Bootleg Beach Boys bring sounds of the summer to Dublin

THE Bootleg Beach Boys will be performing selections of classic hits and cult favourites from California’s most famous band when they play the Olympia Theatre on Saturday, May 28.

From surf themed anthems such as ‘Surfin’ Safari’ and ‘Surfer Girl’ to classic muscle car memorable’s like ‘Shut Down’ and ‘Fun Fun Fun’, the band have gathered an impressive repertoire of West Coast, harmony-laden songs that evoke the spirit and essence of the pursuit of the 1960’s American dream. 

Don’t be fooled by the group’s admittedly tongue in cheek name, as this band consists of a well-seasoned line up of multi-instrumentalists and vocalists. 

The brain child of Joe Mullins (Beatles for Sale, Inertia 66, The Last Waltz) who serves as the group’s fastidious musical director (as well as playing an impressive array of instruments), Joe also voices the sweet tones of Al Jardine and Bruce Johnson.

Damian Butler (who plays Levon Helm in The Last Waltz and in Now that’s Live!) bangs the drums and percussion, giving the band that infectious ‘60’s beat, and voices the parts of Dennis Wilson and Mike Love to boot.

Mark Maguire and Joe Leech (Bipolar Empire and Lunar) who play lead guitar and bass respectively, add the sweet harmonies that make The Beach Boys so instantly recognisable. Between them they capture the vocal resemblance of Al Jardine, Bruce Johnson and Mike Love, a mean feat considering the vocal range of their calibre.

Fran King (The Classic Beatles, The Get Back Show, and Edisons), playing bass and acoustic guitar, adds the high register of Brian and Carl Wilson to the combo.

The band tackle such classics as ‘In my room’, ‘God only knows’, ‘Good Vibrations’, and ‘Help me Rhonda’ in their hit heavy set, but also pay homage to the genius of Brian Wilson in the form of selections from the seminal ‘Pet Sounds’, and cult favourites from the legendary ‘Smile’ album.

This blend of five vocals and infectious sun soaked gems makes for a memorable night of some of the finest music committed to tape over four decades. You’ll most assuredly have fun, fun, fun till the bar calls last drinks!