The Beach Boys have been confirmed to play a massive open air show in London next year to celebrate 60 years of their landmark album ‘Pet Sounds‘. The iconic band will celebrate over five decades of making music as part of the Live At Chelsea concert series, and the show will be held at the Royal Hospital Cheslea on June 14.
It will be one of the Beach Boys’ first shows since the death of frontman Brian Wilson earlier this summer. The 82 year old was reported to have died due to “respiratory arrest”, with some contributing factors such as sepsis and cystitis being listed.
The concert will see the band being fronted by co-founder and lyricist Mike Love, and he will be joined on stage by member Bruce Johnston, musical director Brian Eichenberger, Christian Love, Jon Bolton, Tim Bonhomme, Keith Hubacher, John Wedemeyer, and Randy Leago.
The Beach Boys are the second artist to be confirmed for the Live At Chelsea concert series next year, following the announcement of The Proclaimers, who will be headlining on June 13. More artists are set to be announced soon.
When news of Brian Wilson’s death was shared, Mike Love shared a statement that said,”Our journey together was filled with moments of brilliance, heartbreak, laughter, complexity and most of all, LOVE. Like all families, we had our ups and downs. But through it all, we never stopped loving each other, and I never stopped being in awe of what he could do when he sat at a piano or his spontaneity in the studio.”
The other members of The Beach Boys paid their respects in a joint message, saying he “was the soul of our sound.”
Tributes poured in from across the music world. Bob Dylan said, “Heard the sad news about Brian today and thought about all the years I’ve been listening to him and admiring his genius. Rest in peace dear Brian.” Carole King called him her “friend and brother in songwriting,” adding, “We are so lucky to have his music.” Sir Elton John said Wilson was the “biggest influence” on his songwriting, while John Cale of The Velvet Underground said he was a “true musical genius.” Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood also added that, “The world is in mourning.”
Tickets for the show go on pre-sale November 26, and general sale on November 28 at 10am. A percentage of proceeds from the concerts will support the care of the Chelsea Pensioners, and tickets can be found here.
