The Beach Boys brought their feelgood songs to Montrose’s East Links last night.
The band packed their greatest hits into a two-hour set to bring the curtain down on Montrose Music Festival’s 10th anniversary.
They thrilled 10,000 fans with hits such as Good Vibrations, Surfin USA, Sloop John B, and Wouldn’t It Be Nice.
MoFest chairman David Paton said: “MoFest has racked up some of the biggest bands in music over the years and, as one of the most influential rock and pop acts of all-time, the Beach Boys tops the list.”
The band were formed in California in 1961 by the Wilson brothers – Brian, Dennis and Carl – and Mike Love, their cousin, along with schoolfriend Al Jardine.
The Beach Boys, now led by Love and Bruce Johnston, were joined on stage by Hollywood actor and producer John Stamos. He has toured on and off with the band for more than 30 years.
Love said: “The beauty of the Beach Boys’ music, the stuff that we’ve created for going on five decades now, it seems to transcend generations.”
Scottish soul pop legends Deacon Blue got the MoFest party started at East Links on Friday night before more than 100 gigs were performed in 25 venues over the weekend.
LCC Live has worked in conjunction with MoFest since 2013.
Organisers said it provided a great advert not just for Montrose, but for Angus and the North East.
A zero-tolerance anti-alcohol message in certain areas, coupled with the recent tragic events in Manchester, meant there was a much stronger security presence over the weekend with areas of the High Street sectioned off and bag searches.
The festival committee is a non-profit, volunteer run organisation, dedicated to promoting free live music of all styles and genres, and at all levels, in Montrose and surrounding areas.
This year’s festival saw a number of new bands join old favourites as organisers decided to take an ‘editor’s pick’ approach to applications.
Returning bands and new acts
This year saw 18 new bands added to the weekend line-up including Gentleman Jackals, Journey North, Kinnaber Junction, Sin City Blues and Start Static.
Returning acts included Glasgow-based boyband Single By Sunday.
Singer Josh Ladds said: “Single By Sunday was over the moon to get the chance to play the festival for a second time.
“We were blown away at the enthusiasm for live music.
“The variety of ages and musical tastes the festival draws is amazing for any band, especially for a band as young as us.”
Meanwhile, a group of budding young journalists from Angus branch of Young Scot attended MoFest to interview bands, carry out filming and take photographs.
The youngsters will put together a piece to feature on the Young Scot website.
Fans were urged to sign up for the MoFest 100 club to support the festival and raise funds.
Entry involves buying a monthly number. The more people who buy into the 100 club, the bigger the prizes will be.
