Fans of the legendary Beach Boys won’t want to miss out on a sonic trek down memory lane Oct. 1 at the Centrium.
Originally formed in 1961, the band is obviously markedly different than it was back in the heady, sun-tinged days when the guys were first making their mark in sultry southern California.
But the show that runs today, under the moniker of The Beach Boys Band, showcases the classic tunes which vaulted the men to superstardom and kept them at the forefront of the industry for years.
Showtime is 7 p.m.
Today’s band lineup includes Mike Love, Bruce Johnston, John Cowsill, Tim Bonhomme, Randell Kirsch, Scott Totten and Christian Love.
Original founding Beach Boys members included Love, Brian Wilson, Alan Jardine, Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson and David Marks.
Johnson played with the band from 1965 to 1971 and then again came onboard back in 1979. Also, the original guys were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.
Success came comparatively to the band, which stood out with its catchy, infectious style and tight, seamless harmonies.
Over the years, they landed 36 Top 40 hits and 56 Hot 100 hits including four number one singles. Their smash tunes bolstered the profile of the Golden State and that of southern California’s youth culture at the time.
Some songs also pointed to Californians’ passion for hot-rod racing (Shut Down, 409 and Little Deuce Coupe).
Plus there were always the breezy cuts that celebrated a carefree lifestyle such as Fun Fun Fun, Surfin’ Safari and I Get Around.
Changes have indeed been plentiful over the years including Brian Wilson’s battles with mental illness and drug use and the deaths of Dennis and Carl Wilson in 1983 and 1998 respectively.
And it was after the death of Carl, that Jardine left to pursue a solo career.
But back to the beginning days for a spell.
According to Wikipedia, Brian taught his brothers a song called Ivory Tower and also coached them in how to nail those magical vocal harmonies.
When he turned 16, he received a reel-to-reel tape recorder and learned how to overdub. Eventually, he rounded up the other guys who brought their own musical skills to the fledgling group and the Beach Boys came to be.
“Everyone contributed something,” Brian once noted in recalling the conception of the band.
“Carl kept up hip to the latest tunes, Al taught us his repertoire of folk songs, and Dennis, though he didn’t play anything, added a combustible spark just by his presence.”
For ticket information, visit www.ticketmaster.ca or call 403-340-4455.
mweber@reddeerexpress.com
