There is certainly some good fortune at work here as we almost never got a real concert of The Beach Boys. That said, there are some caveats: nothing too serious however...The fact we have something that is this good is a cause to embrace it.
If there ever was a truly landmark American band on the level with The Beatles it has got to be The Beach Boys. More than just about any other of the great ones they were able to create timeless rock and roll. Moreso than some they were a tragedy within them self as certain dysfunctions, more than even drugs, hampered what could have been in their progression as possibly the most artistic and original American group.
At the juncture documented here they're really in good form considering all the obstacles...Not the least of which is a pretty inclement weather situation at this show. The fact they were such consummate pros makes it all possible though For this show it has been widely circulated that it was a major miracle they all were together and that they would never be so again after it. I do think they were never together again in the UK and were, at least, never together in any fashion in the rest of the world either where a film documentary exists. Therefore it's virtually impossible to ignore the fact that warts and all this is the best filmed evidence of their concert greatness.
The evening of this show seems to give everyone purpose. I'd say they performed excellently with the obvious exceptions of Dennis and Brian who did well, but truly seemed in their own private worlds. The harmonies are still in evidence, the greatness of the songs comes through, and for a tear in time it seems there may actually still be a real band. No, not just that but a band that no longer needed studio musicians to flesh the ideas into recorded reality. There is greatness in evidence here. Even Al Jardine's songs which tend to be out of place don't get in the way. Sorry, Al...You were immensely important to the band, but Cotton Fields and Lovely Lynda just don't seem to really fit.
Watch this show and enjoy a real piece of Americana rock and roll style. The sound and lighting is really fantastic for the period. The all white amplifiers, stage cabinets, and instruments are so cool that other bands imitated that look, but The Beach Boys had it first. If you love the music this is a must see and even if you do not it's the best recorded concert testament of the fact we, in America, did birth at least one band that rated with The Beatles.