The Beach Boys reunite for all-star tribute show 'A Grammy Salute to The Beach Boys'

11 April 2023, 15:42 | Updated: 26 September 2023, 13:52

The Grammy Awards' annual celebration of music icons have now become an absolute must-watch.

That's probably because of the sheer quality and quantity of music icons that congregate to perform their favourite songs from one particular band or artist.

Throughout the years, a two-hour television special has been dedicated to the likes of The Beatles, Paul Simon, the Bee Gees, Prince, Michael Jackson, and many more.

This time however, it was the turn of The Beach Boys - for their fans that span countries and generations, it was long overdue.

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But the television special which aired on CBS was most definitely worth the wait, with a roster of cover versions which was fit for the boy's legendary body of work.

The Beach Boys themselves were also there to witness the occasion, with the band's existing members Brian Wilson, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and Mike Love all in attendance alongside former member David Marks.

By the looks of things, they were delighted with the swathes of talent on display paying homage to the music that made them.

Though The Beach Boys were in attendance, it sadly wasn't a night where they'd take to the stage themselves.

Instead, they left performing duties to the illustrious list of names that took the mic, who got the chance to sing their beloved songs to the band themselves.

There was an eclectic roster of artists who all signed up to perform, including the likes of John Legend, Beck, St. Vincent, LeAnn Rimes, Norah Jones, Mumford & Sons, and Brandi Carlile, who many considered to be the highlight of the event.

The country singer sang an incredible version of 'In My Room', and was also granted a duet with John Legend who closed the show with a spine-tingling rendition of 'God Only Knows'.

Legend also goes solo with 'Sail On Sailor' which got the party started with his laidback, cool, and collected vocals.

LeAnn Rimes also received plenty of plaudits for her earnest version of 'Caroline No', giving it her all with that fantastic voice of hers.

Elsewhere Beck teamed up with My Morning Jacket to perform a peppy rendition of 'Good Vibrations', St. Vincent covered 'You Still Believe in Me' and folk trio Mumford & Sons came together for 'I Know There’s an Answer' whilst the house band on the night took a break.

Norah Jones put her jazz stamp on 'The Warmth of the Sun' which had more than a whiff of country music about it, and boy band brothers Hanson sang 'Barbara Ann'.

Former Doobie Brother Michael McDonald also made an appearance, bringing his piano to belt out 'Don’t Worry Baby'.

There were also performances from various artists spanning various genres such as Weezer, Fall Out Boy, Pentatonix, The Struts’ Luke Spiller and The Pretty Reckless’ Taylor Momsen, Charlie Puth, and country vocal groups Little Big Town and Lady A, which shows the breadth of their influence over the course of six decades.

But what about The Beach Boys themselves? Unfortunately, they couldn't be encouraged to take to the stage, perhaps because of the absence of Wilson brothers Dennis and Carl as their legacy was being honoured.

It might not have been the reunion fans were hoping for, but seeing Brian Wilson, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, David Marks and Mike Love sit together in the Dolby Theatre box was still a heartwarming reunion of sorts.

At least they came together for a night of surf-pop excellence as they celebrate the band's 60th anniversary, ensuring there were good vibrations all around.

A GRAMMY® Salute to The Beach Boys