-boys-reunion-concert-feel-good-not-so-memorable_2012-06-23.html
That critic seems a little stuck in a bubble. Portland Press Herald is not a memorable newspaper. That is the nicest way of putting it.. lol
SS
This is one show I was sorry not to be able to attend. They sound great even after being 50 years older.
I’ve seen many concerts, at the Waterfront and other venues, but have NEVER seen ANY artist play almost continuously for nearly 3 hours!!! Kudos to the ageless Beach Boys for giving their fans their moneys worth!
It was a show worth going to. Excellent music and good fun!
The overused
crèche about the sixties is that “if you remember the sixties you probably
weren’t there”. Now this really rings
true. Now I have a hard time remembering
who sang what however last night the concert really allowed us to “Do it again”.
I seem to remember the sixties . It was the
Beatles, then Zappa and Tull bringing music into the new dimensions that are still mimicked
today. Though all “this is that” the Beach Boy evolved into the Grand daddies
of them all. 50 years of great memories helps a person remember. Like Lewis Armstrong sang for his generation. The fifty year tour helps us remember “What A
Wonderful World”.
Great show last night! I can assure you, the Beach Boys have never sounded better! Sorry to disappoint, but none of the back up band members are from Maine. That was a joke. I understand why they need seats at such shows, but I could also see that show working with no seats at all. We were lucky to see that show last night. It was easily worth $100 to be there.
So being a rich Reality estate agent and you use your office to see concerts for free.. Dawson needs to raise your commissions
Wrong – not that Phil Cormier – LOL – Dawsons’ Phil would have a difficult time writing anything !
Very much worth it… especially when you get unexpected seat upgrades… he he he..
Love the Beach Boys. May they sing & entertain for many more years.
I was so impressed how exciting this concert was as you would never have guessed their age. I saw them 20 years ago in Presque Isle and this concert was equally exciting. Most bands do not play
for that long. It sure helped energized us from that generation. Thanks Bangor Water front and thank
you weather for making this so enjoyable.