"The Beach Boys' Canceled Fourth of July Concert: A Look Back 40 Years Ago"

The Beach Boys' Fourth of July concert on the National Mall in 1983 was canceled by James Watt, President Ronald Reagan's interior secretary, who believed they attracted the "wrong element." However, after receiving support from President Reagan and Vice President George Bush, Watt reversed his decision and the Beach Boys returned for a triumphant concert on the Mall the following year.