Vince Gill, David Crosby, Jimmy Web - Surf's Up live at Radio City Music Hall, March 29, 2001

[@dean3434]

I'm 75 now and I never, never appreciated the voice, the passion and the sincerity of Vince Gill as well as his high voice skills. Like I have. This song is a Rhapsody.

[@shanenichols1052]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5PZoaRpfamVf7ssi=lJbFjqfin0XDhkoP

[@derekberg4067]

Vince Gill said he couldn't do this song. He was "over his head", but he did it. Brian Wilson later told him they "never did that song live. It was too hard." One of Gill's greatest performances ever.

[@timhoovermusicman]

I just watched him say that on a interview with Joe chambers

[@thewkovacs316]

they did it once in 67 at princeton....it's on youtube

[@blow1906]

Brian Wilson did it live on his Smile-Concerts I guess?

[@weezadam]

they did perform it live in the early 70s just not often and probably quickly realized it was too difficult to perform. Carl still killed it though.

[@leytline4506]

Beach boys did with Carl on lead that one time. Brian was not there

[@judyaiello3646]

Just Glorious. One of my favorites from the genius that is Brian Wilson. Vince Gill is perfection 😍

[@BobChristopher]

Jesus Holy Christ! Vince is an amazingly gifted artist…and an amazing human being!

[@dean3434]

Yes. A decent man.

[@jeckthewindmill]

Rest In Peace David Crosby

[@Chicago_Podcast_Authority]

thanks for letting me know. RIP Mr. Crosby

[@chrisfrantzis4351]

Wow! Vince Gill.

[@LG-kl3co]

Jeff Foskett deserves an enormous amount of credit for his backing vocals and is the unsung hero despite Vince smashing it !!!

[@raymatuza4026]

Foskett can do it better...

[@DummyYEEEAAHHHHH]

Oh for sure...he's amazing. Such a talent...his solo work is awesome as well. If ya never checked it out I highly recommend it. He does a few BB songs kinda rearranged. Pretty dope.

[@elaw2414]

Man every time David Crosby shows up you know lush harmonies are coming.

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

missed so xoxoxo

[@Jhensy2012]

Can't believe people are insulting this. That's a DAMN tough song to sing. You try it.

[@1401minstrel]

And I think Vince Gill did a great job! How can people not like this? Yes, it's not Carl's voice, or Brian's voice, or Al's voice (the three lead singers on the Surf's Up album version), but it's still damn good.

[@jamesdunn9714]

@@1401minstrel Good? Great. Vince has the voice of an angel.

[@aquamarine99911]

See Vince's interview with the Musician's HOF. He was very modest about tackling the project, but then recognized that he "nailed it".

[@quicksite]

@@aquamarine99911 I just watched it! Which is what brought me here to hear it -- I'd never heard the song before, but they sung & performed beautifully.

[@lawyerep]

I sing a bit and I can't touch it. I first heard it on the Bach Boy Album "The Brother Years." There are some great songs on that album with beautiful harmonies. Much of that album had to grow on me as I was used to the old Beach Boy stuff but as I listened to it more and more I appreciated the great quality of those songs. There are also some great covers on that album.

[@RubyBandUSA]

Let's not forget David Crosby. R.I.P. David, your songs were the voice of a generation, Bob Dylan notwithstanding. We will miss you, antics and rough edges and all.

[@garyhernbroth6539]

A heavenly performance, tons of talent on that stage. Foskett was super too.

[@hyperguy61]

This song is impossibly beautiful. Brian Wilson is pure genius.

[@Bruce-1956]

Don't forget, van dyke parks.

[@beachcomber4141]

Absolutely beautiful. Every time I hear it I tear up as it is just so beautiful.

[@ThruAWiderLens]

Three musical geniuses performing a song by a fourth. Doesn't get any better than this. RIP David Crosby 1/18/23.

[@linm8929]

Actually, three musical geniuses performing a song by a fourth and a fifth.

[@cjm3122]

Hopper is right about something. Brian Wilson seems to be a most selfless man. What does he care about? Putting love, joy, peace and every similar attribute into every ear and heart that hears his music. At least publicly that is what he has done all his life. In that way and in my mind, Brian is a heroic survivor.

[@elaw2414]

Van Dyke Parks, where is he? Stand up! Now you can't leave!

[@petercricket]

Vince Gill's finest moment.....

[@AndrewSpoeth]

Absolutely beautiful. They did it justice and then some. Can you imagine hearing this song for the first time? Mind blowing.

[@Chicago_Podcast_Authority]

I don’t believe the audience appreciated this song when they heard it but it transcends time

[@linm8929]

I remember the first time I heard Vince Gill sing Surf's Up decades ago. It was on a Brian Wilson tribute DVD. My mind was completely blown away by the beauty snd perfect control of Vince Gill's voice sing such a beautiful melody. Still is.

[@bobturano1247]

Tears..thank you vince I had no idea you had this in you

[@Chicago_Podcast_Authority]

truly his most moving performance

[@beachcomber4141]

Vince Gill is blowing my mind here. I can't believe he can sing this song!!!! It takes a brave man to take this tune on. Vince knows how beautiful this is. Fantastic.

[@alanheckle3696]

Incredibly amazing.

[@windsordawn]

Very brave to do it live, no less.

[@johndavis6119]

I never knew Vince Gill had such an incredible range. Not only vocally but musically as well.

[@beachcomber4141]

That is what I am saying. I am shocked he could sing this song and just kill it.

[@judyaiello7791]

Absolutely Gorgeous! Brian himself has said that Vince Gill blew him away with his performance.

[@Glide1992]

Brian told Vince they don't do that song live cuz it's too difficult.

[@quicksite]

Vince speaks about it here in an interview with Musicians Hall of Fame: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5PZoaRpfamVf7s -- about 4/5 ths of the way into that video.

[@TeddyswimsMusicxx]

@@Glide1992 Thanks for your support

[@paulienebz]

@@TeddyswimsMusicxx Vince, I am blown away every time I listen to this. And the Crosby smile, it never stops when you are around! Met you at SPACE in Evanston, every note you played was true.

[@paulienebz]

@@TeddyswimsMusicxx i was lucky to grow up down the street from the Jethro Burns family. Saw Chet there a few times giving tips to Johnny Burns, his nephew and Jethro's son - one of the few cats chicken pickin' up at your level (Greg Koch in Milwaukee, Albert Lee in Manchester)!

[@TRHARTAmericanArtist]

So glad that they got Vince Gill on film to show that this was humanly possible. I am absolutely amazed, and I hate to use those two words.

[@RMoore-zt7zs]

When it gets too tough for everyone else, its just right for Vince Gill. Kudos for sure...

[@dougcrawley1868]

Simply incredible! Vince Gill . . . Wow!!

[@BobbyGeneric145]

Holy shit Vince Gill has a bag of tricks here! Who knew he had that range!

[@Chicago_Podcast_Authority]

He nailed this performance 😍

[@deadsuun]

I will miss David Crosby so much. Rest easy dear Croz! ♡︎

[@samzach2057]

I came here after watching a Vince Gill interview where he said he was in over his head on this performance. He nailed it!!!

[@jpaparozzi]

As a Beach Boys' fan from the beginning, I applaud these guys for doing such an incredibly beautiful song so well, and I applaud Vince Gill's falsetto; it's awesome! And remember, Brian approved this rendition of Surf's Up, so let's give Brian and Van Dyke Parks the credit to allow their song to be performed by three talented men.

[@christineleblond7777]

Beautiful harmonies!! Great job, all!! And Brian's beautiful song!!

[@Chicago_Podcast_Authority]

Thanks for listening

[@garysnow1475]

Vince did great! The end of that song is always so haunting

[@jeannieclarke1986]

takes my breath away every time I watch this. sublime!!! thank you guys!!!

[@caroleshaw5370]

Stunning❤

[@DavidCKendall]

Tears streaming down my face. Those voices... that poetry.

[@Chicago_Podcast_Authority]

If only they could have finished Smile at the time :(

[@uscgccampbell]

What could be more beautiful than a stunning musical piece by Brian Wilson, sung to perfection by one of the most beautiful voices in the universe. This is absolutely one of the prettiest songs I have ever heard. You really need to see this entire tribute at Radio City Music Hall.

[@sinmike1]

I have been a fan of this song from the early bootleg to the Beach Boys "Surf's Up". It is a masterpiece. Vince Gill is the best vocal EVER. Jim Webb playing piano, who wrote McArthure Park (mispell) , By the time I get to Phoniex,Wichaca Lineman, Galverson and so much more.He could never sing , but what a song writer. And the great David Crosby, raspy voice-yes- but all these men salute Brian so well

[@MsJoybird1]

Vince Gill, a country star, knocked it out of the park on this very difficult song! !

[@Chicago_Podcast_Authority]

There's talent in all genre's

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

One of my favourite songs on Smile.

[@m500987]

Vince Gill...WOW, I knew you had a great voice, but this performance by you and the whole group was fantastic !

[@Chicago_Podcast_Authority]

Very few singers could've pulled it off

[@liftme225]

wow...what a song to have to cover. Brian Wilson must have been proud. Well done Vince

[@pjones9088]

Outstanding.

[@bluespig1]

First class vocal.One of the toughest songs to sing. Awesome line up. Vince has played on thousands of albums, incredible session player, song writer, & a humble man.

[@Chicago_Podcast_Authority]

you said it all my friend

[@steveburchfield5576]

Great Song!!! Great Job by the Singers!!! All Great especially Vince!!!

[@ObelixBarbatus]

A national treasure, this Vince Gill fella! Stand up and be proud of a man with the courage to enter the singing fray. Fantastic! Unreal, a fantasy brought to life.

[@caraphyllis]

Vince Gill hits some beautiful notes here, but it only underscores how incredible Brian Wilson's voice was when he originally sang this song. And what a piece of art it is.

[@mrsmacca126]

caraphyllis Carl “shadowed” Brian’s singing, on most versions AND sand first two verses, on sMILEY Whatever.... I agree that people who don’t hear the different vocal expressions between Brian and Carl haven’t listened to enough B.B. music

[@graham2014]

@@mrsmacca126 Very late to this, but in the version released in the SMiLE Sessions, and most SMiLE bootlegs, that is Brian singing lead, Carl sings on the Surf's Up album version. In-fact Carl was extremely hesistant about singing Surf's Up, as he didn't think he could ever match the vocal emotion that Brian put into the song.

[@tmaddrummer]

Who else could have possibly pulled this off. Brian said that he never performed this song live because it was too difficult....... WoW!

[@johnnyrockIRON]

must've watched this a hundred times and always, always lifts my spirits. also reinforces my belief that angels are awoken by music sung by singers who are so blessed. i've kept a list and keep adding to it, i know it when i hear it, its no prideful thing, i honor the power of music and those among us who sing to the clouds and not even knowing it

[@chulajuana361able]

I can’t stop listening to this. A masterpiece! Vince Gill‘s vocals are amazing!

[@Chicago_Podcast_Authority]

Truly a performance for the ages

[@sharonramone7186]

Just beautiful! That note on "domino". FABULOUS! Vincehas an amazing voice ! Both David and Vince did the song proud.Carl is looking down, smiling! !💝

[@Chicago_Podcast_Authority]

agreed

[@SELKCOMM]

It doesn't get better than this. I'm grateful that this was posted.

[@rmoore1686]

I’m glad Vince wasn’t able to back out of singing Surf’s Up. He would have deprived us of the joy of listening to him. He’s wonderful singing it.

[@jerryfeigelson4728]

amazing rendition.... vince is such a talent......

[@weezadam]

Did not know I needed this but damn, this is special. Vince Gill nailed that falsetto, that’s not an easy vocal. Much respect

[@stevehoran5595]

I don't believe he is going falsetto, which is what's so impressive about it.

[@alanheckle3696]

F a nt s stic

[@bigk3991]

Even doing this in falsetto is impressive Because not only is the note high but the words can be hard to pronounce that high. Brian peaked in this song at F5 I believe and thats a pretty high note but of course both Vince and Brian are tenors. Vince being a bit higher tenor. I'm a lyric tenor myself and I struggle most of the time with this song.

[@richardbrucemusic]

Amazing voices due justice to this amazing song by one of America's musical treasures! But let's not forget the imaginative lyrics by Van Dyke Parks.

[@1401minstrel]

I was so proud of myself when I finally figured out what "columnated ruins domino" meant. What a visual phrase!

[@annwags]

I hope Brian was happy that a song very personal to him had a fresh airing. Lovely rendition. Somewhere, Carl Wilson was smiling.

[@C-line_GD_2016]

Carl is strumming his guitar and filling in with the high notes :) As only he could. Rest in Peace!

[@tedbarsalou]

Vince said Brian shook his hand as he exited this stage and said, "That was really beautiful. We never did that song live because it was too hard." - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surf%27s_Up_(song)

[@chrisrainey8169]

Who are the tone deaf thumbs down clowns? An incredibly complicated piece done live and quite respectable quality. The Fendertones pulled it off to the “next level”. Then there is the original Beach Boys version.......definite thumbs up to all 3.

[@maureenhorrigan7151]

Chris Rainey, the gentleman singing are Brian Wilson peers.

[@The911sierra]

Great job, Vince Gill! You hit the notes out in the stratosphere !

[@90eastproductions85]

I was at the concert. Everyone was great, but Vince was exceptional. Find the clip of him singing Warmth of the Sun from the same concert. We all got chills...

[@cynthianolder5344]

Vince Gill-what a tenor

[@quiteright623]

I can't even imagine the anticipation of these musicians , doing this masterpiece Live onstage !!

[@thunderstick5775]

When they got to the outro with all voices singing, I got some serious chills. Amazing!

[@Chicago_Podcast_Authority]

A cacophony of wonderful

[@user-vg3yc6gk5f]

I've been coming back and watching this several times the last few weeks. Now I know why. RIP Croz.....

[@paladin1726]

This is really, really beautiful. And yet, when Brian sits behind the piano and does this himself, it’s perfection. There’s no strain; it’s effortless for Brian. This all is so incredible.

[@RonPal1017]

Vince Gill's performance on this song is amazing! He has such a beautiful voice, which seems to be made for this song as well as for "The Warmth of the Sun". For all you critics out there, even David Crosby said (on the DVD) that Vince's voice was the best in the business and that he handled the most difficult parts of this song brilliantly.

[@shanebush2751]

The most beautiful song and version ever. Complete perfection. Brian is proud.

[@Chicago_Podcast_Authority]

You're so right!

[@williefinn4932]

nice to see one of the great `complicated `pieces of pop music from the late sixties/early 1970`s being honoured by greats of the music business.

[@rockers9862]

its '65-'66 - mid sixties

[@JohnPatella]

Beautiful.

[@tbone4646]

Wilson's best of all. Brilliant...and well done by Vince Gill and David Crosby.

[@RubyBandUSA]

R.I.P. David. January 2023

[@tpv525]

Oh, man, this is mesmerizing. One of Vince Gill's best performances. Thanks for posting this.

[@barryfarrell6697]

Vince is first class all the way! I was there and this song was awesome live!🙌

[@RETV62]

Beautiful tribute to Brian Wilson. Would have loved to have been there!

[@MsJoybird1]

This was excellent! Vince Gill was phenomenal!

[@Chicago_Podcast_Authority]

Did Brian justice and then some

[@zenpuppy6025]

Very beautiful version of this song. Brian Wilson wrote so many great songs. 🙂

[@chuck482]

As someone who has done over 4,000 gigs (seriously), this blows my mind. In one band we did about 9 Beach Boys songs well (everybody in the band sang including the drummer), and a few weren't all that easy. But this by far is the most difficult that I have personally heard. My first time hearing it. No wonder Brian Wilson said it was too hard to do live. As much as I've heard Gill sing, I wouldn't have expected to get that high falsetto. Yeah, I really like hearing him play guitar, too!

[@DummyYEEEAAHHHHH]

I got so happy when i sae another video of Croz singin a Brian Wilson song bcuz they all lived in Laurel Canyon at the same time and were all friends.

[@dondahlberg8844]

Vince Gill is the greatest voice in pop music history ever. Not even Peter Cetera can top this guy.

[@vfloev]

Love vince but it's hard to beat Marvin Gaye

[@vfloev]

Or luther vandross

[@marciaflyte8978]

Brian in his prime better then all them!

[@lisagaryk]

Vince GIll is one of the four or five best voices in all of popular music. His performance of this incredibly difficult melody and the arcane lyrics is breathtaking. And how incredible is that band???? They're the same folks on the SMiLE DVD release -- Brian Wilson's long-time touring band -- and they are spectacular, both vocally and instrumentally.

[@TerryM-eu5ou]

One of my most thrilling days in radio was my name up on the Marquee along with Vince Gills the night I hosted his concert..

[@ruthkozak3721]

what an incredibly beautiful voice!

[@slvrbac326]

Awsome. One and all did an incredible job. And Wilson and Parks, if you see this, you two are and always will be the MEN! You make me cry, Brian!

[@RjBenjamin353]

A great performance by Vince.

[@EricSkilling]

I’m not familiar with Vince Gill’s work but he sang this beautifully.

[@kimberlymorley-pigg494]

bawling in 2017. an angel's voice on earth

[@57stratkat]

God. Brian Wilson. What a genius composer. And Vince Gill - who else could pull off that vocal?

[@Chicago_Podcast_Authority]

He did Brian proud

[@marciaflyte8978]

Brian in his prime...better. .lol

[@jimtinsley9471]

U try that high verse and see how your throat feels, VINCE DID THIS HARD SONG GREAT

[@jefflee674]

Brian is Brian Had the privilege and honor to witness his genius in person Vince is Da Voice - Nuff Said Crosby, for all his unpredictabilities, is actually a nice guy and survivor Webb is a fantastic tunesmith Performance was amazing

[@namcat53]

Van Dyke Parks amazing lyrics! David Crosby singing The Beach Boys....Thank You my friend.

[@alanheckle3696]

Absolutely Beautiful

[@tbone4646]

Probably Brian Wilson's best.

[@adwolf16]

To those criticizing the bassist's work in the outro, it really isn't his fault. He's definitely loud in the mix, but the part he's playing is almost the exact same part Brian wrote for the piano. It's not as clear on the album because of the sea of vocals on top, but listen to the left hand part on Brian's demo of the song. FYI, I met the bassist after a concert a few years ago, and he was (along with the rest of the band, including Brian) very gracious and deeply admired the Beach Boys' music.

[@trobb32]

That tune alone solidifies VG as one of the best voices ever....of course we already knew that!

[@patriciaburke2401]

Wow! Amazing!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Blues.Fusion]

A Surf Opera.

[@paladin1726]

Love the ending of this! Gorgeous !

[@Lea99Jones]

... a muted trumpeter swan... Good line This performance is nuts.

[@99somerville]

Brian told Vince when he came off stage that the Beach Boys never sang this in concert because it was too hard. Bravo Vince for a job well done.

[@Chicago_Podcast_Authority]

In other words Mike Love wouldn't perform it lol

[@jml-rj5re]

@@Chicago_Podcast_Authority Carl sang lead, but YES.

[@Chicago_Podcast_Authority]

@@jml-rj5re I mean Mike didn't want to perform any "artsy fartsy crap". Go see his version of the touring band and see what i mean 🙄

[@quicksite]

That was truly beautiful. Wasn't expecting the complexity of the song - and they were all stunning performing it.

[@adamwadley1978]

Jimmy Webb is a master poet and songwriter playing another geniuses masterpiece!

[@weareopen24hours]

Goosebumps. Vince Gill. Wow.

[@hazeldemott90]

Just wonderful and unforgettable

[@J.A.R.H.P]

Jimmy webb singing it too❤️