Since that day, I've wanted to see the Beach Boys again. They seem to tour every summer and usually have a few dates in New England. For one reason or another, I just never made it. When the concert was announced at Bold Point, I decided I should go. I asked (convinced) Laurie to go and we got tickets. I don't know the price of the high end tickets, but we paid $47 for really good seats. There was general admission seats for $25. You could stand or bring a blanket and/or chair for general admission.
As for the venue, all week I've been fielding questions from my boss and friends wondering how in the world a concert was going to be held at tiny Bold Point Park.We all had the same concern. Where are people going to park? Where are they going to fit all those people? The stage was set up right near the water at the right end of the lot. There were two food trucks. One was selling ice cream which is all I ate. Near the boat ramp a drink tent was set up. Prices were very reasonable. Mixed drinks were $8, beer was $5. Soda and Gatorade twenty ounce bottles sold for a fair price of $3. I drank Sierra Mist.
As for parking, which we all thought would be a huge issue, Parking was allowed on most of the small side streets. It was also allowed on Veterans Memorial Blvd. I parked up by the first parking lot for the bike path. My walk was almost 15 minutes, but if you think about it, is still shorter than a typical parking spot at Gillette Stadium. All in all, things ran extremely smoothly. I had no trouble getting in or out. The venue turned out to be a great place for a concert. I highly recommend going to Bold Point if they have any artists you are interested in the future.
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| Mike Love |
As for the concert-
Mike Love and the Beach Boys came right on stage at 7 pm. At first Mike Love was singing fairly quietly into the microphone. I looked him up and found out he is 76 years old!!! I sat back and expected a 76 year old man to barely get through. I was okay with that, I was there for the nostalgia. About two or three songs in, he hit his groove. I can honestly say he sounded great!!! For a man to sing all those fast rock and roll oldies, it was awesome.
The Beach Boys played for two hours of music. There was a half hour intermission. They played all their great songs. My favorite Beach Boys songs are Help Me Rhonda and Sloop John B. They played both plus all their other hits and some non hits. They also played a couple of cover songs including Rock and Roll Music by Chuck Berry. Chuck Berry was the original Beach Boys biggest influence.
Admittedly, the "Beach Boys" are not the original members except for Mike Love. However, he is a true legend in music along with Brian Wilson (who is also on tour for the 50th anniversary of Pet Sounds). Still, it was awesome to hear the songs by the an original member. One highlight was "Good Vibrations". This is not even close to my favorite Beach Boys song. However, Live, it blew me away with all the psychedelic instruments
As I've said before, it really doesn't do any good for me to do a concert review on my blog when the band will be a thousand miles away tomorrow. Not this time. The Beach Boys will be around this area all week. They will be in Hampton Beach then MA for four shows. After that they do a show in Connecticut and one in New York City. If you have any interest in seeing the Beach Boys, my advice is to go now. Mike Love is 76 years old. He won't be doing this forever. I would be shocked if you are disappointed.
Note
Under normal circumstances, I consider a concert a trade off. I give an artist money for a ticket. They play music. Most times it is an even trade. I usually come out of a live show happy I went. Very few times I have left a concert disappointed. Sometimes I can't justify the price of tickets at some venues ( Foxwoods for instance) to see a group that I only like a few songs. But like I said, usually I'm glad the concert was worth the price of admission.
Tonight was special. I got to witness Rock and Roll history in the flesh. I knew almost every song and I got to listen to some of the most iconic songs of all time. My seats were terrific and surprisingly, they sounded great. Lets be honest, most groups from the 60's aren't even around, never mind touring. I am so grateful I got to see the Beach Boys for what will probably be my last time. Although my life is no where near complete, I can honestly say it was enriched by going to the East Providence waterfront tonight. Tonight was truly a memory I will never forget.
So as the title of this post states- Thank you Mike Love and the Beach Boys!!!
Upcoming tour dates below
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