By Kate Hill and Jackson Downing

The Beach Boys brought a taste of the 1960s California surf scene to the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater last Thursday. The legendary pop rock band performed a variety of their Top 40 hits, along with a few lesser-known gems to get the crowd rockin’ and rollin’.

Mike Love, lead singer and lyricist, was the only original Beach Boy to take the stage. Bruce Johnston, bassist since 1965, was also in attendance. The duo was accompanied by their backup band, featuring Christian Love (Mike’s son), Randell Kirsch, John Cowsill, Tim Bonhomme and Scott Totten.

Beach Boys Album

The show opened with the Swingin’ Medallions, a beach rock group hailing from Greenwood, S.C. known as “the party band of the South” to kick off the night.

Afterwards, The Beach Boys hit the stage with a surge of energy, starting up with “Do it Again.” Their set list included fan favorites such as “Surfer Girl,” “I Get Around,” “Kokomo” and “Good Vibrations” (which, let me assure you, could be felt throughout the crowd the entire night).The band also played the popular cover “California Dreamin’,” originally sung by The Mamas & the Papas. During “California Girls,” Love altered the lyrics to “I wish they all could be Alabama girls,” to the delight of all the squealing ladies present.

On a more somber note, “God Only Knows” was played as a tribute to Dennis and Carl Wilson, original members of the band who passed away. Their vocals were superimposed over the track, while the rest was played live. The night ended with an unexpected intensity, with “Surfer Girl” and “Surfin’ USA” for the encore.

The crowd was mostly composed of middle aged and older adults, but the Beach Boys defied age barriers making both the college student and grandparent alike dance as so many did in the 60’s.  Even after all these years, The Beach Boys still have the energy, and voice to get the crowd moving and make you yearn for a time long past.