The Beach Boys -- "God Only Knows" Live 1997 (Carl's Last Recorded Performance)

Perhaps the last recorded performance of "God Only Knows" by Carl Wilson, recorded August 2, 1997 with The Beach Boys at the Concord Pavilion in Concord, CA. If anyone has any information about a reported August 4th recording that exists, please let me know.
This was recorded in the midst of Carl's battle with lung cancer; by this time he sat on a stool for each performance and required oxygen after some songs. "God Only Knows" was the one song that he would unfailingly stand for at each performance, and as evidenced by this vocal here, his vocal talent had not diminished one bit, with no discernible phrasing differences between this rendition and those from previous years. A remarkable recording through and through.

[@KingCamdenTheGreat]

Even when sick, Carl still sang beautifully

[@petestaint8312]

Pure talent. 👍

[@robkenny100]

I saw the Beach Boys in Rosemont Illinois on Aug 19th 1997...3rd row...Carl sat on a stool, took oxygen treatments on occasion, and gave it all he had...I will never forget that night, and the strength Carl showed....

[@markfoster3650]

I saw them in VA Beach around the same time. Carl was not as neatly dressed as usual. Did not look very good. Had to sit on a stool as you said. He certainly did give it all he had. I was fairly close up, and got a good view. I was amazed at how incredible he sounded. Did not know he was dying at the time. He is my favorite vocalist.

[@kingofallwhites]

Mark Foster Did Carl still have his beard and his hair? He still sounds amazing.

[@williamthompson5504]

I saw them in 3 times in 1997 at age 16. I knew Carl wouldn't return to touring, but I thought he would live. David Marks is the only surviving Beach Boy I have never seen live. Life/Fate ALWAYS interferes when I have a chance. You're right, Carl gave it his all that summer. I don't think of my final Carl show in a sad way. I try to remember all the fun I had. Truly the voice of an angel. I will not see Mike and Bruce unless David Marks play with them. I don't think it's right to call themselves The Beach Boys.

[@cs54721]

I saw the Beach Boys in Lewes DE that summer too. I noticed Carl sat on a stool, but at the time, I didn't know he was sick. It was the only time I've seen the Beach Boys live. We happened to be at the Delaware shore visiting family and they had some VIP passes, so it was a happy accident that I got to attend.

[@99somerville]

@@kingofallwhites Carl was wearing a hair piece at the end which his wife Gina had gotten made for him. I don’t think he ever lost his beard.

[@darrelltiencken2194]

I went my first BB concert 1972 Carl was standing by the stage door as we walking to the parking lot,he called us over and asked if we enjoyed it,what a nice person!

[@jerrymuzak4534]

His voice is like an old friend. Comforting, at all times. Rest in peace.

[@chuckkirkpatrick6712]

No auto-tune, folks.....just one of the purest, most beautiful male voices ever put on this earth.

[@PRIMO19]

people like you are responsible for Pet Sounds flopping and Smile not being finished in the 60s

[@aperson8438]

OT Will what?

[@woodyjackson7707]

CARL had The touch of god

[@gemini8npg]

OT is a pure troll , F off dude. Chuck, you are spot on man.

[@NOWtheband]

@@PRIMO19 - What a bizarre retort, especially given the original post's sentiment.

[@Flapperdame16]

You would never guess he was sick- and near death. Shows his inner strength and devotion to the music and the band. Carl Wilson- what a legend.

[@cole6122]

It's honestly pretty amazing that he still had a voice like that after smoking for like 40 years

[@Jpw824]

So he smoked since 11? He died at 51

[@cole6122]

@@Jpw824 Yeah, apparently around 13. Different times

[@bedwarsgb4523]

He quit in the early 80s. So smoked a bit over 20 years.

[@videocat1366]

It's amazing how he didn't give a half-hearted performance, even though you know he had sung that song hundreds of times before. There was nothing stale about it. He was completely into the song. RIP, Carl.

[@barbarawinsor8401]

So sick and on his way out of this world, yet his notes are SPOT ON! What a gift this man had! That voice is incredible. It pierces me right to my heart. My favorite Beach Boy always. R.I.P., sweet man.

[@jaggass]

He lost his life but never lost his voice.

[@tomshaw6373]

I saw Brian in concert just four days ago with Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin. Al sounds like he's 20 years old. Brian had to be helped onto his piano seat onstage. He is having severe back problems again. He sang well for the first part of the show, but by the end, he was struggling to actually sing. Strange thing is, like you said, he HIT EVERY NOTE even when his singing was sub par. It must be the Beach Boys credo to at least hit the note! It is amazing.

[@railwaymaster1163]

@@tomshaw6373 It is too sad that he is forced to contunue touring. He is 80 years old let alone, and people still use him as a chance to fill their pockets.

[@jointhehumanrace4039]

Such a beautiful voice. The glue that held The Beach Boys together; the one who made sure Brian's music would be performed with the respect it deserved.

[@georgesouthwick7000]

Paul McCartney called God Only Knows the greatest song he ever heard. He said it always brought him to tears.

[@Fear2Stop]

Omg he sounds the same! Just brought me to tears

[@larrysproul9424]

Carl was the heart and soul of the group. May be rest in peace.

[@eclipseoneonone]

Hard to believe he would be gone 6 months after this Amazing performance. RIP Carl

[@dorisstewart9552]

Who does not tear up when hearing this song? What an incredible talent Carl was . He is surely missed but we are fortunate to have his recordings on video with the group to see and listen to.. Brian wrote an incredible song for Carl to take the lead on.

[@dccoulson1]

He sang God Only Knows in Atlantic City on November 29, 1997 but I don't know if anyone recorded that. His Mom died on 12/1/97 and he passed 2/6/98. Amazing how he went out on the road given all he was going through with his chemo. A trooper until the very end. Music was his world.

[@TheCraig8754]

I was at that show 2nd row right in front of Carl

[@billlarson9917]

His last concert

[@NorthernExposureSlots]

I believe the last show was August 29.

[@sirmelancholia]

@@NorthernExposureSlots It was.

[@steveskouson9620]

Trouper! In fact, Super Trouper! steve

[@goatscheesescake]

One of this worlds greatest,especially to carry on and sing when time was running out. RIP Carl

[@howardbulgatz7080]

And also R.I.P. to Mike Meros, on the far right.

[@joshie1956]

Carl what a brave, proud and humble man you were, underrated you were, talented and handsome you were, loved and missed YOU ARE. 💔💔🌹

[@davidshepack2484]

I saw him sing this live in August, in Atlantic City. GREAT sound system and performance. My beer an elbow were on stage. When the song was over the whole band started bowing in the "I'm not worthy" fashion. So I did too. He couldn't see the band behind him. He walked a few steps towards me, bowed a little bit and said thank you. My bar band did this song, and I always thought about that moment.

[@musicmatty67]

He certainly doesn’t sound like a man who is dying. I saw him that same year June 1997 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia Maryland. He didn’t look so good at all and he had to sit down occasionally but yet, he never sounded better. A lot of water under the bridge since then… God bless the beach boys.

[@Wolfsky9]

Singing in Heaven, with All The Angelic Choir. ----Miss you, Carl Wilson. ---------WolfSky9

[@steveskouson9620]

Sky, I've seen you post on Carl's videos before. I'm another Carl Dean fan! Dennis lived them, Brian wrote them, and Carl sang them. At least, we still have Brian left! Carl will be missed, the rest of my life! steve

[@yeahsee1933]

Makes me sad. RIP, You wonderful man.

[@dukeofprunes]

voice of an angel. always and forever.

[@nicholasplakoris7362]

I saw Carl that year at the A&P Festival in NJ in late July. He was a gentleman, Blondie showed up. Carl was taking in oxygen that evening and occasionally was sitting on a stool. He still sounded great. I miss him.

[@peterking1535]

i'm a brit who originates from Liverpool but give me the Beach Boys any day.

[@mustomax]

The best and sweetest singer ever. Miss him so much!

[@figmo397]

You'd never know this guy was dying from lung cancer from the way he sings. RIP.

[@bradleycrouser]

Performing beautifully, right up to the end. RIP, Carl Wilson, my favorite Beach Boy.

[@timothyflyte9443]

I saw him on that tour in Pontiac , Michigan. At the old pine knob theater. He was great .

[@biffhenderson1419]

My god,...... no words....only tears.... can’t help it.......this is stunning....

[@gdawg1585]

I bought a LP record( Best Of The Beach Boys Vol.3) at my local antique store one day this January my friend bought a Wild Honey LP we went back to his house and we listened to mine first God Only Knows was the first track I just remember feeling just almost brought to tears near the end of the song. After I left my friends house and walked back home I played my record and sat down on my bed looking at the ceiling I played the first side God Only Knows begins playing instantly tears start falling down my face and I had to bury my face in my bedsheets so that my parents wouldn't hear me cry Its a beautiful song R.I.P DENNIS AND CARL

[@mrsmacca126]

CARL DEAN WILSON. Forever and ever and ever....

[@BarbaraRomano-akatropicgal55]

This is heartbreaking, got me crying . Miss Carl's voice, singing and well... Just him. Nice man with heart which he put in his singing. A life, husband, father and talent taken much too soon. God bless your family.

[@Supercell725]

I grew up listening to these guys being born in 57. I had a older brother that was 10 years older than me. He played their albums every day after school. I knew the words to every song. Saw them live in 68 after my big brother got back from Vietnam. My brother and his friend took me to Norman Oklahoma to see The Beach Boys. I also saw them live in OKC in 84.

[@TonysMusic1974]

The glue that really held the Beach Boys together. The soul of the band. Truly missed.

[@charliemckinney708]

Carl was the best part of the Beach Boys

[@nateuhrich1527]

You spelt Brian wrong

[@_batthew_5324]

The three Wilson brothers were the best part

[@billydeewilliams9104]

@@_batthew_5324 IDK, Dennis didn't do much. Love the guy but, c'mon.

[@Hahaa99]

Brian was the Brain Carl was the Soul

[@antebellumstage]

@@billydeewilliams9104 Blasphemy! Dennis was a genius in his own right. Just you listen to his solo album "Pacific Ocean Blue" and his work on Sunflower and Friends.

[@chrischoir3594]

Best singer in the BB and maybe Pop R&R for that matter

[@nicholastroiano2689]

A great guy with a beautiful singing voice gone way too soon!! Wish Carl and Dennis were still here!

[@janineoshea6129]

Angel voice!

[@edwardfraser8264]

One of pop musics finest voices

[@1949ala]

Visited his grave site in Westwood a few years ago...he was the driving force behind the group. Brian was wise in giving Carl this song to sing.

[@mr.nobody68]

Around 92 when I was 4, my parents took me and my newborn sister to see The Beach Boys at the Puyallup fairgrounds in Washington state. I remember standing on my seat, yelling the words to every song, and my dad yelling at me to shut the fuck up because people wanted to hear TBB, not me lol And then, my sister got fussy and we had to leave before the end of the show. Coincidentally, we've never gotten along. I'm 31 now but, I've been listening to TBB for 32 years. I have always loved them, and I always will. And God Only Knows What I'd be withoooot themmmm God Only Knows What I'd be Wiiiiiithooooout God Only Knows What I'd be Without The Beach Boys

[@deenamccarthy1897]

His voice was Amazing, even to the end!

[@samiamdj8603]

Thanks for sharing. Breaks my heart. What a beautiful rendition from a dying man. God Bless you Carl.

[@danielmoore62]

What a voice! RIP Carl.

[@kathyv8053]

I Love The Beach Boys💖 Carl Wilson, Did A Beautiful Singing of song "God Only Knows"🎤🎶 Carl, Will be so Greatly Missed" 😔🎤🎶💖🌠⚘🏝🏄‍♀️🏄‍♂️🌈

[@beachboysswiftie]

RIP Carl. I wish I was alive to see you in person, 5 years too late for me :(

[@philrotella6798]

The voice and spirit of an Angel ~~~

[@DotsPurpleBlanket]

What would my life be without this song, and without Carl Wilson singing it? Not the same. Not the same. He helped/helps my Faith in life/humanity/God!

[@Alisonws]

I feel you 💖🙏🏻🎶

[@dmer-zy3rb]

even though he was ill and certainly looked that way since years - he still gave a great performance!

[@kathiduran9583]

I miss his voice so much :(

[@lisden6683]

It’s so sad Brian lost his twoYounger brothers but he stayed alive.

[@heathervelasco5159]

I can only imagine what Brian is thinking now.

[@dominicjordan7503]

Carl was a legend.

[@sdne1959]

. IS a legend !! .

[@charlesoliva8174]

The voice of an angel - R.I.P.

[@ChrisKrolak]

I loved his voice.

[@helencrane7378]

i seen carl at house of blue myrtle beach july 4 i cried as i knew this was my last time hearing him in person

[@SeamusMcGillicuddy0]

I will always miss that man. He was the soul of the group. ❤️

[@leopardspotsmusic]

Beautiful ❤

[@larryb8022]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻✌🏻✌🏻❤️❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸❤️🙏🏻👍🏻❤️❤️❤️ Carl you gave us all you got brother. Your passion, love your heart. You’ll never be forgotten 🙏🏻❤️✌🏻👍🏻🇺🇸😔

[@Wolfsky9]

RIP, Brother, we still miss you. You WERE The Beach Boys, to me. --------------WolfSky9, 75 y/o

[@hoodedman07]

Incredible

[@barbarakaten1739]

Makes me cry Such a pure voice. Gone way too soon.

[@sonnyporemba1962]

Love you with all my heart... Thankkyou, Thankyou, Thankyou...

[@geraldhills41]

most beatiful !

[@Bork98]

The Beach Boys died along with Carl.

[@bryansmathers927]

Yes they certainly did

[@jboyer1435]

When Carl died , all that was good in this screwed up world lost a monumental piece of it's self. Love and mercy to Brian for ever.

[@markbailey1970]

I’m afraid that you are right x

[@steveskouson9620]

If anyone is not wiping tears away, you have no Heart! I cannot listen to this song, without my eyesight going blurry. And, that is BEFORE Carl Dean left us. Sir Paul is right. steve

[@madcap_9539]

Carl still gave all he could to the end. What a beautiful voice he had.

[@z512345]

RIP Carl.

[@Wolfsky9]

Heartbreaking. -----------Carl Wilson, The Heart of The Beach Boys. ----------Miss you more as the years go on. -----------------------WolfSky9, 71 y/o

[@mrsmacca126]

Wolfsky9 I would LOVE to have the opportunity to talk with you. There are a couple questions I’d like to ask you, regarding Carl. You are my “go-to” source, for all things CDW. ❤️

[@Wolfsky9]

To Ms. D. Patterson : I am flattered by your request. If I can answer, I'd be pleased to do so. THAT said : I met Carl once, very briefly, in 1976, Denver, before their performance at Mile-High Stadium, in July of that year. My closest friend was dating the promoter's----Barry Fey ---daughter, & it was the 1 & only time I ever went " backstage". As Carl was the only one of the several performers there that day, & my friend knew how much I admired him, he arranged for a brief meeting, with Barry's help. Carl was approx. 5"10", as was Dennis. He was incredibly gracious, shook my hand, thanked me & asked my favorite BB songs. I will tell you this : Carl was handsome, & he had --for lack of a better term---an aura around him that's difficult to explain, but I felt it. In all, our meeting was less than 5 minutes, but for me, it confirmed my belief from the early days , that Carl was truly, the heart of The BB's, & onstage, the MD, in full command of the music. The man just had unusual class & presence. And as the years went on, he was for me, THE reason I went to see the group; in all, 24 times, between '64, & '97. ---In Oct. '97, at Thousand Oaks Perf. Ctr., he was absent, & it was the poorest perf. I have ever seen by The Boys. For most of the crowd, Carl's absence overshadowed the music --and it ruined all attempts at " Fun, Fun, Fun". -----When Carl left for those 2 years to go on his own, I never saw him perform, but I spoke with a woman who saw him in NYC. She told me that she & her 3 friends were completely surprised by not only how good his band was, but how Carl smiled, & seemed to be enjoying himself; he'd lost weight, trimmed the beard & combed his hair off his forehead; she tole me that she & her friends all decided he was " movie star handsome", & should stay on his own. I have often wondered if The Boys could have survived, had Carl not returned. What I DO believe, is that he would have been huge, had he remained on his own; family loyalty however, won out.----WolfSky9, 71 y/o

[@Wolfsky9]

To Ms. D. Patterson. MY E-Mail : [e-mail]. If I can answer, I'm more than pleased to do so. If I don't know, I will likewise be candid & say so. ----Point of Reference : of Carl's compositions, " Where I Belong" , " Heaven" & " Long Promised Road" are, IMO, Masterpieces. ------As with his brothers, Carl worked better with partners who were better with lyrics ; as with the aforementioned, Robert White Johnson , Myrna Smith-Schilling, & Jack Reilly. ----My own speculation : had DW not been ruined by drugs, smoking & ETOH, I believe that Carl would have been willing to collaborate more closely with him , & possibly, have DW join his band in those 2 years away from The Boys. I just see so clearly how loyal he was to DW. As for he & BW, THAT relationship was difficult all through the late 60's, the 70's, & most of all, the 80's. And sadly, it never was repaired. ---WolfSky9, 71 y/o

[@mrsmacca126]

Wolfsky9= God bless you and THANK YOU, for all of that CARL info. I’m crying, typing this!!! You are such a kind and generous soul.

[@Wolfsky9]

Ms Patterson : My heartfelt thanks. We share a bond in the love of music, & one of the real heroes of the very best music of all-time. I trust when it's my time, Carl will be there, singing with The Angelic Choir. ----WolfSky9

[@dlagrua]

Carl was a great talent and the only one in the beach boys that could sing this song. He had terrific vocal range.

[@sdne1959]

. If there is a heaven, I'd like to imagine that this beautiful song is the one that Carl Wilson will be singing at the gates to welcome us all, saints and sinners alike, finally home, finally free, and delivered from all our Earthly troubles and strife...... .

[@mrsmacca126]

Thank you for this wonderful post.

[@nataliarobinson9514]

I can barely bring myself to this sometimes

[@itskrill]

Thank you for this

[@haroldbailey9011]

😢😢😢😢 what a talent. A gift

[@user-hj5nh1rl7t]

I Will Always Love Love Love Carl Wilson

[@anguswalsh2387]

Such a voice. Such a huge loss. Carl Wilson was the best of the beach boys alongside Dennis Wilson.

[@jerrileegeorge7385]

I never get enough! RIP

[@quacknobert5749]

What for a Voice ❤

[@lynnepidgeon8411]

Beautiful,, A man with so much inner strength & the voice of an angel

[@thevanguardsofmanhood8463]

Carl has sung all the way into heaven. GOD bless his sweet soul.

[@user-hj5nh1rl7t]

Carl Wilson the Voice of a Angel

[@paulstewart8218]

who knew when Carl recorded "Girl Don't Tell Me" what an angelic voice he possessed

[@mustomax]

That what I often think to myself! In the beginning, has was so young and no one could know a voice like his will ve so important in the Beach Boys sound... Brian was lucky to have such a great instrument like his young brother's voice that he could use to make his masterpieces! And no one come could predict this in 1961!!!

[@NOWtheband]

Brian did.

[@adrianbourgeois]

Does anyone have the recording of this entire show? I was actually at this concert when I was nine years old and it was one of the most memorable experiences of my entire life, primarily because of Carl. I'd love to hear the whole show again.

[@brianwalendy3735]

I was the same age in 97. Actually I think by this time I was 11. Either way, I woulda probably killed to have seen this show. They were by far my favorite band at the time, and have secured a special place in my life throughout all the other music I love.

[@YannD]

Nearly complete concert there : www.guitars101.com/forums/f90/beach-boys-concord-pavilion-1997-08-02-aud-last-recorded-concert-carl-664989.html

[@viviannichols3582]

@@brianwalendy3735 SAME

[@newcastlerabbit]

Beautiful.

[@petestaint8312]

Holy crap! Sounds awesome.

[@TR-jc8pc]

Voice of an angel

[@davesusnock7488]

I saw them August 21, 1997 in Syracuse. Glad I snuck my camcorder in for that show.

[@Frenite]

Dave Susnock Do you have a video?

[@NOWtheband]

I bet you are!

[@toddlaber2325]

carl still sounded good rip carl wilson

[@johnscialfa7391]

thanks

[@Goodvibrations-by4vp]

Another beautiful voice taken from us way too early by smoking/cancer. :(

[@kai326]

I live less than a mile from the Concord Pavilion, its so weird knowing that this all went down so close to me

[@tonyguadagno6917]

Unbelievable !

[@adarlene4075]

Goodbye Carl (Amanda's Close Friends)

[@andrewcarey9217]

You know him personality?

[@Kekuahiwi]

Just saw brother Brian and band at Concord Pavilion last Sat night 6/11/22. They played and sang this and the other songs Carl would have sung. It was bitter sweet. The Pavilion's sound guy was dreadful. Sounded like they didn't even give them a sound check and made them blow through all the settings for headliners Chicago. Nevertheless, it was my first "beach boys" concert and legendary to me

[@richardbittikofer988]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sing on Carl♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

[@garryberry4784]

AUDIO ONLY

[@helencrane5034]

anyone seen him july 4th house of blues myrte beach i was there

[@stevesnellgrove1518]

Paul McCartney called it The Greatest song ever written ❤

[@jaggass]

When was Carl's last performance with The Beach Boys?

[@danielciman3959]

Dennis is the man he gave them.the idea to write surf music