The Beach Boys brought The Temptations along on their return to Meijer Gardens on Friday, with both legendary bands — each boasting one original member — churning out familiar summer favorites.
Good Vibrations: The Meijer Gardens crowd was on its feet for much of Friday night’s double bill. (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
By Rich Tupica
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As The Beach Boys walked on stage at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park on Friday, a recording of the group’s rudimentary debut 1961 single, “Surfin’,” echoed across the sold-out, open-air venue.
Doin’ It Again: Mike Love led The Beach Boys’ hit parade. (Photo/Nicole Rico)
Casual fans might not even recognize the old, lo-fi tune, but after the record abruptly cut off and the band launched into its set opener, “Catch a Wave,” the sun-soaked audience knew they were in for a night of iconic, California-sound hits.
Led by original Beach Boy Mike Love, with long-time member Bruce Johnston on keys by his side, the seven-piece outfit stuck to mostly the big ’60s radio hits about cars, girls and – of course – surfin’. Crowd-pleasers like “I Get Around,” “Shut Down” and “409” were dished out early in the show.
And even though they threw in a few lesser-known tracks, such as the band’s cover of “I Can Hear Music” – which only hit No. 24 on the Billboard chart in 1969 – the group’s guitarist and musical director Scott Totten seemed to play it pretty safe with the set list by sticking mostly to signature songs: “Surfin’ U.S.A,” “Don’t Worry Baby,” “Surfer Girl,” “When I Grow Up (To Be a Man)” and “Be True to Your School.” A superb version of “God Only Knows” served as a tribute to late Beach Boy Carl Wilson.
While Love is the notoriously outspoken Beach Boy even some staunch fans love to hate, his stage presence has always been charming and on point, and this Meijer Gardens gig was no exception. Sporting his signature ball cap and collection of shimmering gold rings, Love sunnily strolled about the stage and engaged the sea of lawn chairs with plenty of banter, finger-pointing and eye contact. After 54 years as a Beach Boy, Love is still having a ball and his voice is still impeccably youthful, especially for a 74-year-old performer.
STICKING TO THE FORMULA OF BIG HITS
Sure, ardent fans would’ve loved to hear some of the weirder late ’60s, early ‘70s cuts like “Vegetables,” but that’s never been Love’s forte: This is the guy who called “Pet Sounds” Brian Wilson’s “ego music.” He’s always been about “sticking to the formula” of poppy surf rock. He’s left the odder tunes to Brian Wilson’s recent tours.
Soul Legends: The Temptations on stage at Meijer Gardens. (Photo/
And besides, the fun-loving crowd at Meijer Gardens was there to dance and sing along to the radio-friendly hits, not trip out to bizarre cuts from the Beach Boys’ psychedelic trip of an LP, “Smile.” Love presents a nostalgic “Greatest Hits” package and his band delivers it well, even matching their vocals fairly close to the original records.
The Temptations warmed up the stage, bringing the audience to their feet for the bulk of the show thanks to Motown hits such as “Get Ready,” “Just My Imagination” and “My Girl.”
The group’s leader, Otis Williams – the last living member of the original group – danced the entire set, though at one point he said, “It’s time to pause for the cause. … I’m tired!” The break didn’t last long, and a few hits later, “I’m Losing You” triumphantly closed out the group’s set.
THE BEACH BOYS & THE TEMPTATIONS: Local Spins Photo Gallery by Anthony Norkus
