Brian Wilson at the world premiere of “Smile”
Photo: WireImage, Tim Whitby. All rights reserved.
In 1966, beach boy Brian Wilson had big things in mind: “Smile” was to become the mother of all concept albums, a musical panorama like none before. But then everything collapsed, most of the songs remained fragments.
That Brian Wilson would try again 37 years later – with the help of the lyricist Van Dyke Parks and his “musical secretary” Darian Sahanaja – to complete it and then premiere his masterpiece live – a miracle!
On that February evening on February 20, 2004, the Royal Festival Hall threatened to burst with tension: All eyes are on the helpless-looking man surrounded by his band, who is enthroned behind a keyboard that he will hardly touch during the concert. and whose eyes are fixed on nothing but the teleprompter.
A tragic figure? Not at all!
When Brian Wilson raises his voice, an angel sings, his ten-piece band, supported by the Stockholm Strings ‘n’ Horns, perfectly implements his musical visions, the premiere turns into a triumphal march. And the trend of performing entire albums in one evening is taking off.
Read more – Legendary concerts