Beach Boys to play Ebrington without pop icon Brian Wilson

Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys. The band will play Londonderry next June.

The Californian legends will be performing during the city’s Foyle International Maritime Festival.

They’ll make a whistle stop in Londonderry on Thursday (June 26) for what promises to be memorable start to the summer.

Mayor Martin Reilly said: “This announcement today is just one of a number of significant announcements for the city as part of our legacy promise for our year as city of music in 2014.

“The Beach Boys are a huge act and have played a significant role in changing the musical landscape.

“It’s fantastic that they have included the city as part of their tour and will no doubt have Ebrington rocking to the sounds of Surfing USA and Good Vibrations.

“We are particularly delighted that the supports acts, which are to be announced at a later date will involve local bands who will get a chance to perform.

“The Beach Boys concert will be another opportunity for the city to experience international live music at the Ebrington site and will be a fitting welcome to the Clipper fleet as they visit for the maritime festival of celebration.”

He said a number of key legacy announcements will be taking place over the coming weeks outlining the Council’s legacy promises for 2014.

Captained by Mike Love, The Beach Boys play an astoundingly busy schedule of concerts, averaging 150 shows a year, ranging from their triumphal February appearance at the Winter Olympics to gala New Year’s celebrations and special events worldwide.

Love’s role as the band’s frontman sometimes overshadows his stature as one of rock’s foremost songwriters. “Surfin’,” The Beach Boys’ first hit came from his pen.

With his cousin, Brian Wilson, Love wrote the classics “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “I Get Around,” “Help Me Rhonda,” “California Girls” and the Grammy nominated “Good Vibrations.” Tickets priced at £20 and are available to purchase from the Millennium Forum – from this Saturday (December 14) from 9.30 am - www.millenniumforum.co.uk and are an ideal Christmas present for the family and a great chance to invite family and friends home again as part of the Foyle International Maritime Festival in Londonderry over June 20-29 2013.