Brian brings a Smile to Eden: Brian Wilson at Eden

Brian Wilson photo gallery from the Eden Sessions 2004

One of the most influential songwriters of the 1960s came to the biomes in July. Former Beach Boy Brian Wilson played his long-lost Smile album at an Eden Session on 16 July.

The night started with an acoustic set where the backing musicians formed a horseshoe around Wilson. Wendy and Surfer Girl were the highlights of these songs which were stripped down to reveal beautiful harmonies

The group spread out and Brain took centre stage looking serious as he concentrated on his autocue. Beach Boys' standards God Only Knows and Wouldn't it be Nice mingled with tracks from his new album Gettin' in Over My Head like How Could we Still be Dancing?

Wilson shuffled off for an interval after which we were treated to the entirety of his long-lost Smile album. Beach Boys officianardos were singing along to Cabin Essence, Heroes and Villains, Vege-Tables and Good Vibrations.

He also threw in a mournful and minor key version of You are my Sunshine.

The encore was a real crowd pleaser - Beach Boys party tunes like Fun Fun Fun, I Get Around and Help Me Rhonda.

Wilson was generally glum and serious throughout clearly having to concentrate hard to make his contribution to the songs.

Finally in the encore he face cracked into a smile and the sense of relief washed over Eden.

Wilson may not be a vibrant stage performer anymore but, the crowd knew they were in the presence of a living legend. The misty evening gave the performance an other-worldly quality to provide an enthralling start to the Eden Sessions 2004.