Something Great From '68: Brian Wilson and The Zombies LA Review

All eyes were on Brian Wilson and special guests The Zombies last night in Los Angeles, California. After originally postponing the first half of their Something Great From ‘68 Tour back in June due to Brian Wilson’s continuous battle with his mental health, the two legendary bands found themselves back on stage at the Greek Theatre for one of their few remaining dates of the tour.

Brian Wilson Tweets About Greek Theatre Show 2019

Originally formed in 1961, The Zombies created a unique sound that distinguished them from the many other British rock bands coming together at the time. Their eventual impact on the British Invasion along with their countless contributions to a killer rock catalogue led them to be a part of the 2019 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee class alongside the likes of The Cure, Def Leppard and Stevie Nicks.

Under the impression that their induction was not a fluke, it was no surprise that The Zombies owned the stage throughout the entirety of their sixteen-song set last night. While only two of the five founding members still tour as part of The Zombies name, tonight’s show was just a bit different.

First opening with founding frontman Colin Blunstone alongside founding pianist Rod Argent, the guys and their accompanying band performed three hit singles including “Tell Her No,” “Edge of the Rainbow” and “She’s Not There,” along with a brand new song titled “Merry Go Round” off of their upcoming album. But that was just part one.

Immediately after taking the stage, Blunstone explained that their act would be split into two parts with the first being a brief set of singles as previously noted. However, the second is where it got interesting. Not only did they perform their hit album Odessey and Oracle in its entirety, but they did so with the help of every surviving original member. In other words bassist Chris White and drummer Hugh Grundy joined Blunstone, Argent and company on stage to replicate, as Argent put it, “every note” of their 1968 album.

Fan's Instagram Post About The Zombies' Set @ Greek Theatre 2019

Despite a relatively simple production consisting of a plain curtain backdrop and multi-colored overhead lights (fitting for The Zombies signature artwork), the band took full advantage of the stage, moving around freely and showing off exactly why they were honored this year.

From hits like “Care of Cell 44” and “A Rose for Emily” to “Beechwood Park” and “This Will Be Our Year,” the British rockers nailed every beat throughout their nonstop performance of Odessey and Oracle. And while every member proved his impressive musicianship, it was Colin Blunstone who stole the show with his unprecedented vocals. It’s always so refreshing to head into a show without too many expectations and be blown away by even the simplest of notes. That’s when you know a band is polished, and The Zombies sure showed that.

They ended their night with the last song on Side B and one of their greatest hits, “Time of the Season,” to a crowd full of dancing fans who looked and felt like they were teenagers all over again. That was simply the power The Zombies had last night.

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The Zombies Perform "Time of the Season" Live @ Greek Theatre 2019

See their full setlist here!

The Zombies' Setlist @ Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, CA 2019

Not to be outdone, after a brief intermission for instrumental changeover, Brian Wilson and his band took the stage for what would be a nearly two-hour set full of classic Beach Boys hits, extraordinarily talented company and a few big surprises along the way.

As the large red curtains slowly opened, the lights dimmed and Brian Wilson appeared center stage behind his famous white baby grand piano. Next to him stood Beach Boys’ co-founder and legendary guitarist Al Jardine. Before playing even a single note, their presence alone radiated throughout the entire venue. We were in the company of greatness.

Fitting to the location, Wilson and the band opened with “California Girls” before quickly jumping into a rendition of “I Get Around” worthy of all the dancing happening in the audience. And while production remained simple throughout Wilson’s nearly thirty-song setlist other than multi-beam overhead lights and a few colored background projections, the music was much more complicated. Check out the full setlist here!

Brian Wilson's Setlist @ Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, CA 2019

What originally started as an already large eleven-piece band, quickly turned into a fourteen-piece arrangement as Wilson and Jardine invited a few special guests to join them for most of the night including former Beach Boys member Blondie Chaplin who threw in a few guitar solos during songs like “Darlin’.” However, the clear star of the night was Al Jardine’s own son, Mike Jardine.

Capable of hitting those notes that just can’t be reached as well as they used to by Brian and Al, Mike’s worth to the band was invaluable. Continuing with hits like “Busy Doin’ Nothin',” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Sail On, Sailor” and “I Can Hear Music,” the band quickly established their angelic harmonies, making even the original Beach Boys’ arrangements seem obsolete in comparison.

Brian Wilson Performs "Wouldn't It Be Nice" Live @ Greek Theatre 2019

While Brian remained center-stage behind his piano throughout the entire show, his real showmanship developed when he took lead during performances such as “God Only Knows,” “Little Bird,” “Surf’s Up” and “Good Vibrations.”

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Brian Wilson Performs "Good Vibrations" Live @ Greek Theatre 2019

As their set headed towards the finish line, it was impossible not to toy with the potential of another special guest considering the entertainment proximity in Los Angeles. Fortunately, my intuition was right as legendary rock star Billy Idol joined the band on stage for two of the final three songs of the night.

Helping with lead vocals on both “Surfin’ U.S.A.” and “Fun, Fun, Fun,” Idol’s arrival added to the crowd’s excitement as they remained standing throughout both performances. Although Idol’s black leather jacket and tight jeans didn’t necessarily match the ‘60s casual vibe of the rest of Wilson’s band, his accompaniment somehow perfectly fit into those upbeat records. Talk about an unlikely counterpart.

Fan Tweets About Billy Idol's Guest Appearance @ Greek Theatre 2019

The last song of the night was a beautiful version of the 1963 hit “In My Room” during which every band member abandoned their respective instruments to crowd around Brian and his piano for the final performance. With only Brian’s graceful piano playing/vocals at the forefront amidst a few quiet harmonies behind him, the finale left us speechless as we took in the purity of the moment. In my own case, I even shed a couple of tears.

Brian Wilson Performs "In My Room" Live @ Greek Theatre 2019

Do us all a favor and go experience this for yourself. Check out all of Brian Wilson and The Zombies remaining Something Great From '68 Tour dates below and don't forget to grab tickets at LiveNation!

Something Great From '68 2019 Tour Dates

09/13 – Oakland, CA @ The Fox Theatre

09/14 – Murphys, CA @ Ironstone Amphitheatre

09/16 – Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre

09/17 – Portland, OR @ Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

09/19 – Sandy, UT @ Sandy City Amphitheater

09/20 – Denver, CO @ Paramount Theater

09/22 – Milwaukee, WI @ Riverside Theater

09/23 – Cincinnati, OH @ Taft Theatre

09/24 – Detroit, MI @ Masonic Temple Theatre

09/26 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre

09/27 – Waterbury, CT @ Palace Theatre

09/28 – Philadelphia, PA @ Tower Theatre

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Last updated: 29 Mar 2024, 12:20 Etc/UTC