The Beach Boys’ positivity is infectious, and research proves the band’s ability to uplift listeners even during the darkest of times.
Dr. Michael Bonsor, a music psychology lecturer at the University of Sheffield (UK), revealed through his studies that “Good Vibrations” is the top song that makes people the happiest.
Others include James Brown’s “I Got You (I Feel Good),” Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl,” The Village People’s “YMCA” and Pink’s “Get the Party Started.”
“Making people feel good is pretty fantastic,” Mike Love said.
“The song was born when the Vietnam War was going on, there were demonstrations, immigration issues.”
Meanwhile, The Beach Boys wanted to talk about girls, teenage living, love and flower power — the positive things in life. Love said he “always chose to accentuate the positive.”
The Beach Boys will share those good vibes at the AVA Amphitheater at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3.
“These casino stages are beautiful,” he said.
At some gigs, actor/musician John Stamos has been joining The Beach Boys on drums. Calling the entertainer his “buddy,” Love said Stamos’ inclusion is a pleasure.
“I met him when he was Blackie on ‘General Hospital,’” Love said. “He got fan letters by the thousands every week. Then, he became ‘America’s favorite uncle’ on ‘Full House.’ He had us on the show a few times and we still get recognized from there.”
Like The Beach Boys’ audience, the shows are family affairs.
“We’ll back (Stamos) up on a song called ‘Forever,’ which he sang when Uncle Jesse got married,” Love explained. “The fans love him. He’s a really positive influence with us. He brings out his son, who likes to play drums with him — and steals the show. He’s a really cute, little boy.”
That, Love explained, reflects The Beach Boys’ audience as well.
“The coolest thing about The Beach Boys is everyone can come to the show and enjoy the music together,” he said about multigenerational fans.
“We were in Florida a couple of months ago, and it was a 10-year-old girl’s first concert; she wanted to see The Beach Boys. She was on her father’s shoulder, had made posters with The Beach Boys, palm trees and surfboards. We signed them and got them back to her. Her mom cried.
“It’s pretty amazing that our music, which has been out for 60 years, reaches 10-year-olds.”
The Beach Boys
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3
WHERE: AVA Amphitheatre, Casino Del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Road, Tucson
COST: Tickets start at $29
INFO: casinodelsol.com
This article appears in Apr 17-24, 2025.