What Happened At Brian Wilson’s Last Concert

Brian Wilson took his final bow on July 26, 2022, at Pine Knob Music Theatre near Detroit, capping off a career filled with glorious harmonies and studio magic. The evening brimmed with classic Beach Boys songs and ambitious arrangements—but unfortunately, Brian’s own performance didn’t hit the high notes we remember him for.

Back in 1999, Brian returned to touring after nearly 25 years away from the road. He recruited stellar musicians—many skilled at multiple instruments—to recreate the rich, layered sound from his legendary studio albums. From Pet Sounds to SMiLE, these live shows were a true celebration.

“We’re able to really cover whatever Brian put on those records, and maybe even more,” says the late Jeffrey Foskett, who backed Brian from 1999 to 2013. “The musicians were so great… We doubled almost every voice, and it was a much more full vocal sound in Brian’s band than it was in (the Beach Boys).”

Al Jardine, who joined the band after the 50th anniversary tour, echoed Foskett’s sentiments. In 2022, he explained:

“It’s authentic Beach Boys music. It’s great to be able to express that music, still… (Wilson) doesn’t give you as much as an entertainer because he’s really introverted, and he’s really a studio genius, a songwriting genius, arranger. He’s got a great voice, and he’s gonna give it to you when he’s able to. He’s still there; he’s just reticent.”

That Final Show

Brian turned 80 just five weeks before that night, and it was clear the years—and a life shadowed by substance abuse and emotional struggles—had taken their toll. Against the backdrop visuals of younger Brian, the current version took the stage behind a walker, seated at his white piano and largely expressionless.

Through a 90-minute set featuring 19 Beach Boys classics plus the Ronettes’ “Be My Baby,” the audience remained enthusiastic, even as Brian sang only a handful of songs. A tender, slightly shaky rendition of “God Only Knows” drew a standing ovation—a communal salute to his bravery.

When Brian couldn’t perform, his band stepped in. Highlights included Chaplin’s fiery guitar solos on tracks like “Wild Honey,” “Long Promised Road,” and “Sail On, Sailor,” plus Matt Jardine’s angelic vocals on “Don’t Worry Baby” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice.” The ensemble beautifully recaptured the sonic magic of “Heroes and Villains” and “Good Vibrations,” and closed the night with an upbeat run-through of “Help Me, Rhonda,” “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” and “Fun, Fun, Fun.” While joyful, the ending carried a note of sadness as Brian left the stage.

The Aftermath

The very next day, Brian canceled the remainder of his tour, citing “unforeseen health reasons.” In 2023, his daughter Carnie Wilson shared on the BeachBoys Talk podcast how devastating it was, acknowledging that her father was “probably not going to tour anymore, which is heartbreaking.”

Chicago’s Robert Lamm, opening act for the summer shows, reflected on the moment:

“This is kind of like… it could be a goodbye, Brian’s not singing very much, and he’s awfully immobile now. So to see him in his condition is not fun, but he’s been gradually coming around and we’re able to have short conversations before he goes on, and that’s a treat.”

He added:

“The band sounds great, and it’s really a treat to hear them sing. The audience loves Brian. They love the idea of Brian. He is such a wonderful songwriter, composer of such beautiful songs. You can feel how much they love it.”

Following the tour, Al Jardine noted that there were some offers for future shows—“there are some offers for next summer (2023)”—but acknowledged Brian’s declining condition. “He’s an enigma is what he is; when he’s on, boy is he ever on. When the On button goes on, man, watch out. And there’s still a lot of that On button there—it’s just not on quite as much as it used to be.”

Final Years and Legacy

In February 2024, shortly after the passing of his wife, Melinda Ledbetter, Brian was diagnosed with dementia and placed under conservatorship three months later. In May, Beach Boys co-founder and cousin Mike Love shared that Brian “is in bad shape. He’s immobile. But we did sing together—that was fun.”

Though Brian’s final performance didn’t sparkle like it once did, it was a poignant farewell. He gave what he could—perched at his piano, leaning on his walker, offering just enough voice to remind us of the greatness that shaped rock history.

Now, his story continues beyond the stage. His studio work endures—Pet Sounds, SMiLE, and countless others—yet his last live show stands as a bittersweet bookmark in a catalog of inspiring innovation. Brian Wilson may no longer tour, but his music will never rest.