In 1976, the group and its management (headed by Stan Love, brother and cousin of band members) forced Brian Wilson, composer and producer of the big 1960's hits, back into active participation. The problem, as has been documented many times elsewhere, is that Brian was ill mentally and physically, exacerbated by prodigious drug consumption. The resultant album, "15 Big Ones", exposed the group as tired, creatively bankrupt, with Brian's voice (as well as brother Dennis's) terribly shot.
This TV special was part of the promotional push behind the album. Brian is on view frequently, and his discomfort carries over to the viewer. The humor is forced. The high point is a performance of "That Same Song", where the group is backed by a gospel choir. It's the one time that Brian seems totally engaged. There are also decent concert sequences and interviews with other band members. On the whole, however, it's an unwitting document of a challenging period for The Beach Boys -- and the situation would become increasingly fraught over the next 15 years.
This TV special was part of the promotional push behind the album. Brian is on view frequently, and his discomfort carries over to the viewer. The humor is forced. The high point is a performance of "That Same Song", where the group is backed by a gospel choir. It's the one time that Brian seems totally engaged. There are also decent concert sequences and interviews with other band members. On the whole, however, it's an unwitting document of a challenging period for The Beach Boys -- and the situation would become increasingly fraught over the next 15 years.