This page is reserved for everybody who sent me a remembrance of what it was like to see Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE live on the 2004-2005 tour. Shorter versions of these are included in the book SMiLE: The Rise, Fall & Resurrection of Brian Wilson. After the book is published, they will be posted here in their complete form.

APRIL 25, 2025 Here they are…”The Brianistas” …compiled with the invaluable assistance of Robert Flory and Andrew Doe.

February 21st, 2004. I had evaded the very first night of the premiere of Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE because I knew I would be anxious on Brian’s behalf. I knew he could do it though.

I saw David Leaf, whom I’d met many years before and more recently at the Pet Sounds Tour. Various fans were invited to give their feelings. I passed on that. I just wanted to relax into the experience.

Nothing prepared me for the complete album. It was bewildering in its complexity and in its paradoxical simplicity. It was like a multi-dimensional jigsaw puzzle of sound. The audience was rapt.

The applause went on for about ten minutes. I remember seeing men and women crying. Then ‘Aloha nui means goodbye’ and it segued into Good Vibrations and the audience went wild. After the show was over we had to talk and share it. Total strangers from different continents.

With very best wishes

Angela Jones

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can dreams do come true? It was the early 70’s when I first heard about Smile. I was a casual Beach Boys fan in High School. I soon became obsessed about Brian Wilson and especially Smile. Over the years I’d search for anything Smile related be it bootleg albums, articles, books etc.. I even produced a Brian tribute album with a mock Smile influenced cover with current rock bands.

Fast forward to over 20 years ago when the Brian Wilson Presents Smile album came out along with the wonderful documentary on HBO which I watched over and over. Nothing could however prepare me for seeing Brian and his Orchestra live preforming Smile at Carnegie Hall in NYC! I go to my seat and I see Van Dyke Parks sitting 2 rows in front of me!! Oh My God! Van Dyke is in the house! Finally, Brian took the stage and after some warm up numbers came the opening acapella chorus of Our Prayer into Gee by The Crows and then Heroes and Villains.   We were off! I was spellbound for the next 40 minutes. Dare I say it? It was like a spiritual experience. The love from the stage and audience was overwhelming. God is love.  Brian was given this God given gift of music and he shared it with everyone that night. Never could I have imagined witnessing a concert like this!   Beyond my wildest dreams.

- Barry Soltz

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hello David Leaf,

Here is what I wrote about seeing BWPS, what a great experience, to put it mildly!

The second time I saw Brian Wilson was when he was touring and promoting, amazingly enough, the “Brian Wilson Presents Smile”album! It was a very similar band lineup as the first show I had seen, including the wonderful Wondermints, thankfully. Hearing the album in it’s entirety played live was exciting and overwhelming. Brian sang well and appeared to be in a good mood. Favorites were Wind Chimes, Wonderful, and of course, Surf’s Up. At one point later in the show Brian asked the light man to put a spotlight on his wife, Melinda, so he could tell her he loved her. It brought the show to a momentary stop, it was so sweet! The show proceeded with favorites from Today and Pet Sounds, of course……one of the best concerts ever!

David Beckey

What does it mean to me now?

Smile is an example of how to never give up on your dreams as in many cases time does have the ability to turn your dreams into your reality regardless of what others may think.

My wife and I had the good fortune to attend Brian’s presentation of Smile at the Carol Morsani Hall in Tampa at the Straz (formerly the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center) on October 21, 2004.  What impressed us the most was Brian’s obvious renewed enthusiasm while performing these wonderful compositions, this combined with his whole hearted appreciation of the ovation he received from attendees.  Although not necessary as we didn’t need the reminder, we all enjoyed it when Jeff Foskett flipped his guitar over so we could all relish the moment with a “Smile” logo.

Bobby Salerno

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Jeff and Billy caused a collective jaw drop at a Beach Boys Britain visit, when they announced the SMiLE gigs for 2004. Parties were eagerly planned by fans, as soon as they knew dates, especially at the Premier County Hall on London’s South Bank.

One of those fans just happened to be Jacqui Dove, and her video camera.

Years later, Jacqui was looking through her old tapes and found LOADS of footage of people she didn’t know at the time, but who have since became great friends. Just amazing.

Jacqui and I became friends, and love was in the air, thanks in part to seeing each other so much at BW gigs. And after 17 years together, we finally got married last year.

So THAT’s what SMiLE did for one couple of fans. Yes, all these years down the line, we like to thank Brian Wilson for finally presenting SMiLE!

Brian Barry

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dear David,

First of all, I want to tell you that I enjoyed all your books that I have read about Brian Wilson, and The Beach Boys.

I want to thank you for all theI want to thank you for all the positive support that you lend to Brian through the years.  The Beach Boys are my all time favorite band and Brian is my all time favorite musical talent.  I just recently saw that you are writing a book on the 20th anniversary of the smile concerts.  I saw that you are looking for input of who attended the concerts.  The following is my response.

My wife, Nancy and I saw Brian’s Smile concert at the auditorium theater in Chicago on October 2, 2004

I have been a Beach Boys fan since 1982, and I would never have dreamed this would happen.  The mood at the concert was very electric and exciting.  The concert itself was magical and hypnotic.  It was like watching abstract art come to life in music.  I’ve been to many concerts but Smile was I like any other.  My wife Nancy likes Brian and The Beach Boys but she is not a mega fan like me and she to this day said it was the greatest concert she has ever seen and loves Smile.  When the show was over everyone there was buzzing of how great it was and realized that we all just witnessed a rare musical historic event.  Thank you Brian Wilson!!

Carey Schalber

———————-

I had heard about it for years. I had heard snatches of it, a song here, a song there on Beach Boys albums,  but I had no idea, really,  what Brian Wilson had in mind for his "teenage symphony to God". And then Brian finished it. He finished SMiLE! And so I gobbled up a ticket to see Brian Wilson perform SMiLE in its entirety at the Disney Hall. I cried, I smiled, my heart hung 10 with joy. It was magic, it was music, it was legend. And I...heard Brian Wilson perform it live. SMiLE.

 Curt Lambert

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 SMiLE RFH Premiere

 I find it impossible to summarise my feelings about the music and the event. I separate the RFH SMiLE shows from all other gigs and musical events I've ever witnessed. It was so much more than a “gig”. It felt like the unveiling of one of the world's greatest musical mysteries. Even hours before the concert I just had to go to the venue, to be there in the freezing cold, to believe it was actually true – it was happening. I was intensely nervous – for Brian and also in other ways I cannot explain.

To hear this now-completed work, all the bits I knew so well intertwined with all the new links and sections and lyrics, was like a 45 minute thrill ride. I've never felt anything like it or had my breath taken away so many times. And I've never witnessed an ovation like it either.

It was and remains a triumph of the human spirit and an unparalleled achievement in pop music.  

Daniel McGeever from Edinburgh, Scotland

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

I became a major fan in June 1964. When you're only 15 and read 16 Magazine talk of SMiLE was only occasional. When Smiley came out that Fall I was ecstatic because I loved Brian. I didn't care that it wasn't everything he wanted it to be. It was new music and as weird as it was, I loved it. Fast forward to 1998. Finally, I got to meet my hero at Tower Records NYC. Following year Beacon Theater live show in person! 2001, we get a glimpse of SMiLE at Radio City with the brilliant Heroes and Villains. A few years later, finally the whole of SMiLE, Carnegie twice, Holmdel NJ, and Oakdale CT with another face-to-face. Electric! It painted many colorful pictures! So happy for Brian and all of us. He made it happen. And we have it for life!

David Cacopardo

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dear David,

Like many other fans of The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson and their/his California Sound, I discovered the music’s greatness by searching for the lost opus, Smile, due in part through David Leaf’s writings on these topics. I listened intently to what was available and came to realize that there was something greater that was created in 1967 along Laurel Canyon.

When I attended the concert at l’Olympia in Paris on March 14, 2004, the anticipation was sky-high.  I was astounded by the number of musicians and the depth of their individual talents.  The musicians and their playing created a cocoon for Brian that increased the beauty of the sound.  As an ensemble, it was like listening to the final takes from original recording.  The music moved across and through the theatre into my soul.  A unique moment of union between music and humanity.  We were at one.  Thank you, Brian.

Best regards and good luck with the book.

David Chase Lopes

——————————- 

I’d booked tickets for my wife and kids for later in the week and at the last minute scored a ticket for the first night of Smile. End seat on the back row of the balcony but for me - the best seat in the house. Outside the RFH I was asked by the camera team. What I was hoping for from the show. I said I hoped Brian would include “Cool, Cool Water”. He didn’t but we had so much more. The opening acoustic set opened with “And your Dream Comes True”. It certainly did - my 50th birthday treat. After the show, despite not having an after show pass, I took a chance and walked into the meet and greet area alongside the camera team. My dream came true when I met Brian on the first night of “Smile”.

David Slater.

 ——————————-

I was one of many who didn't attend the London premiere; I was in NYC. Someone who did, though, captured the event on his or her cell phone and then, within hours, uploaded the contents onto a secret internet site to which I was given access. The sound quality wasn't as important as the mere fact that I could _hear_ this.

For decades there had been countless fan reconstructions of "Heroes and Villains" made available on bootlegs, but finally hearing the _correct_ architecture that early morning  was, in a word, breathtaking. And then the transition into "Roll Plymouth Rock" gave me chills. So _that's_ where that a capella section belonged. _That's_ how it was all meant to be.

The chills continued throughout the concert, but it was that moment that set it off.

A year later I attended a small gathering in NYC where Brian, David Leaf, and David Dalton presided, answering questions from a respectful and learned audience. Afterwards Brian had left, and I was chatting with both Davids as the room cleared out.

Suddenly Brian walked back in. There were maybe four or five of us still there. He and I then had a short conversation as I described to him how thrilling it was to hear that concert via that person's cell phone. He leaned into his good ear to listen, then smiled and extended his hand for a shake.

Quite the night.

Don Giller

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

SMILE was the Holy Grail for me, David. I waited my whole life for it to be officially released. I started following the Beach Boys seriously during my college years beginning in 1974.   I would compile my own versions of SMILE on cassette from various Beach Boy album releases. I did not see the Brian Wilson presents SMILE tour, but l purchased the live DVD as soon as it was released. Brian assembled an amazing band, the recording was fantastic, a wonderful recreation of the studio magic that is SMILE!

Thank you David!!

Sincerely, Garry Scharf

——————————————————-

Hi David....

Being a lifelong Brian Wilson fan, and Beach Boy fan it was

exciting to hear in the early 2000's that the legendary ...

Brian Wilson recording project "Smile" which dated back to the

late 1960's was finally going to be recorded and release. 

Starting in 2001 when Brain played the Roxy, then Wiltern Theatre and other local venues in southern California, I attended all those performances. As Brian continued to tour over the years, it was announced Brian Wilson

would be performing "Smile" in concert at the Disney Center In LA. That was absolutely the "can not miss" concert of the year. I was there. Brain was in a great mood and in excellent form. Brian and the band played "Smile" in it's entirety . The audience gave Brain and the band a roaring joyful rousing overwhelming round, after round of applause. Brain, then brought out the lyricist of "Smile" Van Dyke Parks...which to me completed the performance and the evening.

 Smile, a landmark musical work by Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks. A work that started in the

1960's finally completed and performed in the early 2000's. Sometimes, somethings are worth the wait,

and "Smile" was one of those times.

Gary Haggerty

————————————— 

Hi David,

We met a long time ago ,in january 1979 on the Queen Mary at the international Beach Boys Convention I had just bought your book.

Pet Sounds was not played live in 2002 in Paris! So when they announced Smile revisited being played at the Paris mythical Olympia, french music aficionados wanted to attend the event; so the march 14th 2004 concert went sold out. That was the Smile Tour last european date.

I waited excited to listen to this new version done by Brian, his band  that included the Wondermints and assisted by Van Dyke Parks.

About section 1, Gee and Barrnyard though funny were not essential for my ears. And I was deeply sorry for My Only Sunshine not played along with Heroes or as segue to You're my sunshine. But Heroes, Do you dig Worms and Cabinessence (my favorite song from that era) were really great.

Section 2 was a magical moment and excellent marriage of great numbers; The bridges between  songs successfully flew.

About Section3, I'm in a great Shape/Wanna be around and workshop were not essential but the rest was a success. Holydays was fun and innovative. The bridge leading to Wind Chimes was really cute; it was clever to use the Smiley Smile fade out of WC  to introduce the number.

After those 3 sections went Good Vibrations: I was surprised they did not the definite lyrics and I did not like te ending. I prefered the original and definite1966 arrangement.

But I attended a great concert : Thanks to Brian tour de force (after all these often tragical years), His 2004 Band and don't forget those wonderful Stockholm Strings.

Gerard Hubert from France

————————————————- 

Hey David!

Here’s my Smile story from that era:

Brian released his completed version of “Smile” in 2004, and I remember thinking how incredibly far out it was to go buy the album on CD at a music store!  It was just there for anyone to buy!  This unreleased mystery album now had a price tag!  My brother and I got tickets to see him at the Oakdale Theater in CT in 2005, and the entire show was absolute magic.  His top notch band opened with the hits, performed all of “Smile”, did more hits and ended the night triumphantly.  The air felt different that night.  There really was a communal glow from the audience, like we were all sharing this same vibration, all putting out this energy because we knew we were witnessing a once in a lifetime experience.  It was the album that wasn’t, the time that was erased, the memories deeply repressed.  Yet, hear it was in every shimmering, harmonious, transcendent note.  The lost masterpiece finally saw the light of day.  If Brian intended for us all to leave the theater that night with the album’s name plastered on our faces, he succeeded in his mission.  Long live Brian and his incredible body of work!  The rest of the music world might catch up someday.

Giggens

2023

————————————————- 

 October 12, 2004: I was at Carnegie Hall to see Brian Wilson and his band perform SMiLE live. I had only become a real Beach Boys fan a couple of years before, and was still getting to know their music--when Brian and his band performed "Marcella" that night, I thought they were singing "My Sailor"--but I had been aware of SMiLE since 1988, when rumors of its intended completion were swirling around. By 2004 I had amassed a sizable collection of SMiLE bootlegs and tried to piece them together into a cohesive whole. It became an obsession, much to my wife's annoyance. Eventually I came to accept that a completed SMiLE was just a fantasy. But on October 12, 2004, at Carnegie Hall, with Van Dyke Parks himself in attendance and receiving a wave of applause, I watched that fantasy become a reality--and one of my very favorite musical works.

Glenn Greenberg

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

My wife and I attended both Carnegie Hall performances, Glenside PA, and Holmdel NJ.

I can’t recall ever having such anticipation for another event - and Brian and the Brian Wilson Band delivered in a big way! From the first breaths of Our Prayer to the last note of Good Vibrations I was in a trance-like state. Transcended to Brian's world of harmony and musical imagination. I was helpless but to linger on every note in an attempt to savor each moment.

It was obvious Brian was proud of the music and the band's performance. It was surreal to be immersed in the live performance of this legendary album, and to experience it with so many enthusiastic and passionate fellow fans was the gift of a lifetime.

20 years on it still feels like just yesterday. I’m grateful to have been present for this moment in music’s history!

Greg Mazzeo

——————————————— 

Hi David-

I suppose my personal feelings about the concert itself mirrors what it means to me. It was powerfully emotional to witness. As a fan of The Beach Boys for many years, this was the dark and painful part of the history that had tried to destroy Brian and his creativity, so getting to witness his performance was this brilliant moment of light as he finally conquered all of the demons associated with this incredibly beautiful music. I actually cried as the first chorus of voices began to sing My Prayer. It was as though their incantation lifted this terrible dark cloud away from Brian. It was a triumphant moment that I felt honored to have witnessed!

Hope you are well!

Greg Boone

——————————————— 

 I’m always wary of using stock phrases like “dream come true”, particularly when it comes to something as potentially commonplace as a rock & roll gig. But to describe the 2004 Brian Wilson Smile shows at the Royal Festival Hall as mere “rock & roll gigs” does them quite a disservice. Having learned 25 years earlier of the tortuous tale of Smile (and become a Beach Boys fan through the music it spawned), my expectations for the week’s performances were high... but cautiously so. I needn’t have had any reservations. The shows were without question the most uplifting, life-affirming concerts I’ve ever seen. To watch a man perform this beautiful, haunting music, accompanied by the most sympathetic backing musicians, while also facing and conquering his demons – all in front of a live audience! – was indeed a dream come true.

Harvey Williams

———————————————- 

 I was there, 20th February 2004, I was there for the whole week.

 SMiLE helped to forge long standing friendships. The aftershow parties held back at the County Hall hotel where many of the fans stayed, are now legendary.  A couple of guitars, fans singing the harmonies, a few of Brian’s band joining us, going to bed as the sun was rising, and repeating it all the next day! I loved it all.

One special relationship was created for me – The Royal Festival Hall is where I met my soul mate, my Brian. We were friends after SMiLE, we became a couple the following year and ended up tying the knot in 2022.

That is the magic that is Brian Wilson.

Inline image

"One Brian Wilson, there's only one Brian Wilson, One Bri-an Wilson, there's only one Brian Wilson"

Jacqui Dove

———————————————- 

Hey David,

Jeff Celentano here.  So great to have an opportunity to share my personal experience with you.

Like yourself, Brian and The Beach Boys music has been a centerpiece in my life both personally and professionally.

Here's my little contribution. Feel free to edit as you see fit.

"Like most fanatics, I'd been searching out and acquiring various Smile bootlegs for years and always loved imagining the complete concept and track order.

When it was announced that Brian was finally going to finish and release the Smile project, I was initially skeptical but extremely excited to hear the completed work.

I was at Disney Hall in LA and even the small Smile show in Vegas at Boulder Station (went with Billy Hinsche, actually).

After seeing several Pet Sounds performances in 2000/2001, the thought of experiencing SMiLE as a live concert was almost incomprehensible.

The Smile music always held a very special place in my heart. I studied every musical arrangement, memorized every vocal harmony and now, we'd finally get to hear how it was all supposed to come together from the composer himself.

Needless to say, it was one of the most significant and moving musical moments I've ever experienced (before or since).

Not only did Brian fulfill a promise to his long time fans, we all collectively felt the weight lift from our hero and we knew then that Brian truly was back.

In that monent, the artist and the fans were literally in perfect harmony in a way none of us had ever quite experienced. For that reason, The SMiLE music means even more to me today than it did before.

Sharing the moment with people like Van Dyke Parks as well as several other music legends in attendance at the Disney Hall show was truly special. We were all there to experience a lifelong musical event coming to fruition.

To top it off, I even stood at the stall next to Danny Hutton and a few other of those above-mentioned luminaries in the men's room!

Reflections on SMiLE

The idea of SMiLE ever being released seemed unlikely. But the thought it would be premiered at a live performance on my doorstep in London was simply beyond my wildest dreams… this was like finding El Dorado! I was lucky enough to be at every one of those February shows at the Royal Festival Hall. Twenty years on feels like yesterday as I recall my intense excitement and expectation on that opening night. Yet there was also a slight nervousness. Would SMiLE live up to the myth? Might it all prove too much for Brian? Clearly not. From Our Prayer’s invocation to the giddy abandon of the concluding Good Vibrations, the atmosphere in the audience was so full of love and warmth for Brian, his incredible band and the music. Wow, those triumphant concerts were simply addictive!

Joel Dunster

(London, UK)

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hi David. 

I was lucky enough to attend two shows, in Philly and Carnegie Hall. My wife and I went to the Keswick Theater together complete with toy fire hats. There was electricity in the air. The show was magical from the first note to the last. Midway through the concert my wife turned to me and asked where can we see this again? I told her in NY but I could only manage to get one ticket for Carnegie Hall so I went solo. The Smile shows are definitely the best concerts I've ever seen in my entire life.

John Barone

—————————————————- 

“Smile” was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I cautiously bought one £50 ticket, then additional tickets for twelve more shows. When questioned by a reporter as to what I thought of “Smile”, I said “it’s a miracle in one word”! This can be seen on the extras section of the DVD. The universe itself seemed to be aligned with “Smile”, since on the opening night, a crescent Moon (symbolizing new beginnings) appeared in the heavens close to Venus (the planet of smiles), visibly forming a “smile” in the sky.  I have many treasured memories of “Smile”:  Deb Keil telling me it was happening; meeting David and Eva Leaf, Brian and family, the wonderful band; the Stockholm Strings and Horns, fans who are now dear friends; shaking hands with Paul McCartney; and the aftershow parties. For me, the “Brian Wilson Presents Smile” DVD is the definitive version.

 John Etherington

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 I vividly remember the tension of the evening of February 20, 2004. Fans – who’d flown in from around the world to witness Smile’s premiere – were nervous. Six sold-out nights, a UK tour to follow, and tonight celebrities from the world of rock were among those taking their seats. Yet I sensed was a collective awareness that, despite the preparation, anticipation, publicity and excitement, it might not happen. The mid-1960s “Smile era”, as we knew it, had been a troubling time for Brian Wilson and the music – marvelous as we knew it to be – symbolized those troubles. A live performance of Smile, after 37 years of mystic, seemed too ridiculous to be true; even in the final few minutes before Wilson was due to walk out on stage, I sensed that he might not appear, or might walk off half-way through the performance. That it happened at all, that it was an incredible success, still seems as miraculous as the music itself proved to be.

All the very best (or “Love & Mercy” as I remember everyone used to sign off),

John Manning

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hello,

I saw Brian Wilson perform Smile at Atlanta's Chastain Park on October 16 2004, and I'll never forget it. How do you describe witnessing an event you had dreamed of for over 30 years? I was crying through at least half of it, starting when the verses of Roll Plymouth Rock were being sung.

One of the things that stands out in my memory, that I wish to this day I could find captured on video, is the members of the Stockholm Strings dancing with each other during the rock and roll encores. It was the most joyful thing I've ever seen on a stage.

The greatest concert of my life, and I've seen many.

All the Best,

John Paris

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

This was a big deal for Madison, WI, as The Overture Center was still fairly new .Beautiful venue.

The thing that I remember was when the curtains were pulled back, Brian and the Band were seated around a campfire (?) talking. It was beautiful. Not your usual opening where they just walk out. The other thing was the number of encores. Another thing I remember was that toward the end  (Maybe Barbara Ann) Brian stepped away from the piano and strapped on his bass for the last few numbers. People went nuts.

John Small

—————————————————-

I was present for the 10 October 2004 show at the Warner Theatre, Washington, DC.  My seat was in the middle balcony. It had been a long day by the time the concert began as I started the day in New York after attending a college reunion, but I wasn’t going to miss BWPS live—I drove home to Maryland, then to D.C. with my wife in time for the curtain raising.

I’m an emotional person with music, and I cried several times while hearing songs like Surf’s Up, Wonderful, and even Vege-Tables performed by Brian and the band. I grew up with the bootlegs and what-ifs—to hear it live and a ‘complete thing’ was a gift.

Looking back at it twenty years later, the most amazing thing about this show is the total set.  BWPS is the rare gift, but the first set might be the most complete overview of Brian as a performer that I saw him do live. I’ll leave that as a question for fan discussion!

John Tilden

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

On Friday, October 29, 2004 Brian Wilson brought SMiLE to the Pala Casino Resort & Spa. Despite the decades of speculation and anticipation, nothing could have prepared me for the emotional roller coaster ride of hearing SMiLE reproduced by the man himself along with the support of his remarkable band. SMiLE (in its unauthorized, bootleg form) is the album that Nick Walusko introduced me to in the summer of ’83. To witness Nick and Darian 21 years later performing “Mrs. O’Leary’s Cow” with the Stockholm Strings 'n' Horns is a memory that I will NEVER forget. It’s nothing short of miraculous how Brian managed to transcend his personal demons in order to present his masterpiece to the world. To my ears, no other work sounds as remarkable and revolutionary as these compositions by Brian and Van Dyke Parks. I get goosebumps every time I think about this mystical, magical evening. Thanks guys for changing the course of musical history!

 Jon Kanis, author of Encyclopedia Walking: Pop Culture & the Alchemy of Rock ’n’ Roll

————————————————— 

I vividly remember three different moments from the time surrounding the BWPS era. I was 24 years old, still relatively young in my Beach Boys fandom, but I was an obsessed fan nonetheless. I couldn't be at the RFH for opening night, but the next day, I was searching all over the web for any bootleg recordings I could find.  I remember being in awe of finally hearing this music in a complete form and it being more beautiful than I could imagine. When the album was released, I called in sick to my job so that I could be at the record store as soon as they opened and spend the day with it. I was mesmerized by the stunning work I was hearing. It may not have been the same album that should have been completed in 1967, but it was a titan achievement of it's own. One month later, I saw my first Brian Wilson show on the SMiLE tour.  I was moved to tears on multiple occasions. Seeing Brian immersed in the blue stage lights with his eyes closed taking in the band singing Our Prayer was the most moving live concert experience I've ever witnessed.  2004 was such a magical year in my Beach Boys fandom and I'm so thankful to have been alive in that time to witness it all.

That is longer than 150 words, but honestly, I can't think of how to shorten it without diminishing the time period.  If you choose to use my submission, obviously, feel free to edit anything out of it to fit your needs. Thanks for giving me a forum to share my ruminations about that special time.

Josh Hutson

————————————————- 

Hi David,

I saw Brian Wilson presents Smile at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in Antwerp (Belgium, March 11th 2004). As a big Brian Wilson (and Beach Boys) fan, I never thought I would ever see Brian playing live here in Belgium. It’s always exciting to see your idol live for the first time.

There was so much going on musically and visually when they played Smile. I know I did miss some little parts. It was hard to follow those top musicians. My eyes and ears went from left to right and back, again and again. It was so overwhelming.

I was so happy after the show. I saw and heard the legend Brian and the legendary Smile.

I can only hope a Blu-ray with an Atmos mix will be released for the 20th anniversary because that album is made to hear in surround.

I have added a photo off the concert ticket and the tour book to prove I was there.

Jurgen Verhoeven Belgium

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

My dad is a forever beach boys fan. In 1994 he practically begged me to watch the documentary, “The Beach Boys An American Band” with him in the living room. I was 14 and reluctantly gave in. It changed my life, especially seeing the SMiLE pieces with Brian at his best and most creative. I then found some bootlegs at a salty coastal store in Gloucester Mass along with the few releases on the 93 box set. Fast forward to 2002, Brian played the Avalon in Boston. I heard Cabinessence for the first time live and was in total shock. I knew he was getting more comfortable with the material. Then, the greatest thing happened to me… 2004…the entire SMiLE album announced -!; completed and to be performed live in Boston. I grabbed my closest friends, bought fire helmets at the now extinct Ames store in Woburn, and watched Brian and his amazingly talented band perform. It was the greatest moment for me. Like seeing God in person. Amen.

Thanks,

Kevin Bourinot

—————————————————— 

Dear David,

My first Brian Wilson solo show was one of the Pet Sounds shows at Royal Festival Hall in January 2002. It was really good, so when the SMiLE shows were announced, I immediately bought tickets again and went away from Denmark to London, but with mixed expectations. I didn't know what to expect.

In the first set Brian's voice was rather weak and he seemed nervous. Almost miraculously this changed completely when he presented SMiLE, and the show was a stunning triumph with Brian in full control.

Later in August that year I went to Oslo to see the SMiLE show again. Great!

Brian Wilson is definitely a genius and SMiLE is his masterwork. Love it!

All the best,

Kim Lange, Denmark

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hello David,

Here is my memory.

I saw Brian perform Smile at an intimate old theater in downtown St. Louis on August 24, 2005.  Unbelievably, I was able to get front row center seats.

I have seen Brian several times, but this particular night he was so on and into it.  Just an amazing experience to hear him, his wonderful band and the Stockholm Strings and Horns playing this music I never thought we would see performed. My friends and I brought toy fire helmets for Mrs. O’Leary’s Cow and vegetables for of course Vegetables. Even tossed him a carrot up onstage during the song!  Someone must have enjoyed our enthusiasm because we got invited back stage to meet Brian after the show. He signed my Smile program and I even got to meet Fred Vail as a bonus.

Here is the real crazy part.  That was actually the second time I met him that night.

Before the show Brian was out taking a walk. I recognized him immediately and caught up to him.  The guy walking with him offered to take a picture of us! This was before I had a cell phone camera, so luckily I had bought one of those disposable cameras on the way to the show.

One of the most memorable experiences of my life getting to meet my musical idol!

Here are a few photos from that MAGICAL evening.

Thank you David for all you do and have done over the years promoting Brian and the Beach Boys for us fans.

Sincerely,

Billy Onder - St. Louis, MO

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dear David

My thoughts:

MOMENTOUS!  That word perfectly summed up for me the musical event I’ll never forget.  In the words of a Radiohead poster “For a due appreciation of the above incomprehensible musical combination, much and a little more is depending on the imagination of the audience”.  Smile IS that sort of an album!

With Stephen McParland, my long-time friend Dwight Steven-Boniecki wrote in his book The Smile File, “As an album concept, Smile was a prototype; the bridge to as yet uncharted waters”.  Smile WAS that sort of album!

My sister Annika and I saw Smile performed at The Sydney Opera House back in 2004.  We witnessed a modern-day Mozart perform a new form of music… I’d call it an avant-garde classical!  It brought me to tears and also a smile to my dial!

Lawrence (The Professor) Lavery

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

At first, I turned down going to Carnegie Hall; I’m a teacher, and the shows were on school nights. I wouldn’t get home until late, and I didn’t want to take a day off so early in the school year.  My husband and I made plans to travel to Chicago for the show there on October 2nd. 

But then I realized, it’s CARNEGIE HALL!  So we bought tickets for the October 13th show.

We were in the first box in the first tier, right above the stage.  The quality of the hall made everything sound pristine.  I’m thankful for the video clips I shot that night, especially the end of “Good Vibrations”. Brian got up from his keyboard and DANCED.  I had never seen him do that before or since.  But why not dance?  He was presenting the work of his lifetime to a capacity audience on a legendary stage.

Lisa Courtney

——————————————————— 

BWPS Royal Festival Hall 2004 Memory

The last night of the run of shows was the most precious moment of my life.  Each movement a ballet, Probyn put down the French horn during Surf’s Up and as it swung moved on to the next instrument.  Around me were friends from all walks of life, all parts of the world all bound by our love of the music all feeling the same magic. Watching Brian in his spotlight halo now confident and happy now the success was assured, all the wishes over all the years brought to the pinnacle.

Wishing you as always, every success

Best regards

Liz Jones

——————————————————- 

SMiLE Memories

My daughter and I met up in New York for a mother/daughter weekend in 2004 and at her

suggestion we went to see BWPS at Carnegie Hall. While I saw The Beach Boys several times in

earlier years, this was my first exposure to Brian Wilson and SMiLE. The experience was a life

changer.

After Carnegie Hall, I saw SMiLE eight more times in 2004 – in the US: Las Vegas, Los Angeles

(Disney Hall); in Australia: Sydney (Opera House), Newcastle, Perth; and in New Zealand:

Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland.

Brian’s performances of SMiLE evoked happiness, whimsy, a blissful state of harmony and

peace, and enlightened energy. SMiLE is truly a magical masterpiece.

Since the SMiLE shows, I’ve seen Brian perform his various projects – Pet Sounds, That Lucky

Old Sun, Gershwin, No Pier Pressure, Greatest Hits, Beach Boys 50th, Something Great in ’68 – at

iconic venues and festivals around the world. I was fortunate to attend a total of 68 shows over

the years and have special memories of each of them.

I have met wonderful like souls at these events, many of whom are some of my closest friends

today. Special plaudits go to the fervent UK fan base, and to the members of Brian’s

extraordinarily talented band.

Brian’s music continues to fill me with joy every day for which I am eternally grateful.

Love and Mercy,

Louise Heifetz (aka Joy Germain)

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

I remember going to see Brian Wilson Presents SMILE in Chicago with my sister. She and I spent the evening going to dinner and then we went to the concert.  We had fun. It was me and her.  She was dying of cancer and I will never forget that night.  It was one of her good days.  She then died in January 2006....

Lucy Denning

————————————————- 

I wasn’t there the first time around. I didn’t hop aboard the proverbial Beach Boys surfboard and discover the music of Brian Wilson and co. until the mid-70s and it was only then that I found out about the mythological, mysterious SMiLE sessions. That said, by 2004, it had still been approaching 40 years of dreaming and pondering, what-ifs and hows, all accompanied by various snippets of bootlegs that had somehow leaked out into the wider world of Wilsonian fandom. Subsequently, when the news appeared that Brian was to complete the album, and debut it ‘live’, here in the UK that year, I was dumbstruck! I had to be there! Fortunately, I was – and to say it was magnificent would not do it justice. Moving, beautiful, awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping – just some of the words that spring to mind, but even they cannot fully converse what this work means to so many.

Thank you, Brian. Thank you, thank you, thank you…

Malcolm C Searles

Music biographer and historian

————————————————- 

 Dear David,

 SMILE

Without a doubt the absolutely perfect title for this masterpiece.

After Pet Sounds I never thought I’d ever hear anything to top it.

I was not very familiar with Smile, and when Brian announced the debut, at the Royal Festival Hall in London,  I thought perfect, what better way to get to know this composition better, from the master himself right in front of me,

I was full of excitement and expectation as the day drew near,

From that very first note, something magical happened, this explosion of warmth reached out into the auditorium, embracing us all,  the angelic sounds filled our hearts with joy,

I was taking in every note, word, image I could, I didn’t want to forget a thing,

It was a breath of life for me, it took away any stress and strains I had been carrying,

Everyone was Smiling, some were crying, Brian was really reaching out and touching our hearts,

Never had I felt so much from music,

And probably never will again

That night cemented many long term friendships, that all joined in going back for more and more Smile, it made us so very happy,

To this day, I will always be grateful for such a gift,

Thank you Brian,

Mandy Miles

—————————————————————— 

As I sat in the second row at Toronto’s Massey Hall and Brian’s band leapt into the “who ran the iron horse” section of “Cabinessence,” I could feel the house shake. I looked up to the ceiling of the cathedral-like venue, closed my eyes and thought, “This is THE moment!” It was the realization of a dream I’d had through years of obsessing over Smile. I could not believe Brian had completed the album and was in front of me singing it live! 

Sitting behind a keyboard at the front of the stage, he gave of his very best. When a number would end, the lights would go down and I could hear him give himself a pep talk. “Now smile!” he would order himself, and when the lights went back up, he was indeed beaming, and those of us who came to bear witness couldn’t help but smile back. 

Mark Dillon, author of Fifty Sides of The Beach Boys

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

As you might imagine , my memories of Brian Wilson Presents Smile are somewhat unique. I recall attending the rehearsals in LA (and recording some) before we travelled to London for the recording of the premier concerts at RFH. Sitting in the recording truck and witnessing Brian’s triumph was a simply amazing moment, and the shows were so good that I ended up staying on after the two scheduled recording dates to capture the rest of the shows in London. Then a few months later I engineered the recording of “Brian Wilson Presents Smile" In Los Angeles, the live DVD and the shows at Carnegie Hall. It was quite a year, and hard to believe that it happened 20 years ago.

To have helped Brian finally achieve his vision for Smile after so long is one of the proudest moments of my career, and I hope more people will get to hear and appreciate the music in the future…...

Mark Linett

Recording engineer- Brian Wilson Presents Smile, Smile Live and Smile at Carnegie Hall

———————————————— 

I saw Brian and his band perform this live in Ann Arbor, Michigan (October 2004).  My wife and I both agree it was the best we ever saw Brian.  He was engaged, the band was tight, and as I sat in the first row of the balcony, I closed my eyes and was transported to the year of my birth, 1967,  It was transformative, and amazing concert. What a great night.   I was privileged to be there.

Marty Dansack

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

By the time the news came out that Brian was finishing SMiLE with his marvelous band, I had already been down the rabbit hole. I heard all the bootleg recordings and knew that SMiLE was something amazing.  I was so excited and nervous when I heard the news. I wondered how he would pull it off and how would he sequence it.  There were parts that were never finished.  I had so many questions, but couldn’t wait to learn more about it and ultimately hear it.

I  purchased the BWPS album the day it came out and listened to it continuously for weeks. I told everyone I knew about the album and even purchased it for some people.  It is music that HAS to be heard, and that is still true today.

I was living in Kansas City at the time when I heard an ad on the radio for Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE live.  I couldn’t believe it.  The ad said he would be coming to the Starlight Theatre.  I was so excited that I purchased around 15 tickets for friends and family. I wanted everyone to see Brian and hear his brilliant, moving music.  Not only was I seeing SMiLE, but it was my first time seeing Brian Wilson live.

The time came for the concert.   I waited anxiously, and I saw Brian peek out to look at the crowd.  I’ll never forget the white pants and red shoes he was wearing.

Then it started.  The first half was all hits, including a cover of Kansas City and Little Saint Nick.  Brian and the band were great.  Throughout the whole first set all I could think about was how many great songs there were and we still got to hear SMiLE.   After a little break, the majestic opening voices of “Our Prayer” started, and it began. Brian was great both in voice and in spirit.  The second movement has always been my favorite, and Brian and the band did it beautifully, capping it with Surf’s Up.  The band was so good.  That music is difficult to play live, not to mention the complex harmonies they had to sing as well. The Stockholm Strings added so much as well.

After SMiLE, Brian strapped on the bass as they played more hits.  I left that concert so happy and satisfied.  It was a magical night I will never forget. My life really was different after see Brian in concert. He has such a presence about him. And it was really beautiful seeing his band play all of his creations with such devotion and reverence.  That concert was the first of almost twenty concerts for me.  It will always be my favorite.

Twenty years later I still listen to the BWPS album.  When I do, I remember fondly my first concert and Brian’s red shoes.  His music moves me like no other, and I am so grateful to have it in my life. I wish everyone knew of his music.  If they did, they would know his soul.  He truly is one of a kind.

Thank you Brian, for everything!

Matt Coffey

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

At the time I didn't understand Brian's genius writing so at that time it didn't mean much but as I got older the

the music group on me shortly after, amongst listening to early Beach boys material such as pet sounds led me to believe that Brian was genius and set out to do what he wanted to do being a big Beatles fan for decades it

brought me to a new level listening to The Beach boys smile is not quite as good as listening to Brian's version it's

impacted me emotionally and spiritually, and it's really at the top of my list!

Matt Hinckley

—————————————————————— 

What I remember most vividly about the day of the premiere is that I met many people in real life who I only knew from the internet. Most of the time I hung out with a fan from Sweden, Tobias Bernsand. Before the SMiLE part of the concert there was an unplugged set, and it featured the most beautiful version of “Good Timin’” I have ever heard. The set ended with “You’re Welcome”, so Tobias and I concluded, SMiLE now has to start with “Prayer”, and it did.

Before the show I got to shake hands with David Leaf, which probably made him use me saying “I’m from Germany” in the Beautiful Dreamer documentary. I still have the sweater I wore that night, and whenever I visit Beach Boys fans around the world I wear that sweater to prove that’s really me on the DVD!

Best wishes from Germany,

Michael Fredrich

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

As a person that aspire to be and artist, is really hard to accept that some of your ideas may will never come to light as your imagine it. But sometimes, if you hold into the most pure essence of your creativity, if you are willing to revisit and give your younger self a helping hand, your idea can grow into something you’d never imagine.

The ideas behind Brian Wilson Present SMiLE were so pure, impressive and creative, that there was no other option for them but to be born.

Magg Goguma

—————————————————————- 

 "February 20th 2004 a Birthday to remember"

 At this point, as a Beach Boys/Brian Wilson Fan for 40 years, I was filled with excitement with the anticipation of something very special happening on this day. The first ever performance of the Legendary "SMiLE" Album. Would it work "Live", would I be disappointed? Answers: Yes and No!

 Back in 1967 I remember being intrigued by the news of The Beach Boys forthcoming LP "Out in the States next month titled "SMiLE" including a 12 page book of colour photos and a dozen songs by Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks. Among the titles "Do You Like Worms", "Surf's Up", "Cabin Essence" and a suite called "The Elements". How amazing did all that sound? Of course when "Smiley Smile" hit the record stores a few months later! I was thinking this can't be it, where are all those weird song titles? Throw forward 37 years and many bootleg versions later, here we are at the Royal Festival Hall waiting to hear the completed album for the first time! What order would the songs be in? I had compiled many different running orders from the available bootlegs over the years. As I'm sure many other fans had done also.

Well the Concert was a triumph for Brian Wilson and his fantastic band, hearing those opening lines in "Do You Like Worms" (Roll Plymouth Rock) for the first time I was blown away "Waving from the ocean liners" and "Once upon the Sandwich Isles". The three separate sections worked brilliantly. Closing with Good Vibrations with original lyrics was a nice surprise and fitting.

A word of praise to Darian Sahanaja for his great involvement. I went home a very happy man following my best ever Birthday Present! 

Mike Grant

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

It's been a journey and a labor of love that began with Derek Taylor's pre release rhapsodic comments re Good Vibrations in Hit Parader.  I remember where I was when I first heard it.  I was hooked.

Next came Jules Seigel's seminal piece originally intended for Saturday Evening Post, Goodbye Surfing, Hello God.

Then came the late Judith Sims' Brian Wilson, Production Genius in Capitol's in house rag, Teen Set.

After that, one could only fantasize about what might have been but never would.  Or so I feared.

Then hell froze over and it was announced the original, honest to goodness Smile was about to see the light of day.  In a Box Set no less!

Memphis being the cultural backwater it is, there was only one record store that stayed open past Midnight on Monday nights to allow serious fans to pick up their latest obsession before anyone else.

First thing I did was to verify they would be open, and that they would indeed have it in stock.

I got there around 10PM (you couldn't buy it 'til Midnight).  I asked if anyone else was waiting like me (no, thank goodness).  Seeing that I was hardcore, they graciously allowed me to hold and inspect the Box Set 'til the anointed time.

The ultimate reward was that, after 43 years of waiting, I was the first person in the city to have it.  The first!

The ultimate accolade came from no less than The New York Times.  Not only did they give Smile a wonderful review but the review was not where it normally would have appeared.  It was above the fold on the Editorial Page.  Not the adjoining contributed Editorials but THE Editorial Page.  Somebody really had the juice to pull this off! Smile is my most prized recording of Brian Wilson's genius and I consider it to be the finest album ever made!  Even more than Pet Sounds Box Set.

Mike Malone

I attended both BWPS concerts that year in both Manchester and Liverpool. I went to the Manchester concert with a friend who was only a casual fan and he and I were both blown away by the Smile segment of the concert particularly, the band were of course incredible and Brian was in good voice too, so a massive success and an emotional event from a personal point of view as I never thought this would occur as a longtime Beach Boys FAN since 1969 (age 13). The Liverpool gig three days (?) later was even more electric and acoustically better, as it was in the bigger Liverpool Empire Theatre (were I had seen the Beatles in 63, and the Beach Boys sans Brian, in both 1970 and 1972), and of course Liverpool audiences are known for our ‘Celtic’ enthusiasm!! Great memories in all and of course many thanks to all involved especially Brian. Surfs Up forever!

Mike Mcloughlin

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

I saw SMiLE every night in London row 3 stage right, also in Glasgow. After every show there was the usual backstage party in the venue lounge with fans and band members. Van Dyke Parks was at the parties and one night Scott Bennett played the piano and Van Dyke and I danced including a waltz. During opening night party in London Scott .grabbed my bag and hand and walked me down the hall telling me that friend was asking to see me. He took my hand and knocked on door. Jeffrey Foskett opened the door and thanked Scott. A familiar voice called me by my name and offered me a seat on the arm of his oversized chair. It was Brian Wilson! He asked me if I thought the show was a hit which it was. He asked me why I was crying a few times so i told him I was amazed by what l was hearing and did I think other people felt the same way. He asked me a few more questions and then what he could do to make SMiLE better! I told him to get his buns into a studio and record it. He laughed and hugged me saying they have a good studio booked in September.

Pat Panuska AKA Bluebird

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

I saw the Beach Boys on their 1966 UK tour, so reckoned it was time to keep up with what they’d been doing since! To see Brian do Smile was… overwhelming. The band were spot on (a BB style Analogues) and took the burden off Mr Wilson. To hear it is an near a form as intended was remarkable. Sonically stunning, and frankly just to be in the same room was enough. But in all honesty, and it’s not just a patriotic thing, Smile was never going to be Sgt Pepper. What The Beatles accomplished drew a line in the sand. Mind you, Paul was in the audience and has always acknowledged Brian’s influence. Comparisons are… unnecessary. I was there the night Brian Wilson Performed Smile…

Patrick Humphries – London

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

The music made during the SMiLE era touches me more deeply than anything I’ve ever heard. It feels as though Brian captured my DNA and recorded it on tape. I was lucky enough to be at the Royal Festival Hall for the premiere of BWPS (and in fact I attended all the London shows, wanting to soak up every moment). I could not believe what I was seeing and hearing. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever believe that I would be a few feet away from Brian Wilson as he sang “over and over the crow cries, uncover the cornfields”. When Van Dyke appeared on stage at the end of the show, and Brian instinctively pulled him in for a bear hug, the tears flowed. And when I got home, I tried to tell my family what I had just experienced, but I was still so stunned that I could barely speak. I will never forget that night.

Paul Jones, from the UK

——————————————————

I'll never forget the nervous anticipation during the interval that night in the Royal Festival Hall as we prepared to witness SMiLE for the first time.  The quiet tension built as everyone filed in to take their seats again, silent nods were exchanged as friends moved past and as the lights went down it was almost possible to feel the good vibes being directed towards the stage.

The angelic harmonies of Our Prayer filled the auditorium and I tried to scribble notes while still savouring the music. Murmurs went around the hall as familiar segments of music blended into each other, and unheard lyrics were added as the music flowed-it was mesmerising, transcendent.    The music faded to a close as tears ran openly- we had witnessed something very, very special. Brian had triumphed and history had been made, a moment in time.  The sword had been pulled from the stone.

Paul Trimble

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Indeed, I remember the amazing 'Brian Wilson Smile Tour' concert at the Dodge Theatre in downtown Phoenix very well and very fondly on a Halloween night October 31, 2004. This may be hard to believe but this was my first ever time to see Brian Wilson in concert anywhere. Embarrassed to admit I was a ' very late ' comer to the Beach Boys / Brian Wilson fold. But once I was smitten, I was a fan forever naturally. That evening I also had the good fortune of securing backstage passes for the ' meet and greet / signing ' event as well. You can only imagine the thrill this was for me. The band was all dressed in Halloween costumes and they all looked great! Most of you know this band was incredibly tight and very professional. To my ears, they sounded like record quality or darned close on every song. It was amazing truly. One occurance that stuck out to me very large was the fact that during the course of the show, Brian stopped a song right in the middle of performing it. He had noticed a fan in the front row holding up an album for him to sign. This was something I had not seen before or since by any Beach Boy, let alone Brian. He got up right from his keyboard seat, walked to the stairs at the edge of the stage and down to the fan to sign his album. Then he reverses order, lands back in his seat to finish the song! Now just imagine that one folks! My good long time friend, Wayne Johnson who was in attendance.) told me he'd seen hundreds of shows over the years, and never not seen that happen even once before (or since either.) What an incredible and wonderful night it was. So happy I was there to soak that all up. Since then, my wife and I have seen Brian and the various Beach Boys line ups dozens of times and loved them all.

Optional, but I hope you leave it in... (And a very sincere thanks to Mr. Leaf for truly being a friend to me for many of my top Beach Boys experiences since this time even though I was nothing more than a mere fan. What a guy!)

(Hi David, the attached images are the local  1. A Phoenix newspaper announcing they were coming to Phoenix. 2. Backstage passes (these laminates were actually given to me by a noted friend of the band after the show. the ones I actually had and used were the cloth stop sign shaped green ones. I could not locate them! grrrr...) 3. FULL BAND signed SMILE ALBUM that was sold for a charity in 2004 and handled years ago by Darien Sahanaja. 4. The letter with the LP from Darien. If you want to use any of these, you have my permission. If you need better images of any, I can provide.)

Perry Cox

——————————————- 

Excited, filled with anticipation for months leading up to the first show in the UK. Fans devoured every fan report and review. First show I attended was the Nov 33h show at the Disney Concert Hall. An acoustically awesome venue! Brian and band sounded great starting with the hits. I remember the excitement during intermission meeting friends and seeing many familiar faces throughout the venue. Finally settled back into our seats the band nailing the Smile set in all of its brilliance. Second show was the Hollywood Bowl in 2005.  Another fantastic show and significant, being the last show of the tour. I and a few friends, including the Adsett’s from the UK were lucky enough to have after show back stage passes. It was such fun and a great privilege to hang out with friends and celebrity fans and share a beer and a toast with Brian!

Best Regards,

Phil Rotella

——————————————
I remember being very emotional that day, the very first time ever Brian Wilson gave a solo concert in Holland and performing Smile.. and I was there. I had no idea what to expect, but during the concert I couldn't believe what was happening, I was overwhelmed, the public the fans were overwhelmed - I still remember sitting next to a German fan and we both agreed Brian is a genius. the concert sounded just like the music we had heard on CD or album , with lots and lots of details and humor on stage . During the whole show, almost after every song standing ovations and during the concert total silence just watching and listening in awe and admiration. I can't describe how I felt after the show but I can describe how it feels now and what it means to me being part of an important piece of Brian Wilson music history on stage in Holland; I feel so much pride, still emotional, the concert no one would ever believe would happen. it's very special to me, the thought " I was there!!!"

This is my story, no idea if these are 150 words but I wanted to describe exactly how it still feels being there.

Best wishes from Holland,

Priscilla Smits

——————————————- 

Smile – Glasgow Clyde Auditorium 4th March 2004

When it was announced that Brian Wilson was finally going to perform the mythical Smile Album live and in full I HAD to get tickets.  I instantly bought 4 tickets as I knew I had to share this experience with some “non believers”.

I booked tickets and recruited 3 friends to come with me and plans were made to get to Glasgow.  2 cars were required.  More on that later.

The concert began and it was amazing but there was a definite sense of anticipation for the second half.

The second half began with Our Prayer and we were transported.  It was unbelievable how it all pieced together.  Having been listening to what was previously available how could I not have realized that tones would segue into Wind Chimes.  Genius.  It was also mind blowing how Wonderful and Song For Children joined.  Sublime.

Once Smile finished the band performed the last few greatest hits then the most amazing concert I’ve ever been to was over.

Back to the 2 cars as we were going to 2 different places (Edinburgh & Dumfries).  I was so full of the concert I managed to crash the car at the first junction I got to.  Cars were damaged but everyone was fine.  Luckily the driver of the 2nd car was able to drive us all to Edinburgh until the tow truck arrive the next day

A night that I’ll never forget ……….

Quentin Collier – Glasgow Scotland

————————————————— 

I was privileged to be at the Disney Hall performance of "Brian Wilson Presents Smile."  I had previously purchased the CD, along with the Beautiful Dreamer DVD, so my anticipation for the concert was very high, and Brian and company did not disappoint.  Wonderful music from a living legend and his excellent musical colleagues.

A couple of bonus things that I enjoyed:  I spotted Harry Shearer in the lobby prior to the concert.  At the time, I was a devoted listener to his "Le Show" every Sunday morning.  I was thrilled to see Van Dyke Parks get a standing ovation during the concert; I have been a Van Dyke fan ever since "Song Cycle."

And also, I got to see you as you came up to the balcony to greet a Hawthorne High classmate of Brian's who was seated in front of me.  It was the first time since we worked on the A&M Records 25th Anniversary project together, and it was a high point of my evening.

It was a very memorable time, and "Smile" is among my all-time favorite albums.

Best regards and many thanks!

Randy Kosht

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

BWPS to me was a true rollercoaster of emotions. It was so touching to see Brian, after all that he’s been through, embraced by the love of the band, getting that SMiLE burden off his shoulder. I’d never expected to witness SMiLE in it’s full glory. An dit was kind of funny that the definitive SMiLE turned out totally different than almost 40 years of bootleg versions. BWPS to me is almost a religious experience.

René Steenbergen

———————————————— 

Two dorky 15-year-olds are in a dusty record shop in Llandudno leafing excitedly through Beach Boys vinyl. It’s around 1993, before they got cool again. The guy behind the counter, baffled to see a couple of teenagers getting so excited about such ‘old’ music, told us about SMILE! – this was long before the internet had reached ubiquity, so we clung to his every word like it was gold dust - a mythic unfinished masterpiece sounded too good to be true. Our quest for completionism took us through their discography finding clues in tracks like “Surfs Up” and “Cabinessence”, to Beach Boys Conventions in London, where we unearthed bootlegs from fellow obsessives. When it was announced, years later that Brian had pieced it all together, our levels of excitement were huge; plans were made, tickets bought and, along with an army of fellow explorers, two dorky 30-year-olds finally completed their quest.

Many thanks,

Ric Neale

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

I saw BWPS in my first visit to Carnegie Hall on 10/12/2004. After entering the beautiful theater, my friends and I took our seats well ahead of show time. Van Dyke Parks attended and one of my friends began a round of applause that spread throughout the crowd as he entered. That the man so intertwined with the entire story of SMiLe was in attendance doubled the excitement of the show.  Outside the stunning performance of SMiLe itself, highlights included the opening acoustic set (starting with And Your Dream Comes True!), and California Girls. The latter was that "one song" of the night where the band just gelled and floored the entire crowd.  One of my friends (who isn't a big fan of the Beach Boy "hits") just turned to me and said "Wow".  The band was in top form - it was a night none of us will ever forget!

Russ Smith

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

When Lisa and I saw that Brian’s Smile tour would have a stop in my favorite place in the world on my birthday weekend, an overnight trip to Chicago was a no-brainer.

As we were walking to the show after dinner, a group of teenagers approached us, asking if we knew how to get to the Auditorium Theatre. “Follow us!” we proudly told them.

Brian was different: cracking jokes, going off-script, genuinely having fun. He commented about how beautiful the Auditorium Theatre was. The usher near us had a blast: she was dancing all over the place during the concert — except during “Mrs. O’Leary’s Cow,” when she sat on the steps, looking freaked out! A mind blowing show, hearing Smile live just a few miles from where the famous fire started. The next day, I turned 30.

I can’t imagine a more monumental way I could have ended my 20s.

Sean Courtney

—————————————————

I was over the moon when I learned Brian would be touring for SMiLE.  This was before the material was recorded as an album.  We would all finally hear the finished version of the lost, unfinished masterpiece by the creator.  With all this being said, it was announced that the local classic radio station was giving away front row tickets.  The key to winning them was to identify three snippets of Beach Boys’ songs as they were played in reverse over the airwaves.  I recorded the spot onto cassette as it was going on and played it over and over.  I felt confident that I had the answers.  People kept guessing but no one got it.  Finally, it was my turn and just like that, I got all 3.  I went completely crazy on the air.  I was so happy.  My brother and I were going to the show!  On the day of the show, I remember we remarked on how it felt as we just kept walking closer and closer to the front row.  We sat near Brian’s wife, Melinda.   She got my stuff signed by Brian during intermission.  Simply amazing.

Shawn Franklin

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Waiting in anticipation for decades.  First Pet Sounds.  Then what?  A taste of Brian’s creative genius in 1967 on a Leonard Bernstein TV special.  I witnessed it.  “Surfs Up”!  What was that?  A clarion call for a new, never heard direction in Brian Wilson’s music?

The word “SMiLE” came up in the conversations I read in all the new publications devoted to music journalism.  The Beach Boys’ next album?  Yes!  It never came.  Then something miraculous happened.  In the next century!  Brian got to work with Van Dyke and Darian.  The music of “SMiLE” came to be.  And my waiting was rewarded in 2004 by the brilliance and glorious wonder of it all in LA’s magnificent Disney Hall!  As a fan since “Surfin’ Safari” in ‘62, it was the culmination of all that I had hoped for.  Love & Mercy indeed!  Thank you, Brian.

Steve Abramson

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Brian and his band came to Nokia Theater in Grand Prairie, Texas in 2005 with the “Smile” tour. I convinced my wife she needed to see the concert. She did not grasp my “devotion” to Brian’s music so I thought this would help with her understanding. We parked next to and visited with some other BW devotees, confirming there were others like me! The concert started with an acoustic set which emphasized the harmonies. A break then the entire “Smile” album! Another break then an hour of Beach Boys and BW songs, followed by a fantastic encore. About a three hour concert. As we are walking back out to the car, my wife turns to me and says, “I think I get it now. You cannot listen to his music without feeling joyful and happy! So I get your fanaticism now!” Made the experience that much more delightful and meaningful. It was the best of all the Beach Boys and Brian Wilson concerts I have been to. We sat down front on the fourth row and I swear I saw Brian smile at us as I was mouthing along with him on one of the songs. Made my day!

Terry Aycock

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

In January 1967 there was a record ad in the New York Daily News Sunday edition for Masters Department store on West 48 St. One of the new releases listed was for Smile by The Beach Boys. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. The next day I got off the subway at West 50th street on my way home from college and headed to the store. Needless to say I went home to Brooklyn empty handed. My first Smile heartache!!

All of that changed on February 20th 2004. I traveled to London with 6 other people. My son Brian, my brother John and his daughter Caitlin, Jeff Deutch, Rick Colville and Chuck Hagee. We were all filled with excitement as we approached Royal Festival Hall that evening. And Your Dream Comes True was such a fitting opening and summarized the evening for everyone. From Our Prayer through Good Vibrations we sat mesmerized by what we were hearing. The standing ovation that Brian, Van Dyke and the band received was as much of an emotional release for the audience as it was for the performers. We left the hall walking on air!!

Coda

After that evenings concert we all headed to the bar at the County Hall Marriott to celebrate. A gentleman came up to me and the first words out of his mouth were “It was you!!” He then explained that on March 10, 1999 Brian Wilson and 3 other people sang Happy Birthday to him at a Denny’s restaurant after Brian’s performance at the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago. He was able to identify David Leaf and Ray Lawlor but not me. I was the fourth at the table that evening.

Tom Bagdonas

Extra Note: My brother John and I were born 18 months apart (I am the older brother). We shared a bedroom in our house in Brooklyn until I got married in 1971. We both shared a passion for music, especially The Beach Boys. We saw our first Beach Boys concert in 1966 at Fordham University in the Bronx. We saw them numerous times in the coming years including the legendary Carnegie Hall concerts of 71-72.

We followed the SMiLE saga through the pages of Crawdaddy magazine. We listened to the first SMiLE bootleg in the early 80’s and everything that followed. When Brian’s SMiLE performances at Royal Festival Hall were announced we knew where we would be on February 20th. As we all know life can be very unexpected. Three weeks before the show my brother was diagnosed with a blood cancer called Multiple Myeloma. His doctors at Sloan Kettering wanted to start treatment immediately but John told them it will have to wait until he returned from London.

John and his daughter Caitlin arrived in London the day after I had arrived with my son Brian. John felt a bit weak but his excitement for the concert put his ills in the rear view mirror. After a 37 year wait we were able to experience together the greatest concert performance of our lifetime.

John and his daughter Caitlin can be seen in the fan portion of the Beautiful Dreamer documentary. If memory serves they are the last to be interviewed. We saw the next two SMiLE performances and then flew back to New York. John started his treatments at Sloan and responded so positively that he survived his cancer for another 16 years. He left us in November 2020. I miss my brother dearly but I am comforted by thousands of memories of how we shared our musical passion together.

Tom Bagdonas

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

I'd seen Brian in a number of venues-Among those was a sound check in 2000 in Harrisburg, PA where he went to each band member coaching them on playing "Papa Oom Mow Mow" which they did that night (and where I also met you, David, as you asked me about the Gettysburg Battle upon hearing that was where I was from. I sat at his feet in the B.B King Bar and Grill in Times Square during his "Songs to Make You SMiLE" tour, both sets, and in between sets, enjoying watching him contentedly swigging a beer alone at a booth, his fans all letting him have his alone time.

But seeing him bring "SMiLE" home to Los Angeles was the best of all. It took place two nights at Disney Hall and I got to see both performances. It was an eye-opener to look around the audience and find the likes of Van Dyke Parks and Lindsey Buckingham (I remembered his own interpretation of "SMiLE" that made up much of his second solo album and wondered what was going  through his head that night.)  sitting among us. The best moment was during the finale allowing himself to leave his place of safety behind the piano and get up and dance in a line with his bandmates. Yes, dance! I looked over to where Melinda stood shaking her head and beaming.

Having followed his story since 1966 in Hit Parader, hearing "Surf's Up" on the Leonard Bernstein tv special, spending decades reading about and scavenging for recordings of "SMiLE" outtakes, it was a dream come true to witness him finally get to celebrate the fruition of his own beautiful dream.

Tom Thieme

—————————————————————— 

I can't begin to explain what a triumph it was to hear SMiLE completed. I was able to attend the Atlanta show on the tour. In addition to celebrating this phenomenal music, it was equally important to show Brian the love for the music he created with Van Dyke Parks. What a memory! The album itself is everything it always promised to be. It's breathtaking and stunning. Bravo!

Tommy Burton

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

SMiLE For The MUsIC…

Setting the Scene: it is March 15th 2003. The venue is The Wycliffe Rooms, Lutterworth, Leicestershire, England, home of Beach Boys Britain. Jeffrey Foskett and Billy Hinsche have been doing a quirky Q&A for our event, when Jeff suddenly announced that Brian Wilson IS going to perform Smile and the VERY 1st PERFORMANCE will be in London, England, the following year. No, really…our ears did not deceive us. “When can we buy the tickets?”, immediately cried a voice!  The excitement was undeniable.

Taking our seats for that very first night in the Royal Festival Hall, faces beaming, waving to so many others, seeing so many “famous faces” in the audience, we could only try to imagine how Brian and the band were feeling. Concern almost outweighed love, but Brian, the Band, and the joy that night brought, solidly remain in our hearts, rest of our lives.

Val Johnson-Howe, Chair, Beach Boys Britain & Presenter of The Final Wave

—————————————————- 

 My brother Peter and I were lucky to attend every one of Brian Wilson’s SMILE concerts at the Royal Festival Hall in London in 2004.  My good friend Jeff Foskett and I had engineered Brian’s Honorary degree from Northeastern University in 2003 and I was so pleased to hear Jeffrey introduce Brian in London as “Dr. Brian Wilson.”.  At the Northeastern Commencement I remember taking Brian down the elevator at the Boston Garden after the ceremony when he said to his friends, including you, “hey, now I’m Dr. Brian Wilson.  You guys want to see me, office hours by appointment only”.  In London We we’re fortunate to be in the movie Beautiful Dreamer for a few seconds, and Jeffrey introduced me to Chris White of the Zombies, who is still a good friend.  I know Brian was nervous, but he pulled it off like the superstar he is.  Great memories.

 Vin Lembo

—————————————————
On that October night in 2004, with my best friend of over forty years Mike Parsons, I sat down in the Verizon Theater in Houston anxiously waiting to hear this historic work of music performed. I realized that while it was a high point in my life as a fan of Brian Wilson’s music, it was much more. It was also the culmination of over thirty years of a long traveled road as a Beach Boys fan. The ups and downs that I (and other fans) rode with this group regarding SMiLE had brought me to this moment. While not the “crazy” Brian fan that I am, Mike knew the history of this project because of his near encyclopedic knowledge of all sixties music. Its importance did not escape either of us.

I always believed in Brian and his immense talent. I had heard snippets of the tracks for this opus that were issued on later releases. The Beach Boys themselves had teased releases of SMiLE through the decades, all of which came to naught. The GOOD VIBRATIONS box of 1993 was of course the exception that further whetted my appetite. But all of my hopes were pinned on Brian being able to pull this masterpiece together and complete it. I thought it would never happen. But with the talented Darian Sahanaja and Van Dyke Parks at his side, Brian crafted a finished work that lived up to and surpassed all of my dreams and expectations. I reveled in that satisfaction as his symphony soared around me and my childhood friend on that evening.

To be honest, of the recollections I have about that night, the joy and satisfaction I felt seeing Brian was happy realizing his dream of completing SMiLE, is the only memory worth relating.

And that Mike and I got to be there!

Robert Flory