Brian Wilson - Bestival 2011 review

'Wilson is being heavily carried by the nine-strong ensemble'

09 September 2011

5/10

Appearing before a crowd that was in liquid form during his hey day, a frail Brian Wilson shuffles up to his keyboard to rapturous reception at Bestival. Supported by a hefty backing band that, at first glance, could be mistaken for his carers, it’s clear that the rumours circulating about this being part of his final ever UK tour are gathering momentum.

An elderly-looking Wilson is being heavily carried by the nine-strong ensemble, who seem to be performing a neat ventriloquist act. Is that Wilson pelting out ‘California Girls’ with brittle-bone-shattering gusto? Look closely and it’s the third chap from the right, about thirty years his youth, warbling most of it.

It’s lucky the sun blazes as the crowd give oomph to nostalgic renditions of ‘Help Me Rhonda’, ‘Heroes and Villains’ and ‘Surfin’ USA’ instead of his crumbling credibility further. Time to hang up your boardies, Bri.

By Jennie McKean

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