“America’s Band,” The Beach Boys, alongside Full House co-star John Stamos, returned to the Hollywood Bowl for three consecutive nights (July 2–4) in celebration of the Fourth of July—this year marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. The group also headlined the Bowl’s holiday shows in 2023 (originally slated for 2020 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic), continuing a decades-long relationship with the venue that dates back more than 60 years. From their 50th anniversary tour stop in 2012 to now, The Beach Boys remain one of the few acts from their era still commanding this stage. Since their last Bowl appearance, Disney+ released a 2024 documentary chronicling the band’s legacy. Formed in Hawthorne, CA in 1961, the group went on to become America’s biggest band, boasting 36 Top 40 hits and over 100 million albums sold worldwide.
Backed by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra under the direction of Thomas Wilkins, the evening opened with a patriotic tribute. The orchestra performed the national anthem while honoring members of the U.S. Armed Forces in attendance, with each branch—Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Air Force, and Navy—recognized in turn. In a nod to the 50th anniversary of Rocky, the orchestra also performed Bill Conti’s “Gonna Fly Now,” accompanied by film footage.
The Beach Boys’ history with the Bowl is layered with milestones. Their 2023 shows marked 60 years since their first performance there on July 3, 1965—coincidentally the birth year of John Stamos, who has performed with the band since 1985, years before their Full House appearance. That 2023 run featured guest appearances from Sugar Ray’s Mark McGrath. Since then, longtime member Bruce Johnston—who spent 61 years with the band after initially stepping in for Brian Wilson on tour—has departed. Across 65 years and numerous lineup changes, Mike Love remains the sole constant from the original group. The current lineup includes Christian Love (guitar/vocals), Tim Bonhomme (keyboards), Brian Eichenberger (guitar/vocals), John Wedemeyer (guitar/vocals), Randy Leago (sax/flute/harmonica), Keith Hubacher (bass), Jon Bolton (drums), and newest member Chris Cron (keyboards/vocals).
Following an intro video, The Beach Boys took the stage at 8:30 p.m., opening with “Do It Again” and moving seamlessly through classics like “Surfin’ Safari,” “Catch a Wave,” “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” “California Girls,” and “Surfer Girl.” Stamos rotated between guitar and drums, leaning into a long-running gag during “Be True to Your School,” where a simple drum cue predictably erupts into a full-blown solo. The set ran just under 75 minutes, spanning 21 songs.
Compared to 2023, the setlist saw a few notable swaps. “Darlin’,” “Getcha Back,” and Johnston’s “Disney Girls (1957)” were omitted, making room for Bobby Freeman’s “Do You Wanna Dance” and Pet Sounds deep cuts “Caroline, No” and “You Still Believe in Me” in honor of the album’s 60th anniversary. After “I Get Around,” Stamos moved to keyboards and addressed the crowd ahead of “Forever,” famously featured on Full House. Originally sung and co-written by Dennis Wilson, the song was performed here as a tribute to Brian Wilson following his passing last year. A photo of Wilson appeared on screen, followed by a montage of Full House clips featuring the band. Wilson himself had a long history with the Bowl, performing there with the orchestra in 2008, with surviving bandmates in 2012, and again in 2016 alongside Al Jardine for Pet Sounds’ 50th anniversary.
“Forever” has also served as a tribute to Bob Saget since his passing in 2022. The evening continued with a tribute to Carl Wilson via “God Only Knows,” sung here by Christian Love. Additional Pet Sounds selections included “Caroline, No,” “You Still Believe in Me,” “Sloop John B,” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice.” Dennis Wilson, the first member the band lost (1983), was honored with “Do You Wanna Dance,” the first single he sang lead on.
Before the fireworks finale, the band delivered three more staples: “Good Vibrations,” “Kokomo,” and “Barbara Ann.” As they exited the stage, the orchestra carried the evening forward with John Philip Sousa compositions including “The Washington Post March” and “Stars and Stripes Forever.” The Beach Boys returned for an encore of “Fun, Fun, Fun,” closing out a night that balanced nostalgia, tribute, and enduring showmanship.
Setlist:
Do It Again
Surfin' Safari
Catch a Wave
Surfin' U.S.A
California Girls
Surfer Girl
Be True to Your School
Don't Worry Baby
Little Deuce Coupe
I Get Around
Forever with John Stamos lead vocals
God Only Knows
Caroline No.
You Still Believe In Me
Sloop John B ([traditional] cover)
Wouldn't It Be Nice
Help Me, Rhonda
Do You Wanna Dance? (Bobby Freeman Cover)
Good Vibrations
Kokomo
Barbara Ann (The Regents cover)
Encore
Fun, Fun, Fun
Photos by Alex Kluft
