Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Nothing personifies summer more than The Beach Boys at Ravinia and the Mike Love/Bruce Johnston-led version of the band kept the “Good Vibrations” coming, complete with a little help from their long time “Full House” friend “Uncle Jesse” John Stamos guesting on guitar, percussion and all-around hype. The venue debut of The Righteous Brothers’ reboot featuring original member Bill Medley and newcomer Bucky Heard only added to the sizeable audience and non-stop string of hits.

It didn’t matter who was or wasn’t present with The Beach Boys come “Pet Sounds” staples “God Only Knows,” “Sloop John B” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” through the family and friends dance-a-thon “Barbara Ann” and some straight forward “Fun, Fun, Fun” since the songs have since transcended ownership to become permanently woven into the very fabric of rock and pop culture.

Taking the top slot, The Beach Boys’ theme this time through town was simply “Now & Then” with the greatest emphasis understandably focused on yesteryear, alongside a few mediocre Love solo samples that made minimal, if any, impression. But the back catalogue for America’s equivalent to The Beatles sure did thanks to the sunny harmonies and timeless essence of “Surfin’ Safari,” “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” “Don’t Worry Baby” and “I Get Around,” all of which found the main men being elevated by an exceptional backing band.

Stamos was a welcome bonus, who besides knowing his way around the six-strings, drums, congas and smart phone offered affable lead vocals throughout “Forever” (done Jesse & The Rippers style- have mercy!) And while it’s a shame this faction of the band couldn’t keep the reunion going with fellow core four survivors Brian Wilson and Al Jardine, it didn’t matter who was or wasn’t present come “Pet Sounds” staples “God Only Knows,” “Sloop John B” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” through the family and friends dance-a-thon “Barbara Ann” and some straight forward “Fun, Fun, Fun” since the songs have since transcended ownership to become permanently woven into the very fabric of rock and pop culture.

Regarding The Righteous Brothers, Medley’s stayed active on his own ever since the passing of Bobby Hatfield in 2003, but after discovering the exceptional Heard a couple years ago, he decided to carry on in the duo capacity. The results equally honored the legacy of his longtime musical partner and started a fresh chapter for the legendary brand that brought additional life to so many memories.

That meant “Just Once In My Life,” “(You’re My) Soul And Inspiration,” “Unchained Melody” and “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” (the most played song on radio for the entire 20th century) to name but a few, while Heard had the chance to unveil his enviable range throughout Roy Orbison’s “Crying.” Yet it was Medley’s “Dirty Dancing” remembrance “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” that most accurately summarized how much he seemed to be enjoying the comeback and the spirit of what was easily one of the season’s most effective pairings.

Click here for more photos of The Beach Boys with John Stamos at Ravinia.

For additional information on The Beach Boys and The Righteous Brothers, visit TheBeachBoys.com and RighteousBrothers.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at Ravinia include Trombone Shorty’s “Voodoo Threauxdown” (Aug. 26); Lyle Lovett & His Large Band (Aug. 28); John Hiatt & The Goners featuring Sonny Landreth (Aug. 30); Culture Club & Boy George, The B-52’s and Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey (Aug. 31-Sept. 1); O.A.R. and Matt Nathanson (Sept. 2); Jethro Tull by Ian Anderson (Sept. 3); 50 Cent (Sept. 6); Yes featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman (Sept. 7); Tony Bennett (Sept. 8); Gipsy Kings (Sept. 14); Johnny Rivers and Jimmy Webb (Sept. 15) and Los Tigres del Norte (Sept. 16). For additional details, visit Ravinia.org.

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