Since the 1960s, The Beach Boys’ music has been getting around the world, earning them many awards–including a Lifetime Achievement Grammy award—and a fanbase that spans multiple generations. Despite the relaxed nature of the crowd, the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre was full of excited concert-goers. The show starting ten minutes late only boosted the anticipation.
Needing no opening act, the Youngstown stop of the “Endless Summer Gold Tour” began with “Do It Again,” led by founding member Mike Love with Bruce Johnston (1965–present), Tim Bonhomme (1995–present), Christian Love (2006–2014, 2018–present), Brian Eichenberger (2015–2017, 2019–present), Randy Leago (2016–present), Keith Hubacher (2018–present), Jon Bolton (2023–present), and John Wedemeyer who was noted to have the nickname “Weed” (2023–present). The night was filled with guitar solos, saxophone solos, and the iconic registers of The Beach Boys.
Many songs were accompanied by an anecdote of its creation, with multiple dedications to the late members of the band. Dennis Wilson passed away in 1983 after drowning, and his brother, Carl Wilson, succumbed to lung cancer in 1998. Memorial footage played with the music, and the accompanying emotions were felt throughout the crowd.
Song after song was a smash hit, as expected from the veteran band. With performances of “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” “Surfer Girl,” “I Get Around,” “California Dreamin‘,” “Kokomo,” and “Good Vibrations.” there was almost always a consistent addition of the crowd to the melodies. After Mike was handed a sign stating that a fan was named “Wendy” by her father, the band performed “Wendy,” which no doubt delighted said fan. Their original music was mixed with renditions of The Mamas and Papas’ “California Dreamin’,” The Regents’ “Barbara Ann,” and Eddie Cochran’s “Summertime Blues’.”
While much of the show was quite tame, John Bolton challenged the enthusiasm of the audience in his animated performance on drums, decorated with smiling flower plushes and the Muppet Animal. Randy displayed his expertise with several instruments, including saxophone, piccolo, and percussion. Christian Love, son of lead singer Mike, shared “Sum Sum Summer” from his newest album, ‘Only Alibis’ released earlier this year. J
ohn Stamos, best known for his acting roles in Full House and General Hospital, received a tribute and an expertly placed mom joke from Mike. Stamos has performed in concert on occasion with The Beach Boys, including on the current tour, although, unfortunately, not in Ohio.
Considering the lengthy setlist and the group’s lengthy experience, the brief intermission was unsurprising. The crowd, while mainly seated, was ready for more. The band offered a trailer for their 2024 documentary The Beach Boys, which was released on May 24 of this year. As the sun set, casting beautiful colors on the clouds, the stage lights began to up the ante, going from natural illumination to a light show.
It wasn’t until the first notes of “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” that the crowd stood, but few returned to their seats afterward. Couples were dancing and the lawn was lively all the way until the final song of “Fun, Fun, Fun.” To add to an exciting finish, water was poured onto the drum kit, creating a dramatic show in the choice of things. With no encore, the band exited to a recording of “Gonna Fly Now,” Bill Conti’s theme for Rocky. However, a final sendoff was a drumstick tossed to a lucky fan. With the same ease of leaving the venue as entering, the show was indeed a Darlin’ experience.
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