Brian Wilson and his wife/manager Melinda Wilson have offered to refund money for tickets for his July 11th New York City concert at Hammerstein Ballroom after several complaints. Apparently, fans complained that the tickets which ran up to several hundred dollars to raise money for Stand Up For a Cure cancer benefit had poor visibility for some seats and only a 75-minute performance by the former Beach Boy. Wilson’s setlist lacked Beach Boys or solo rarities and performed with a scaled-back band.

On Brian’s site, brianwilson.com, Melinda said that Brian would like to refund money to unhappy fans by having them send in their ticket stubs to their publicist for reimbursement. In her messages, Melinda said:

“Brian saw the posts and asked me to respond. He’s really sensitive to all of your feelings and doesn’t want to offending anyone. He wanted to make this offer to keep everyone cool (as he said)… With the exception of the charity show, most of these ticket prices are less than they have been in the past. On (July) 17th, the show (in Brooklyn, New York’s Coney Island) is FREE please take advantage of that. Hope this clears the air for you. Thank you for being Brian’s fan.”

Melinda also explained that key members of his backing band had prior commitments which is the reason they were not featured in the first shows of the tour.  Tonight, Brian performed in Northampton, Massachusetts at the Calvin Theater.

I realize how some people could be very disappointed to have a limited or partial view of the stage and perhaps be surprised that Brian didn’t perform longer than 75 minutes, but the money was going to charity. That would be really sad if he has to refund those tickets when the whole purpose was to raise money for curing cancer. Can’t people give the guy a break?

Source, Photo Credit: PR Photos

Lucky folks living in New York City have the opportunity to see the legendary Brian Wilson for FREE! The brainchild behind the Beach Boys is scheduled to perform on Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 7:30 at the Asser Levy/Seaside Park in Brooklyn, New York, at West 5th Street and Surf Avenue in Coney Island/Brighton Beach, across the street from the New York Aquarium.

Here are the details for concert goers:

Performers are subject to change without notice. Call the concert hotline for updates at 718-222-0600

Bring your own chair.
Only a limited number of chairs will be available for a $5 rental fee.
NO cameras, NO audio or video recording,
NO alcohol,
NO pets, NO bottles
NO smoking

Wow, what a treat for fans!

Source, Photo Credit: PR Photos

The man who played on the Beach Boys smash hit album Pet Sounds, as well as The Byrds hit “Mr. Tambourine Man”, has passed away. Jerry Cole passed away today at age 68 from a heart attack. Jerry was also known as being the leader of The Spacemen, a space-age surfer music group. RIP Mr. Cole, and thanks for some incredible music.

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