It took Brian Wilson just a couple songs to warm up the Milwaukee crowd last Saturday night. His band quickly hit their stride and the Pabst Theatre audience clearly loved every note they played. When they got to Wilson’s Beach Boys classic I Get Around, near the end of the hour long first set, the entire theatre stood up to dance and clap along.

The music was skillfully performed by a band that Paul McCartney has said to be “The best touring band in the world.” They certainly have a passion for the music they perform, and it’s always great to see a band that not only sounds good, but looks like they are having the time of their lives. Wilson performed California Girls a few songs later to end his first set, and once again he had the entire theatre on their feet and singing along.

A highlight of the first set included a moment between songs when someone in the audience yelled out “You’re a genius” to which Wilson quickly responded, “Thank you” and the crowd erupted with joy and laughter. This man is clearly loved and adored by his fans.

READ ON for more of John’s thoughts and photos…

The second set of this greatest hits show featured some highlights including Little Deuce Coupe, Sloop John B, Wouldn’t It Be Nice and Good Vibrations. With 11 musicians onstage at once playing it’s not just a musical show, it’s a visual spectacle the way these talented individuals interact with each other. The onstage presence of that much energy really helped bring life to music that demands the players engage the songs head on. Of course it helps to have a sound system and a room as good as The Pabst Theatre to perform in. I’ve been to almost every venue in Milwaukee and very few have acoustics that can even begin to compare.

The seven song encore was brilliant, and the band kicked it into high gear to rip through such legendary songs as Johnny B. Goode, Barbara Ann, Surfin’ USA and Fun, Fun, Fun. And then, just like Wilson’s short three minute anthems, the show was over and the lights went up. When Wilson wrote many of these songs American radio was such a different place than it is today. Three minutes per song, or less, was the standard. Something about this length can make the song seem as if it’s over before it’s done. On Saturday night in Milwaukee Brian Wilson clearly kept with the first rule of showbiz, always leave them wanting more.

Brian Wilson
October 24, 2009
Pabst Theatre
Milwaukee, WI

Set 1: Do it Again, Dance, Dance, Dance, Girl Don’t Tell Me, Then I Kissed Her, In My Room, Salt Lake City, Custom Machine, Soul Searchin’, Desert Drive, Please Let Me Wonder, Don’t Worry Baby, I Get Around, Sail On Sailor, Marcella, Roll Around Heaven, California Girls

Set 2: Little Girl I Once Knew, Your Imagination, All Summer Long, Shut Down, Little Deuce Coupe, Do You Wanna Dance, Add Some Music, Sloop John B, Wouldn’t it be Nice, God Only Knows, Midnight’s Another Day, Lucky Old Sun, I’m Going Home, Southern California, Good Vibrations

ENCORE: Surfer Girl, Johnny B Goode, Help Me Rhonda, Barbara Ann, Surfin USA, Fun, Fun, Fun

ENCORE 2: Love And Mercy