Friday January 12, 1962: Rainbow Gardens, Pomona, CA-with the Mixtures and the Sentinals (8:00 PM Show)

I found this show after the publication of my book.  The Beach Boys appeared as a “special guest star” at DJ Bob Eubanks “Teen Age Dance Party” at the Rainbow Gardens.  Wink Martindale began hosting Dance Parties every Friday in 1961 and Bob Eubanks then took over emcee duties by the end of the year.  Eubanks eventually started his own teenage nightclub, The Cinnamon Cinder, in the summer of 1962.  He was an early booster of the Beach Boys and employed them numerous times. The Mixtures were the house band at the Rainbow Gardens and played there every Friday, with different guest acts.

Friday January 26 1962: Hawthorne HS Senior Breakfast, Hawthorne, CA-with Chris Montez and the Mellow Teens

James Murphy, who delved into the Hawthorne High School archives for his marvelous book, Becoming the Beach Boys (McFarlane, 2016), uncovered this appearance, which would have included Al Jardine. According to a witness, the group was “dreadful.”

Saturday January 27, 1962: Surfers’ Stomp Dance”, Malaga Cove School, Palos Verdes Estates, CA-with the Bel Airs (8 to 11 PM)

This show, billed as a ‘Surfers’ Stomp’, was not known to me when I published my book in 2013. It was sponsored by the Sapphire Street Surf Club. As I stated in the December 31 listing for 1961, the accompanying photo was probably taken around this time, if not earlier and is the only one currently known to exist of the band with Al Jardine in their pre-Capitol Records career.

Friday January 26, 1962:“Twist For Silver” March of Dimes Dance at Robert Hall Chevrolet, Los Angeles, CA-hosted by KRLA DJ Jimmy O’Neill-with Donny Brooks, Dean Holly, Molly Bee, Steve Wale, the Bel-Aires and the Marketts (7 PM to Midnight)

I discovered this show in  the Valley Times newspaper in 2019. It is one of the earliest Beach Boys shows. Interestingly, it was hosted by future Shindig Host DJ Jimmy O’Neill, an early booster of the group.

Circa Jan-Feb 1962:  Record Store, Thousand Oaks, CA

According to Beach Boys historian James Murphy, the Beach Boys performed at least once at a store owned by Shane Wilder. Wilder later claimed in an article that he served as a manager for the group in the early days, but this has never been confirmed by any member of the band.

(Correction) Friday February 16 and Saturday February 17, 1962: Rainbow Gardens, Pomona, CA-with the Mixtures

Although Keith Badman listed these shows in his book and we chose to also include them in ours, it is now evident that the Beach Boys did not play at the Rainbow Gardens on both February 16 and 17, 1962. Rock bands did not play at the venue on Saturdays. Bob Eubanks hosted dances at this venue only on Fridays. These shows were well publicized in the newspaper, which usually included the name of the headliners and some other act. The only show listed in newspapers with the Beach Boys took place on January 12, 1962 and  July 27 1962. It is of course possible that the group, who were largely unknown at the time, played at the venue as an unlisted act on  February 16 as well.

Wednesday March 7, 1962: Morningside High School, Inglewood, CA

In the “Other 1961-62 Concert Appearances” section of our book, we noted that a fan recalled seeing the band at this venue in early 1962. James Murphy uncovered the date of this show, which took place at Mike Love’s brother Steve’s school. This was probably David’s second gig with the Beach Boys in place of Al Jardine.

Circa Monday March 12 to Friday March 16, 1962: Torrance High School, Torrance, CA

Sometime during this “Prom Week” the BBs played one show at Torrance HS

Friday March 23, 1962: “Kid’s Day”, National Orange Show Fairgrounds, San Bernardino, CA (4:00 PM) and Mira Costa High School Auditorium, Manhattan Beach, CA-with Spencer and Allred, Twin Tones and Tommy Terry (8:15 PM Show)

In our book, we mentioned that the Beach Boys appeared at a special Variety Revue to benefit the Manhattan Beach Police on the night of March 23. Jim Murphy uncovered the afternoon show in San Bernardino.

(Addition/Correction) Saturday March 24, 1962: Hi-Teen Easter Fashion Show, Harris Department Store, San Bernardino, CA and Third Annual Surf-O-Rama, Civic Auditorium, Santa Monica, CA.  

James Murphy believes that the Harris Department Store gig listed in our book as “early spring” was probably on this date.  William F. Williams, a DJ at radio station KMEN in San Bernardino recalled to Leaf that, “Harris had a fashion show/concert each year…KMEN was in charge of putting together the talent for Harris’s concert, and I remember Murry Wilson came to us and literally begged us to let The Beach Boys be the opening act. As I recall, they barely knew which end of the guitar case was up. They looked very badly, played very badly, and sang very badly.” This was at 130 PM. That same day, the Beach Boys appeared in Santa Monica.  This was a trade show held from 1 PM till 1030 PM. That evening, Mike, Dennis and Carl apparently also played some songs at Newport High School in Newport, CA with the Vibrants.   Brian and David were not there and it was fairly impromptu.

Friday May 11, 1962: Community Fair, El Camino Community College, Torrance, CA

This is another early Beach Boys’ show uncovered by James Murphy for his wonderful book, Becoming the Beach Boys.

Saturday May 12, 1962: “Campus Deb Jamboree”, Harris Department Store, San Bernardino, CA

This Harris Department Store event may have featured the Beach Boys. An advertisement mentioned that there would be “surprise guest stars.”  It is known that the group played at a Harris Department Store event in the spring of 1962. It is possible they played at this event and at the March one listed above-but if they only played one event than March 24 is more likely.

Saturday June 2, 1962: Azusa Teen Club, Azusa, CA-with Bill Ell, Jesse Lee Turner and Lyle Sherman (hosted by B. Mitchell Reed)

In our listing for the Beach Boys July 1962 appearance in Azusa, we mentioned that the band played this venue multiple times. Jim Murphy uncovered the dates of these appearances, of which this was the first.

Saturday June 16, 1962: Azusa Teen Club, Azusa, CA-hosted by Roger Christian

This show was not known to me when I wrote my book, nor does it appear in James Murphy’s book Becoming the Beach Boys.

Saturday June 30, 1962: Azusa Teen Club, Azusa, CA-with Dick and Dee Dee, April Stevens, Nino Tempo, the Sentinels and Dorsey Burnette (hosted by B. Mitchell Reed)

This show was not known to me when I wrote my book, nor does it appear in James Murphy’s book Becoming the Beach Boys.

Tuesday July 3, 1962: Dykstra Hall, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA-with Chris Montez and Dante and Evergreen (8:30 PM-12 AM Show)

In the “Other 1961-62 Concert Appearances” section of our book, we mentioned that the Beach Boys played at an undated Sigma Chi fraternity party at UCLA in the summer of 1962, at which Brian met future roommate Bob Norberg. Brian produced a record of Bob and his girlfriend Cheryl Pomeroy singing Brian’s composition “The Surfer Moon” in September. Subsequent to publishing my book, I found an advertisement for this concert in the UCLA Summer Bruin newspaper. The group played at a dance hosted by DJ and Brian songwriting collaborator Roger Christian.

Friday July 27, 1962: Azusa Teen Club, Azusa, CA (afternoon) and Rainbow Gardens, Pomona, CA-with the Mixtures and the Paris Sisters

In his research for his book, James Murphy discovered that the BBs filmed their appearance singing “Surfin’ Safari” in the short film One Man’s Challenge at the Azusa Teen Club on July 27 not July 28, as listed by us and author Keith Badman. Murphy’s book includes numerous photographs taken that day. In my own research I discovered that the Beach Boys appeared at the Rainbow Gardens on this night. Bob Eubanks hosted weekly Friday dances there.

Saturday July 28, 1962: Swing Auditorium, San Bernardino, CA

James Murphy uncovered this appearance.

Sunday July 29 1962: Wagon Wheel Junction Roller Gardens, Oxnard, CA (7PM to 10 PM with Soupy Sales) and? Dance Pavilion, Lake Arrowhead, CA-with the Tornadoes

Advertisements show that the BBs played the Roller Gardens this night, a show I was unaware of when I wrote my book. A press release from this time states: “Over the weekend the fivesome did promo appearances in San Bernardino and Lake Arrowhead.” So, it appears that the BBs also played at Lake Arrowhead at this time, a gig recalled by the members of the Tornadoes. This gig may have taken place earlier that day.

Tuesday July 31 1962: “Parade of Hits” KCOP TV, Los Angeles, CA

James Murphy uncovered the Beach Boys appearance on this local TV show hosted by Dick Moreland of KRLA. They undoubtedly played “Surfin’ Safari.”

Thursday August 2 1962: Gordon’s Wholesale Furniture and Appliances Grand Opening, Canoga Park, CA (7-9 PM Show)

I found this show after the publication of my book.

Saturday August 4 1962: Azuza Teen Club, Azusa, CA

I was not aware of this appearance when I wrote my book.  This appears to have been the BBs final appearance at this venue.

Sunday August 19 1962: First Annual Surfer’s Ball, Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles, CA-with Dick Dale

In our book we listed this show as “August 1962” at the Swing Auditorium because we were not able to obtain a photograph of the concert poster that James Murphy included in his book. As it turns out the show was at a different venue. I interviewed guitarist David Marks for the book and he recalled that a riot broke out at this show between the real surfers in the audience and “the Hodads.” “It was pretty scary. There were thousands of people there, or at least it seemed like it. A fight broke out or something.”

Monday August 20 1962: Tustin Playhouse, Tustin, CA-with Timi Yuro and Dorsey Burnette

Since the publication of my book and James Murphy’s book, I discovered that the Beach Boys played at a daytime fashion show on the same day that they made a number of promotional appearances at The Broadway Store outlets in greater Los Angeles.

Summer 1962: Private Party for Laurie Jean Loveton

James Murphy learned during his research that the Beach Boys played at a party for a woman who graduated high school on June 7 1962.  Her parents threw her a party sometime in the summer.

Sunday August 26 to Thursday August 30 1962: Pandora’s Box, Los Angeles, CA

The Beach Boys began a residency at this tiny club on the Sunset Strip owned by Bill Tilden.   We listed the first appearance at this club as September 1 in our book but James Murphy uncovered the fact that the residency began a week earlier. David Marks recalls the group playing on weekends at the club for somewhere between three to six weeks. “It seemed like we played at Pandora’s Box every weekend, at least in my recollection…A lot of hipsters went there. It was small but it was always packed.” Gary Usher brought his then girlfriend, fifteen year old Ginger Blake and her cousin Diane Rovell to one of these shows. Blake and Rovell fell in love with the group and promised to return for their next appearance.

Sunday September 2, 1962: 17th Birthday Party for Milton Berle’s Daughter Victoria, Los Angeles, CA and Pandora’s Box, Los Angeles, CA

The Victoria Berle Birthday Party show that we listed in our book as “early September” can now be exactly dated . That night the Beach Boys again returned to Pandora’s Box.

Sunday September 9, 1962: Pandora’s Box, Los Angeles, CA

We listed the Beach Boys as playing both September 8 and 9 but apparently they only played on Sunday.  It may have been on this night that Brian met his future wife Marilyn Rovell.

Friday September 14 1962: “The Howdy Hop”, Hawthorne HS, Hawthorne, CA and “Surfers’ Ball,”, Morgan Hall, Long Beach, CA- with Lonnie Belmore, the Bonnavills, Russ Storman and Dean Long

Prior to the evening show in Long Beach that we listed in our book, the BBs played an afternoon show at the Wilson’s High School.

Saturday Sept 22, 1962–Pickwick Recreation Center, Burbank, CA. (530-1030 PM-one and a half hour taping session-with the Tornadoes, Toni Fisher, Dick Roman and the Grads) and “Sip, Sup and Stomp” benefit for the Whittier Spastic Children’s League at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Palmer, Whittier, CA.

Neither of these appearances was in my book or James Murphy’s book. The Pickwick show aired on TV the following Saturday (Sept 29).

Wednesday September 27, 1962: The Row, USC, Los Angeles-with the Marketts

Wednesday October 4, 1962: Glendale Community College, Glendale, CA

The Beach Boys were the entertainment at a school assembly.

Wednesday Oct 24 1962—William Howard Taft HS, Woodland Hills, CA

This show was listed in my book but we had the wrong date for the show.

Thursday November 1, 1962: Leonard’s Department Store, Torrance, CA and Leonard’s Department Store, El Segundo, CA

We noted in our book that the BBs appeared at the Leonard’s Department Store in Torrance but we were unaware that they also traveled to the branch in El Segundo that day as well.

Saturday November 24, 1962: Grand Opening of Rancho Music in Studio Village, Culver City, CA (2 PM)

According to an article in The Evening Vanguard, “They will sing for about 45 minutes…and will present hits from their latest album ‘Surfin Safari’, including the song ‘Ten Little Indians.’ The Beach Boys will also autograph copies of the album, which will be on sale at the new store.”

Monday February 11, 1963: “First Annual Embassy Dance,” Carpenter’s Hall, Los Angeles, CA (8 to 12 PM Show)

This show, which I discovered after my book was published, was presented by the Jeff Chandler AZA at a theater in the Van Nuys neighborhood.

February 1963: Barnes Park Community Center in Monterey Park, CA and Mark Keppel High School in Alhambra with Dick Dale

In our book we noted that Writer Dominic Priore, who grew up in Southern California, recalled that the group played at Barnes Park Community Center in Monterey Park, CA and at Mark Keppel High School in Alhambra with Dick Dale. We opined that these shows most likely took place in the summer or fall of 1962 or at latest in early 1963.   James Murphy was able to more precisely date both shows as Mark Groseclose apparently played them during the period in February that he briefly replaced Dennis.

Friday March 1 , 1963: Spanish Castle, Des Moines, WA

In my book, I mentioned in the section of other shows played in 1963 that promoter Pat O’Day recalled that the first time he booked the Beach Boys it was to play at his venue the Spanish Castle in Des Moines, WA. I posited that the show took place in late February or early March 1963. Jim Murphy has suggested that this was the likely date.

Saturday March 2, 1963: Party Line Club, Seattle, WA

The day after the Spanish Castle show, Pat O’Day had the Beach Boys play at his Party Line Club in Seattle. this venue was only open for eleven months. Jim Murphy believes this was the likely date. According to O’Day, the Beach Boys were booed off the stage.

Saturday March 30, 1963: Denno’s Record Shop, Garden Grove, CA

Another concert that Jim Murphy discovered for his book.

Saturday April 6 1963: Build ‘N’ Save, Garden Grove, CA

The Beach Boys played in the parking lot for the grand opening of this store.

Saturday April 13, 1963: Civic Auditorium, Bakersfield, CA (with the Olympics, the Righteous Brothers and Bob Vaught and the Renegades-8 PM

With “Surfin’ USA” in the charts, the group was in great demand and they were able to charge more money for personal appearances.  David Marks recalls receiving $300 for this “Gigantic Pre-Easter Twisterama.”  It is possible that Al Jardine played this show in place of Brian.  When I wrote my book, I relied on a diary entry that misdated this show to April 15 and I did not know the venue. Fortunately, a flyer for the show came up for auction in 2022.

Friday April 19 1963: Aragon Ballroom, Pacific Ocean Park, Santa Monica, CA-with Dick Delvy and the Challengers

This show was advertised in the newspaper but I only found it after my book was published.

Friday May 24, 1963: International Car and Boat show, Sports Arena, Los Angeles, CA

The Beach Boys were scheduled to appear at this event on May 24.  However, as they flew to Sacramento that day to appear in their first concert there, they must have played on a different day.  It’s possible they played the show on Thursday May 23 or on Saturday May 26, when Jan and Dean were scheduled as headliners.

(Correction) Wednesday June 5, 1963: Municipal Auditorium, Modesto, CA

This show was listed in Keith Badman’s book and we chose to list in our book as well. However, we subsequently learned that Modesto had no such auditorium and therefore this concert could not have taken place. Bands usually played in the nearby towns of Stockton or Fresno instead.

Friday June 7, 1963: Senior Breakfast, Hawthorne HS, Hawthorne, CA

James Murphy discovered that the Beach Boys played a show at their former high school in the morning before traveling to Bakersfield for the shows listed in our book. Murphy also investigated the Bakersfield shows more closely and it is now clear that Lou Rawls and Sam Cooke were not there.  This information was based on the recollections of David Marks, who recalls playing with them-but it must have been on another unknown date and at another venue.

Late June-Early July 1963: Skate-O-Rama, Downey, CA-with the Blazers and Kathy Marshall

James Murphy learned that the Beach Boys played at this venue in the summer of 1963. In our book we mentioned that Patrick Willford of the Whittier band The Hustlers recalled opening for the Beach Boys at this venue as well. It may have been the same show or else the band played here on multiple occasions that remain undocumented.

Friday July 5 and Saturday July 6, 1963: VIP Club, Phoenix, AZ

According to Jo Ann Mark’s journal, the Beach Boys played in Arizona for the second time on these days.  We listed this appearance in our book without any venue.  However, an article in the Arizona Republic in 2023 included an interview with a fan named Stephen Cameron, who commented, “I saw them in 1963 at a teen club with a $5 admission.  As I recall, the club was on Seventh Street. They had a hit that had a lot of play time on the Phoenix radio stations. We heard the drummer had a new Jaguar XK-E but was too young to drive.”  If this is accurate then the BBs probably appeared at The VIP Club on 7th Street and Indian School, a venue where other rockers are known to have performed.

Saturday July 27, 1963: Hollyhock Ballroom, Hatfield, MN

When writing my book I quoted from an interview that Mike gave to writer Marilyn Beck in 1976 in which he stated, “the gig was sold out…but what we didn’t know till later was that cars were jamming up the roads to the ballroom for miles around. It got so heavy that the mob outside started throwing rocks at the windows to try and get in. And during intermission we went out and played four sets for the crowds in the parking lots.”

I associated his comments with the band’s appearance at Excelsior Amusement Park on Lake Minnetonka on May 3, 1963. However in another interview, clearly speaking about the same show, he named the location as Hatfield, MN and added, “It was literally a barn converted into a Dancehall and there was a stage that was so narrow…a drunk sat down on my foot.” Hence I now believe he was referring to this previously undocumented appearance.

Monday August 12, 1963: Memorial Auditorium, Burlington, VT-with the North Stars (8:30 PM Show)

I discovered this show after the publication of my book.

Aug 13, 1963-Surf Ballroom, Nantasket Beach, Hull, MA-with Jan and Dean (3 PM to Midnight)

Following the morning show at the Music Hall, the Beach Boys and Jan and Dean headed to Hull, where they performed at last three shows. In between performances at the Surf Ballroom there were fashion shows at 5 and 8 PM.  I was not aware of this appearance when I wrote my book, nor does this info appear in Jim Murphy’s book.

Tuesday August 27 or Wednesday August 28, 1963: Teenage Fair, Michigan State Fairgrounds, Detroit, MI

The August 21, 1963, Detroit News discussed the upcoming Teenage Fair (which ran Aug 23 to Sept 2) to take place inside the Michigan State Fairgrounds.  The article stated that in addition to headliners like Sammi Davis Jr and Bobby Vinton, “between 18 and 36 additional stars are expected to appear in conjunction with record company exhibits and at daily autograph parties. Expected are the Beach Boys, The Tokens, Johnny Crawford, Gene (spelled Jean in article) Pitney, the Contours and Freddy Cannon.”  Unfortunately-that is the only mention of the BBs in the newspaper.  But….most likely this is where they were on either Aug 26, 27 or 28.

Wednesday September 4, 1963: F. W. Woolworth’s, Cherry Creek Shopping Center, Denver, CO

Prior to their evening show at the Moonlight Ballroom listed in my book, the BB’s played this afternoon concert

Friday September 6, 1963: Elitch Gardens, Trocadero Ballroom, Denver, CO-with the Castells, the Astronauts, and Bobby Vinton

This show was advertised on radio surveys but the Beach Boys ultimately canceled their planned appearance

Wednesday September 11, 1963: Station Theatre in China Lake CA with the Cherry Creek Singers (8 PM show)

This show took place at a Navy base but was open to people in the Indian Wells Valley. It was advertised in a Navy newspaper.

Saturday November 2 1963: Earl Warren Showgrounds, Santa Barbara, CA (2 Shows at 7 and 8:30 PM)

I was unaware of this show when I wrote my book and it does not appear in Jim Murphy’s book either.

Saturday November 16 1963: Monte Mart, Salinas, CA

This show was discovered after my book was published

Wednesday November 27, 1963: Stars of the Century Show, Swing Auditorium, National Orange Show Fairgrounds, San Bernardino, CA-with Bobby Sox and the Blue Jeans, the Don Julien Dance Band, the Surfaris, the Truants, the Tornadoes and the Coasters

Members of the Truants recalled playing at the “Stars of the Century Show” in San Bernardino in the fall of 1963 with the Tornadoes, the Surfaris and the Coasters.  No such advertisement has been found but James Murphy did find an ad in the November 22 1963 San Bernardino Sun for a show at the Swing Auditorium with “15 Big Acts”.  However, only the Coasters, Bobby Sox and the Blue Jeans and the Don Julien Dance Band were mentioned by name in the ad.

Thursday February 6 to Sunday February 9, 1964: Winternationals Custom Car Show, Great Western Exhibit Center, Los Angeles, CA-with Dick Dale and Joe and Eddy

The Beach Boys played this event for the second straight year. I discovered this show in 2019. It’s possible the Beach Boys played all four nights or only one or two

Sunday September 9, 1964: Arthritis and Rheumatism Telethon, Channel 5 TV, Los Angeles, CA-hosted by Johnny Grant

The BBs appeared at 10 AM with Bobby Pickett, Tommy Kirk, Roberta Shore and others on this live telethon.  I only recently discovered this appearance

Saturday April 11, 1964– Cow Palace, San Francisco, CA with Chuck Berry, Paul and Paula, Bessie Banks, Bobby Rydell, Gloria Scott, The Coasters, Marvin Gaye, Round Robin and the Pyramids

This show was discovered after my book was published.  The all-star bill included the legendary Chuck Berry, the famed duo Paul and Paula (known for the song ‘Hey Paula’), teen idol Bobby Rydell (who’d starred in the hit film Bye-Bye Birdie with Ann Margaret the previous year), the great Motown star Marvin Gaye and the famed Coasters. Also on the bill was R&B singer Bessie Banks, who was the first person to chart with the Lieber-Stoller song ‘Go Now’ (later popularized by the Moody Blues), Gloria Scott and the Tonettes, who’d released a single called ‘I Taught Him’ by Sylvester Stewart (the future Sly Stone), Round Robin, who had local hits with dance songs like ‘The Slauson’, and the Pyramids, a Surf band that had an instrumental hit with ‘Penetration.’

Monday July 20, 1964: Industrial Mutual Auditorium, Flint, MI-with The Kingsmen, Freddie Cannon, Jimmy Griffin and Lynne Easton

When I wrote my book, I was aware that the Beach Boys had appeared in Flint on this tour but did not know the exact date or the venue. Before the appearance the BBs and Freddie Cannon also made an appearance at 4 PM at The Fair Record Store.

Wednesday July 22, 1964: Baer Field Raceways, Fort Wayne, IN-with the Kingsmen, Freddy Cannon, Jimmy Griffin and Lynn Easton (8:00 PM Show)

I was aware that the Beach Boys performed in Fort Wayne in the summer of 1964 but could find any advertisements for the show.  I recently discovered the information that I lacked when I wrote my book.

Sunday August 23, 1964: Memorial Coliseum, Evansville, IN (8:30 PM Show)

I discovered this show after I completed my book

Tuesday August 25, 1964: Lakewood Ballroom, Lakeside Park, Barnesville, PA-with the Chevelles and Angie and the Citations

This was the Beach Boys second and last appearance at this venue

Friday September 4, 1964: The Surf Ballroom, Nantasket Beach, Hull, MA (Two Shows)

In my book, I suggested that the BBs may have played at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in upstate NY on this date but since the book’s publication I discovered that they were in Massachusetts instead. This is apparently the show that was written as “Boston” on itineraries listed in Variety and Billboard. Dennis commented, “About 1000 girls waited at the stage door when we came out and wrecked the taxi to get at us”

Friday October 23, 1964: Foothill College, Los Altos Hills, CA-with the Tikis

This show was discovered by Andrew Doe after the publication of my book. The Foothill Sentinel reported, “More than 2,000 squealing teenage girls had campus police and sheriff’s deputies hopping last Friday night as the Young Republicans sponsored a concert by the Beach Boys, a name surf-style music group.”

A show scheduled for Chico State College on October 24 was canceled. The show was sponsored by Campus Republicans but the sponsors failed to obtain permission to use the auditorium.  The BBs may also have played shows at Contra Costa College and at UC Berkeley as part of this “four-date tour” but as of yet I have found no confirmation.

Sunday November 29th, Cincinnati Gardens, Cincinnati, OH-with Jan and Dean, Jay and the Americans, the Shangri-Las and Ron Britain (2:00 PM Show-Canceled)

This show was canceled-because of poor ticket sales-I did not know this when book was written

Friday December 18, 1964: Music Hall, Houston, TX-with the Detours 

Previous books (including my own) erroneously dated this show to December 23, based on an article in which Brian stated that his breakdown occurred “a few days before Christmas”.  However, the Houston Post was digitized in 2023 and noted that the show took place five days earlier.  As was quite common at the time, the concert was not reviewed.  However, a fan wrote in to complain about the lack of press coverage of her favorite band and noted that the concert was “a complete success.”

Saturday December 19, 1964: Assembly Center, Tulsa, OK (8:30 PM Show)

Since the publication of my book, I was able to obtain access to the Tulsa Tribune and learned that this show was canceled at the last minute because one of the performers was ill.  We now know that the Houston show was the day before and Brian had flown home, forcing this show and the following two scheduled appearances to be canceled.

Sunday December 20, 1964: Little Rock Auditorium, Little Rock, AR (Canceled)

As I discuss in the gigs section of this site, after the publication of my book I discovered this canceled show. The newspaper explained that one of the band members was ill.

Thursday February 4, 1965: Little Rock Auditorium, Little Rock, AR

This  was a makeup show for the December 20, 1964 canceled appearance.  I learned about this show with Glen Campbell after my book was published

Friday February 5, 1965:  Assembly Center Arena, Tulsa, OK (8:00 PM Show)

This was a makeup concert for the Beach Boys canceled December 19, 1964 appearance in Tulsa.  I was not aware of this show when I wrote my book.

Saturday May 8, 1965: Alabama State Coliseum, Montgomery, AL-with the Righteous Brothers, Marty Robbins, Skeeter Davis, Cannibal and the Headhunters, Archie Campbell, The Premieres, Jack Martin and the Martiniques Band (8:00 PM Show)

The Beach Boys headed an all-star show in Montgomery. The Righteous Brothers were also on the bill and flew in from Jacksonville, where they played earlier in the day with the Rolling Stones. The Andy Hi-Lite reported, “There were many headliners there but the Beach Boys stole the show.  They sang 15 numbers to the delight of lookers-on and vexation of their manager. Signatures flowed out of their fingers like water. They had their palms mopped, their legs grabbed and their clothes shredded in attempts to acquire souvenirs. Girls even fought over their drumsticks and guitar strings.”  I did not discover this show until after publication of my book.

Sunday July 11, 1965: Reading Fairgrounds, Reading, PA (8:30 PM Show)

In my book I listed the Beach Boys as appearing at the Berkshire Music Barn on this night. That show was also listed as 8:30 PM. Clearly one of the listings is wrong.  As I have a ticket for the Reading show and multiple ads close to the date, I am now inclined to think that the Massachusetts show was canceled

Sunday August 30, 1965: Kellogg Auditorium, Battle Creek, MI-with Edwin Starr, Jackie Beavers and the Continentals, Bobby Holley, the Epics, the Deltons, the Keener Keymen of Music and teen contest winner Buzz Barclay

The Beach Boys played before a crowd of 2,441 people at this show that I discovered after my book came out. Prior to the show they were interviewed backstage by some young fans. Asked if they had any new music in the works, Al stated, “We’re working on a new LP-a party album.” When asked if they planned to make any more movies, Al replied, “No the recording business keeps us too busy to have any plans like that now.” When asked what was the hardest part of reaching the top, he answered, “Getting there and staying there required and still requires too much traveling.” Mike was asked whether Brian wrote music and lyrics and answered, “Most of the time he does both, but we’ve doubled up on a few.” He was then asked if any other members of the group wrote songs. He answered, “Well Al writes to Ann Landers, Carl writes to Dear Abby and Dennis writes home.”

Friday December 3, 1965: Ector County Coliseum, Odessa, TX

I was unaware of this concert when I wrote my book

Tuesday March 15, 1966: Civic Theater, Akron, OH-with Noel Harrison and the Lovin’ Spoonful (7:30 PM Show)

I discovered this show after the publication of my book

Thursday March 31, 1966: Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, TX-with the Gospel Folk

This was the first day of the tour that I previously thought started on April 1

Tuesday May 3, 1966: Rider University, Lawrence Township, NJ-with the Lost and the Uncalled for Three

I discovered this show after my book was published. Steve Gabarick of the Rider News was unimpressed by the Beach Boys, who he accused of putting on a “mediocre” show.  He noted that, “Their current hit ‘The Sloop John B’ and ‘Caroline No’ were poorly done. Mike Love apologized for the songs, saying the group hasn’t done them often. Part of the blame for the unsatisfying evening rests with the inadequate public address system, which failed to carry either musical group’s voices well.  But the larger share of the blame belongs to the Beach Boys, whose flat notes, wrong chords and childish clowning provided the night’s largest disappointment.”

Monday May 9, 1966: Carpenter Fieldhouse, University of Delaware, Newark, DE-with The Lost and the Uncalled for Three (8:30 PM)

I was unaware of this show when the book was written. The Beach Boys’ second appearance in Delaware proved to be stressful.  Following performances by the two opening acts, a half hour delay followed. When the group took the stage, the reason for this delay became apparent.  The University Review noted, “Dennis Wilson, immediately upon reaching the stage, stooped over, obviously being sick, and had to make a quick retreat to the men’s locker room. It was later found out that he had the flu and was taken to a local doctor during the performance.” With Dennis incapacitated, Lee Mason of The Lost was drafted to serve as his replacement-drummer but this proved problematic, as he had not rehearsed with the group at all.

The Review noted, “After a slow start with ‘Little Honda’ and ‘Surfer Girl’ it appeared obvious that the group missed their drummer when Bruce Johnston, the bass player, slipped when he answered the audience cries of ‘we want Denny Wilson’ with a candid ‘so do we!’  Although it was apparent that there was a lot of shuffling around and stalling for time, the group in general seemed to come on stronger as they went along. Some of the highlights from their numerous hit recordings, which they presented were: ‘Sloop John B,’ a current top-seller, ‘Rhonda,’ ‘I Get Around,’ ‘Barbara Ann,’ and ‘Hawaii.’

Tuesday May 10, 1966: Notre Dame University, South Bend, IN

I was under the mistaken impression that the Beach Boys first played here in 1971 but this was actually their first Notre Dame show

Wednesday July 20, 1966: Willow Lake Park, Warren, OH-with the Rogues and Sherry and the Scepters

I learned of this show after the publication of my book.

Monday Feb 13 1967-Municipal Auditorium, Columbus, GA with Keith, the Left Banke and the Electric Prunes

I discovered this show after publication of my book.

Wednesday February 15, 1967: Lone Oak High School, Paducah, KY-with The Moxies, Keith, The Electric Prunes and the Left Bank (5 PM Show)

I discovered this show after my book came out

Sunday April 23, 1967: Cincinnati Gardens, Cincinnati, OH (with The Casinos, Pickle Brothers and the Buckinghams)

Prior to the evening show in Canton, the Beach Boys played this gig in Cincinnati.  Backstage at the Cincinnati show, the BBs were interviewed by reporters Karen Combs and Larry Schneider. Al commented that the group were looking forward to their upcoming European tour and noted, “We’ll still sport our usual outfits, though, wide-striped shirts and white pants. We sure don’t wear these things offstage.” Terry Knight and the Pack, a Flint Michigan band that had a regional hit with “Mister, You’re a Better Man Than I” opened for the Beach Boys at the evening show in Canton and in Akron the next night.  Members of the group later formed the 1970s band Grand Funk Railroad.

Monday February 5, 1968: Las Vegas, NV

The February 11, 1968 Cashbox Magazine stated that the BBs ended their tour of the Pacific Northwest with a show in Las Vegas. Keith Badman mistakenly listed the show as February 11.

Sunday April 14, 1968-Code 1 Fort Lauderdale, FL-with Buffalo Springfield and the Strawberry Alarm Clock (3:30 PM Show)

I discovered this show recently but I was not surprised.  The BBs attempted to book as many shows as possible to make up for the previous cancelations.

Thursday Aug 15 1968-Bay Theater, Green Bay, WI-with the Box Tops, The Pickle Brothers and Mother Smack (two shows)

The Green-Bay Press Gazette criticized the Beach Boys backing band for playing too loud but noted, “Whenever the band shut up, the “boys” came out at their best. That was the case when Carl Wilson Sang “Surfer Girl” and when the whole bunch sang “Barbara Ann.”

Friday August 16 1968-Clowes Hall, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN-with the Box Tops and the Pickle Brothers (two shows)

I was unaware of this show when the book was written.  The Indianapolis Star reviewer noted, “We were surprised at their lack of professionalism and stage presence. especially for a group of such national stature. Dredging the memory mills, they sang a medley of “oldies but moldies”, including ‘Shut Down,’ ‘Little Deuce Coupe’ and ‘Surfing’ USA’. They added a nostalgic ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice,’ ‘Sloop John B’ and a sea-drenched ‘California Girls.’ They had microphone problems which lent a  muffled ocean-roar tone to several of their songs.”

Tuesday April 8, 1969: Orange County Detention Home, Orlando, FL

I was not aware of this appearance, which occurred prior to the evening show at the Orlando Municipal Auditorium

Sunday April 13, 1969: McAlester High School, McAlester, OK (morning) Hissom Home for Retarded Children, Tulsa, OK, “Decency Rally” Fairgrounds Pavilion, Tulsa, OK-with the Spurlows (1:00 PM Show), McAlester State Prison, Oklahoma City, OK-with Joe Hicks and Children’s Memorial Hospital, Oklahoma City-with Joe Hicks

On the busy day April 13 1969-the BBs played two more shows that I was unaware of.

Friday June 20, 1969: Keimolan Juhannus Juhla, Vantaa, Finland-with Joe Hicks, Spede and Simo Show (6:00 PM Show) and Parola Midsummer Festival, Parola, Finland-with Joe Hicks, Irwin Goodman, Tapani Kansa and other Finnish artists (10:00 PM show)

The group visited Finland for the second time.  In my book I noted that they played two shows at Keimolan Juhannus Juhla in Vantaa but I have since learned that they played only one show there (delayed by four hours due to over zealous police at Bratislava airport) and then raced to their second appearance at Parola in southern Finland, where they performed at a large “Midsummer Festival” on the beach at 130 in the morning.  I was not aware of this second appearance when the book was written.

Saturday June 21, 1969: Antwerp Pop Festival, Antwerp, Belgium

After the publication of my book, I learned that the Beach Boys did not take part in the Antwerp Pop Festival.  The group was tentatively booked to play the event but their plans changed. The Festival, with mainly British acts like Fleetwood Mac, Chicken Shack and Yes, went on without them.

Wednesday July 23, 1969: Islip Hospital, Islip, NY

This show was unknown to me but is listed in the tour itinerary that I acquired

Friday August 1, 1969: City of New York Entertainment Truck, NYC (afternoon) and Schaefer Music Festival, Wollman Rink, Central Park, NY-with Lonnie Mack (Two shows at 8:00 and 10:30 PM)

When I wrote my book I was unaware of the fact that in the afternoon, prior to the two evening shows at Wollman Rink, the Beach Boys performed free for kids in underprivileged areas on a food truck.

Sunday August 3, 1969: Lewisburg State Prison, Lewisburg, PA

Carl discussed this show in an interview but I did not determine the date until after my book came out. The Buffalo Valley Jaycees had contacted the Beach Boys in January about obtaining complimentary LPs to be used at an inmate radio facility. The Beach Boys then offered to perform live for the prisoners on their summer tour. They traveled to Lewisburg on the night of August 2 and arrived at the prison at 11:30 AM, where they posed with the “Welcome Beach Boys” sign seen in the photo. The group ate lunch with selected prisoners, who got to ask them many questions about their career.  The Sunbury Daily Item commented, “The group proceeded to the recreation yard for the show, which was witnessed by some 1200 inmates.  Although the Boys had said they were bringing ‘a minimum of equipment’ they very adeptly produced studio quality sounds that filled the penitentiary grounds. Pete Gabriel of radio station WARM in Scranton emceed the show at the request of the Jaycees.  After a 60-minute foot stomping, finger popping performance, the group returned to the dining room for refreshments before starting their journey home.”

The BBs than drove to Harrisburg, where they caught a flight to Detroit.  From there they caught a connecting flight to LA, arriving at the airport at 150 AM on August 4. According to Jack Lloyd, after they returned to L.A., he took some of the Beach Boys to Las Vegas to see Elvis Presley perform at the International Hotel (it was his first Vegas engagement since 1956 and was the talk of the town).  The increasingly reclusive Brian and his wife Marilyn were among the attendees.

Friday November 28, 1969: Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, MO-with the Underground Sunshine (8 PM Show)

I was unaware of this show when I wrote my book

Thursday November 19, 1970: New Theatre, Oxford, UK-with the Flame (Two shows)

This show was listed in various magazines as the first date on the UK tour and I listed it in my book but, as far as I can tell, it was actually canceled and the Beach Boys first performance took place at the Hammersmith Odeon the next day instead.

Friday November 27, 1970-Monday November 30, 1970 and Wednesday December 2: Fiesta Club, Stockton on Tees, UK

The group played residencies at the Fiesta cabaret clubs in Stockton-on-Tees and Sheffield on this tour.  Al explained to Richard Green, “We accepted an offer to do a cabaret week in Sydney and we had such a far-out time we decided to try and get one in England.  We’re looking forward to it, but there’s only one show a night and that’s going to leave a lot of idle time.  One thing we’ve never had is time.” When I wrote my book, I thought that the BBs had played only three nights in Stockton but I have since learned that they played a four-day residency. In his memoirs, the co-owner of the club, Keith Lipthorpe, recalled that he also arranged for them to double for one night at Stockton and Sheffield on Wednesday December 2nd, which involved hastily renting a coach and removing eight seats so that four tons of equipment could be loaded up.  After the show everyone piled into the coach for the journey back to Sheffield and their near-midnight slot, which must have made for a tiring day.  I also have learned that the Flame did not open for the Beach Boys at the Fiesta shows, as I originally listed.

Tuesday December 1, 1970 to Sunday December 6, 1970: Fiesta Club, Sheffield, UK-with Paul Melba and Keeley Ford

The band played one week at the Sheffield Club.  A reporter from Beat Instrumental noted that Al announced on stage “Man, this is the greatest club we have ever played!”  Dennis was also taken with it.  He gushed that, “This place is an exception to most of the places we get asked to appear in.  Even in Las Vegas we don’t get dressing rooms like these.”  Dennis also commented on his larger vocal role.  In addition to “Forever” and “Lady” he also performed “Barbara” (a great composition that never found a place on a Beach Boys album until a demo version was belatedly released on the 1998 Endless Harmony CD).  Dennis remarked, “Put it this way, I sang more tonight than I have ever done on a Beach Boys’ show before.  If you didn’t quite understand the words on the second song, don’t worry about it…I forgot them, and made some new ones up as I went along.”  However, he was quick to quash rumors that he was angling for a solo career by releasing his own single.  “We do have a great deal of free time…so we can do our own thing.  Daryl plays with virtually any group; you name a top band and I guarantee he’ll have played with them.”  Since the publication of my book, I have since learned that I made two errors: first, the Beach Boys played only six nights in Sheffield not seven, and the Flame did not participate in this engagement, as they were booked at a London club instead.  Also, Paul Melba opened these shows not Jimmy Marshall. Incidentally, the band were paid £6,000 to be shared between them for their residencies at Stockton and Sheffield (that’s around US$14,600 at the applicable exchange rate).

Sunday April 25, 1971: Lynchburg College, Lynchburg, VA (3 PM Show)

When I wrote my book, I was not aware that the Beach Boys played on campus in Lynchburg.  According to the student newspaper, the Beach Boys were paid $1000 up front and received 90% of the gate. The group paid for all of their own expenses.

June 21-28, 1971-Celebration Island, McCrea, LA

The BBs were supposed to play at this weeklong event on June 24 but the event turned into a debacle and only a few bands appeared-including Brownsville Station, War (without Eric Burdon) and Ted Nugent.  I was not aware that the BBs did not play at this festival when I wrote my book

Sunday December 5, 1971: HIC Arena, Honolulu, HI-with Elvin Bishop (8:00 PM Show)

When I wrote the book, I was unaware this show was canceled. Apparently Dennis was ill.

Sunday March 26, 1972: Central Theater, Passaic, NJ (3PM Show)

When I wrote my book. I was unaware of this show and thought that the BBs appeared at Muhlenberg College on this day but this was inaccurate.

Wednesday April 26, 1972: Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL

This concert was not known to me when I wrote my book.   Once again, the group was confronted by a crowd that was eager for oldies and somewhat resistant to hearing new and unfamiliar music.  William Lodin of the Northern Star notes, “It was obvious Wednesday night that they were trying to make the crowd at the Fieldhouse aware of their recent recordings, despite outcries, even before they had begun to play, for oldies.  They succeeded in part and were able to play several of their recordings off their new album Surf’s Up.  These songs especially demonstrated the talent of the new additions, Chaplin and Fataar. Chaplin, besides having a tremendous voice, played some pretty good lead guitar. Ricky Fataar was dynamic on drums.  The Beach Boys were excellent. The fact I noticed most was the precision of their vocals.  They still have a true sound and their togetherness was readily apparent in their harmonies.”

Sunday April 30, 1972: Cloves Hall, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN

I learned of this show after my book came out. The Beach Boys returned to Butler University for two concerts.  Zach Dunkin of The Indianapolis News noted, “Some new material and some of the old familiar hits were offered to the Clowes crowd.  It was the ‘oldies but goodies’ getting the loudest applause. And it is questionable whether some of the old songs really deserved the plaudit. It is also questionable why the newer, less familiar tunes didn’t receive more. Like most established rock groups, the Beach Boys performed their old hits in a relaxed and careless fashion. At one time, Carl even forgot the words to Good Vibrations, the single that sold more than any other Beach Boys number. But the young audience of die-hard Beach Boys’ lovers didn’t seem to mind.”  Dunkin singled out Carl’s performances of ‘Caroline No,’ ‘Let the Wind Blow’ and ‘Surf’s Up’ as ‘the best sung numbers of the night.’

Friday September 1, 1972: Wildwood Convention Hall, Wildwood, NJ (8:00 PM Show)-Canceled

The group were supposed to fly to Philadelphia on August 31 and then drive to Wildwood where they’d  spend the next two nights.  However, the concert was canceled due to a problem with the promoter.  I do not know what the BBs did instead.

Monday November 20, 1972: The Forum, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

I was not aware of this show when I wrote my book. Bill Mann of the Montreal Gazette was not impressed by all the changes in the band. He commented, “The band just keeps getting diluted every time they hit town. This year there’s two new South African members, a chick who does nothing, a new lead guitarist and an aloof Dennis Wilson, who threatens to quit the band seemingly every month.  Of course, you have no right to expect the band to play nothing but their hits (although there were a ton of them) but the group kept playing tunes off of Pet Sounds and Smile that were downright boring in comparison to the tighter, more harmonic singles.  The easily recognizable tunes like Help Me Rhonda and I Get Around were few and far between.  Half the time the audience was really getting off to the sounds, the next instance everyone was yawning as someone did a long solo and Dennis strolled off stage or the band tuned up. The distinctive vocal harmonies are still partially there, although they are lazier now…but no one seems to be all that interested.  Even the adenoidal Mike Love, who’s all over the stage, seems to be trying too hard to prove he’s not going through the motions…The flaws are painful to someone who remembers the consummate perfection of Brian Wilson’s arrangements, the once-spotless performances.  Al Jardine can no longer sing lead on Heroes and Villains-he’s lost the upper range of his voice.  Brian’s high falsetto is acutely missed on such harmonic songs as I Get Around…Help Me Rhonda sounded remarkably bottom heavy without Brian’s falsetto. Bruce Johnston sang that part here last year in a fine show at PdA, but Johnston is no longer with the group.”

Wednesday April 18, 1973: Las Vegas High School Auditorium, Las Vegas, NV

I was not aware of this show when I wrote my book.

Sunday October 28, 1973: Santa Barbara County Bowl, Santa Barbara, CA

I was unaware of this show when I wrote my book.  This show was filmed by Dennis’s good friend Ed Roach for use in the promotion of the Beach Boys in Concert LP. Some of the footage can be seen in the Endless Harmony documentary from 1998. A reviewer from UCSB Daily Nexus compared to the BBs performance to a recent appearance by Sly Stone and noted, “For about the same admission price as Sly, the Beach Boys played three hours of music uninterrupted, with only one intermission and no horrible filler band.  While I personally prefer Sly’s music to that of the Beach Boys, Sly is not even in the same league when it comes to audience sensitivity. The Beach Boys sang, danced and generally seemed to be enjoying themselves as much as the audience, particularly singer Mike Love. Their songs included the best of what is old and what is new. From Surfin USA to Holland, they realized what everyone had come for and then gave it to them.  While I sat there in the sun romanticizing my teenage years for Surfer Girl or tapping along to Fun, Fun, Fun, I rediscovered the recently lost knowledge of what a concert is supposed to be: fun.”

Thursday June 20, 1974: Municipal Auditorium, Bangor, Maine-with the Apple Butter Band

I was not aware of this show when I wrote my book.

Saturday August 31, 1974: Pocono International Raceway, Long Pond, PA-with the Allman Brothers, Edgar Winter, the Marshall Tucker Band and Duke William and the Extremes (Canceled)

When I wrote my book, I listed this show but I have since learned that the appearance was canceled. Instead the group flew to Michigan to play an extra concert at Pine Knob.