JOE DeSANTI | Go Venue Magazine
The forecast called for rain, but nothing would stop the Beach Boys from rocking the stage at the Pinewood Bowl Amphitheater in Lincoln, Nebraska on August 2nd, 2020. Much to the band’s, and concertgoers’ delight, the rain held off for the duration of the over two-hour concert.
Originally, the lineup for the night also featured the band America, but due to the worldwide Coronavirus pandemic, they were forced to cancel.
Following the CDC’s recommendations, the Pinewood Bowl required all attendees to wear masks and follow safety guidelines throughout the show. Fans weren’t allowed to gather in crowds or walk around once the concert started, and folding chairs lined the amphitheater’s grounds for people to sit.
Before taking the stage, a cool video played on the big screen, showing the rise of the group, old photos and videos, news clips, and soundbites. The Beach Boys were right on time, starting promptly at 7:30, and played for over an hour before taking a short break. After intermission, the group played for almost another hour and a half.
Throughout the show, lead singer, Mike Love, pointed and smiled at members of the audience, made jokes in between numbers, and explained the history of some of the group’s more popular songs. He also shared stories about the band’s friendly rivalry with the Beatles.
I was amazed at how great the group sounded, and how many hits they had that I had forgotten about. Almost every song was recognizable and brought back great summer memories. I guess that’s how it goes when you’ve sold over 100 million records worldwide and are considered one of the most influential bands of all time.
The Beach Boys were formed in 1961 and are still going strong over 50 years later!
Their 39-song set list contained a plethora of hits and a fun encore that featured Mike Love’s newest song, “This Too Shall Pass”, written specifically about the Coronavirus. All the guys looked and sounded great and had the crowd singing along from the moment they began.
It’s easy to see why the Beach Boys have enjoyed so much success. Their songs are timeless and bring a feeling of innocence from a time when things seemed a lot simpler. If you have the chance, I highly recommend seeing them in concert!
The Beach Boys Set List
Do It Again | Catch A Wave | Hawaii | California Sun | It’s Ok | Surfin’ Safari | Surfer Girl | Getcha Back | Good to Baby | Grow Up | Darlin | You’re So Good | Dance, Dance, Dance | Be True to Your School | Room | Don’t Worry Baby | Little Deuce Coupe | 409 | Shut Down | Get Around | California Dreaming | Sloop John B | Nice California Girls | Disney Girls | God Only Knows | Pisces Brothers | Here Comes the Sun | Sailor | Rockaway | Wanna Dance | Help Me, Rhonda | Rock and Roll Music | Barbara Ann | Good Vibrations | Surfin’ USA
Encore
This Too Shall Pass | Kokomo | Fun, Fun, Fun
