Memories of Wembley '75

 

I was 15 years old and against my mothers wishes I travelled from our home in Brixton South London, on my own, all the way to Wembley Stadium for an all day music extravaganza. It was scorching hot and the following year was to get even hotter. The tube trains were stuffy and airless, but the excitement I felt all the way there never wavered. It was to be a hugely memorable day in my life that I've never forgotten.

The days compere, Johnny Walker, introduced us to an array of artists who duly entertained the crowds from mid morning till well into the evening, Chaka Khan, Rufus, Stackridge, The Eagles and Joe Walsh, Elton John and of course the Beach Boys, who in my opinion totally stole the show. Apart from the absence of sand and surf boards you could have been forgiven for thinking you were actually on Miami beach that day. The performance they gave was amazing, flawless and it was evident they were having as good a time as the crowd, they had everyone on their feet and rocking. It was for me, one of the greatest concerts I've ever attended, and I've been to hundreds since starting at an early age in 1974.

Can anyone help me to fill in a blank in my concert history book? The Beach Boys did a concert in the U.K  on 14th June 1974 but I haven't got any details about the venue, do you know where it was held?

Many regards and keep rocking, I love the site,

Rich..

Rich also sent in this great autographed item:

has anyone got any pictures from this concert that we can pop on here? if so This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it them to me cheers

Ken Isherwoods Photos

'I recently dug out some old photos that I took from the Beach Boys gigs from 1980. They were taken mainly before the gigs at Wembley Arena and Knebworth, from the bands hotel in London.
 
They were mostly taken on a cheap Kodak camera from the time hence their quality.If you look closely you might spot a few (younger ) familiar faces including myself.'

The photos were actually taken in June 1980. The Boys did a couple of gigs at Wembley Arena, before returning a couple of weeks later for the Knebworth gig. Notice Brian's loss of a beard between those weeks!

The story was I arrived early in the afternoon before the first gig, as the band were doing their soundcheck. Mike & Al came out to a few of us fans waiting at the security gate at the back of the Arena and signed autographs.
The others did not come out, but I did manage to collar then manager Jerry Shilling who told me which hotel the band were staying at.

I think I past the word onto a few other fans and we met the morning at the Hotel reception after the second concert.
We did not have to wait long before Al and Mike came down and affably talked to fans.
Dennis appeared probably a bit worse for wear of drink, but I remember him being delighted when someone produced a copy of "Pacific Ocean Blue" to sign, he mentioned something about him and Christine Mcvie were going to buy a cottage in Wales, before actually dancing around the foyer arm and arm with Mike !

I remember being stunned when Brian first appeared through the lift, not just because he was "Brian", but just how big he was close up. He seemed very remote, but amicably signed autographs, although signed everything "Brian" but not the Wilson.
I was only a shy 20 year old at the time, and was completely tongue tied stood next to the great man.
I do remember the friendly wave he gave me as he jumped into his taxi though.

Bruce and Carl came later(as did Lynda Jardine who signed my programme), both were in a rush to catch their flights but still signed autographs before disappearing.

I never got to the Knebworth gig due to a friend's wedding the same day, but someone sent me a couple of the attached photos with Brian without his beard a few weeks later.
Look closely and I think that's John Porteous trying to engage Brian in conversation through his limousine window.
In the other photo with Brian people may recognise former Stomp cover artist Nick Guy .

Great memories !

 

The Latest shots have been very kindly sent by Ginny Tomasini Lane
The Beach Boys at Foxwoods MGM Grand Theater, Connecticut