Brian Wilson performs fan-favorites 'Love and Mercy' and 'God Only Knows' on 'Late Show With Stephen Colbert'
Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson is keeping fans entertained and inspired during the Covid-19 lockdown. On Thursday night's episode of ' The Late Show With Stephen Colbert', Wilson Zoomed in to deliver an acoustic at-home performance of 'Love and Mercy', the opening track from his 1988 self-titled debut solo album, as well as 'God Only Knows', The Beach Boys classic which released in 1966.
Sitting at his grand piano with a copy of LPs 'Pet Sounds' and 'Sgt Pepper' behind him, Wilson told the camera, "Hi, this is Brian Wilson, everyone. I just want you guys to know that we're all in this together." Lyrics from the song include, "I was lyin' in my room and the news came on TV. A lotta people out there hurtin' and it really scares me. Love and mercy that's what you need tonight. So, love and mercy to you and your friends tonight." After his 'God Only Knows' performance, Wilson said, "I love you all. Love and mercy to you all."
Wilson is a celebrated musician, singer, songwriter and record producer who co-founded The Beach Boys. After he signed with Capitol Records in 1962, Wilson wrote and co-wrote more than two dozen Top 40 hits for the band. With his unconventional approach to pop composition and mastery of recording techniques, Wilson has often been regarded as a genius in musical spheres. He is widely acknowledged as one of the most innovative and significant songwriters of the late 20th century.
Fans on Twitter were loving the performances and giving Wilson much honor. "Soooooo cool to see Brian Wilson... you still rock man!" said a fan while another wrote, "The One and ONLY Brian Wilson!" One fan shared, "Brian Wilson, you are a national treasure." Others said the performance of 'Love and Mercy' by the "Genius and Legend!" was "heartwarming" and said, "I loved that."
Wilson is gearing for the 25th-anniversary reissue of his ode to California, 'Orange Crate Art', due out on June 19 and features previously unreleased bonus tracks. The collaborate album with producer Van Dyke Parks will also be issued on vinyl for the very first time. Wilson was slated to perform in Europe right now on tour, but it was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Watch Wilson perform 'Love and Mercy' here. Watch his 'God Only Knows' performance here.