Beach Boys, The Spirit of America

Brian Wilson and Mike Love of The Beach Boys gave nothing but good vibrations as they posed for Brad Elterman at an awards show in 1980 in Los Angeles, California! These shots are rare and emblem of the time and Buzzfoto was there for it all! Those around in 1980, will remember the huge controversy surrounding a concert that the Beach Boys played during the Fourth of July at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. before a large crowd. They did this until 1983 when the Secretary of the Interior James Watt banned the group from playing at the Mall, saying that rock concerts drew “an undesirable element.” People protested so much that the First Lady, Nancy Reagan apologized and they were allowed to play again in 1984.

The group, who has never really stopped working or touring has announced on their site that The Brian Wilson and eBay Giving Works auction will feature spectacular and unique items that tie in with Wilson’s new album, That Lucky Old Sun, released September 2nd by Capitol/EMI. Bidders will have a chance to win a custom That Lucky Old Sun surfboard, designed under Wilson’s creative direction and shaped by legendary surfboard shaper Robert August, and Wilson’s handwritten lyrics to “Forever She’ll Be My Surfer Girl,” from That Lucky Old Sun. Anyone wanting to purchase these items can go to www.ebay.com/brianwilson.