ira Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 By all means...Read the article in the current issue of Rolling Stone about the miracle of the Beach Boys 50th Reunion Tour.Two things of note...1)-I wondered how functional Brian really is...and how much his brilliant band covers for him...well though quirky...apparently he's still the man...still a genius.2)-And Mike...perhaps mellow with age...comes off very well...I can be dogmatic...BUT perhaps I've been unfair...I was VERY impressed with the 2012 model of Mike Love.One of the great quotes...(I'm paraphrasing) was that Briam's an artist...and Mike's an entertainer...and sometimes there's friction in mediating these two factors.PLEASE..if you don't wanna buy the issue for ONE article...do what I did...Go to your local library and read this article.It is..I believe dated June 21st...and has Charlie Sheen on the cover. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnO Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 I read the article. That's Jeffrey Foskett's quote about Love being the entertainer, and Brian the artist. If there's an MVP for these shows, it has to be Jeffery - I only hope, for his sake, that he's getting paid as well as the original band members. He deserves it, taking more lead vocals than Al, Bruce or David....in addition to serving as referee, it sounds like.Mike Love, I suspect, will be on good behavior as long as there's huge money involved, which there is in the case of these reunion shows. To me, Brian has been very magnanimous and forgiving to allow this reunion to take place. If I were Brian, Love would still have to go a long ways to be forgiven for the lawsuits and nasty past behavior. (I remember reading an old article about the time of the first lawsuits - '93 or '94...per Mike, his lawyers advised him to sue for back royalties on 35 songs he allegedly co-wrote, telling him that Brian really couldn't remember that far back, and would settle out of court for millions, just to get rid of the lawsuits - which he did. Nice move, Mike - taking advantage of your cousin's mental issues for profit! When Brian was asked about why he settled, his response was - "I'm not sure....Mike may have written some of those lyrics; maybe he didn't. I can't really remember.")It was easy to see what was primarily on Love's mind at last Friday's show. I believe he mentioned that "That's Why God...." entered the Billboards charts at #3 a minimum of maybe 30 times.Also - I got a kick out of the RS reporter's comment about Bruce Johnston....that, lest anyone forget that he wrote "I Write The Songs" for Manilow, he'll be sure to remind you frequently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ira Posted June 19, 2012 Author Share Posted June 19, 2012 John....I still was thrilled to learn that musically...Brian's still got it.....I often wondered about that...He comes off as more "with it"....than I would have imagined. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnO Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 I don't think Brian's ever lost "it" musically.......although I think his non-music-related mental and emotional issues sometimes made it appear that way. It's helped that he's had Jeffrey, Darian, etc. to help him stay on track, musically speaking, and his latest wife's support. It's also helped that he's gotten rid of the Dr. Landy's and Mike Love's for the most part. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marvin Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 I read the article. That's Jeffrey Foskett's quote about Love being the entertainer, and Brian the artist. If there's an MVP for these shows, it has to be Jeffery - I only hope, for his sake, that he's getting paid as well as the original band members. He deserves it, taking more lead vocals than Al, Bruce or David....in addition to serving as referee, it sounds like.Mike Love, I suspect, will be on good behavior as long as there's huge money involved, which there is in the case of these reunion shows. To me, Brian has been very magnanimous and forgiving to allow this reunion to take place. If I were Brian, Love would still have to go a long ways to be forgiven for the lawsuits and nasty past behavior. (I remember reading an old article about the time of the first lawsuits - '93 or '94...per Mike, his lawyers advised him to sue for back royalties on 35 songs he allegedly co-wrote, telling him that Brian really couldn't remember that far back, and would settle out of court for millions, just to get rid of the lawsuits - which he did. Nice move, Mike - taking advantage of your cousin's mental issues for profit! When Brian was asked about why he settled, his response was - "I'm not sure....Mike may have written some of those lyrics; maybe he didn't. I can't really remember.")It was easy to see what was primarily on Love's mind at last Friday's show. I believe he mentioned that "That's Why God...." entered the Billboards charts at #3 a minimum of maybe 30 times.Also - I got a kick out of the RS reporter's comment about Bruce Johnston....that, lest anyone forget that he wrote "I Write The Songs" for Manilow, he'll be sure to remind you frequently. I'm with John on this. I don't think Love has ever put the band's best interests ahead of his own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hollies65 Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 Mike Love is a clown and is all about the money. He was a crucial part in the BBs sound no doubt. If Brian tolerates him, I will. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnO Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 Overall, this is a win-win situation for all involved, assuming they put aside their differences and get along.Mike L. gets his money and a chance to hog the spotlight, Brian gets to play his music without the pressure of the spotlight being directly on him all night (unlike in his solo shows), and they both get to play in front of much bigger crowds. I've seen Brian do his solo shows in the Warner Theater 3 times (capacity of about 2,000), Pier Six in Baltimore (maybe 3,000), and the Highline Ballroom in NYC (400-700, depending on seating versus standing). Last Friday's show attendance (Merriweather Post Pavillion) was close to a sell-out - between 18,000 - 19,000. The Beach Boys name, with the still-living band members, does the trick. And yes, Mike L. was and still is a vital part of their sound. And yes, he is a clown....but they do a great live show together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ira Posted June 19, 2012 Author Share Posted June 19, 2012 Marvin...JohnO...Steve...Sometimes I feel like a pretender...I know my stuff for a layman...But you guys AND my great buddy GMan REALLY know your stuff.As always...I REALLY enjoyed your insights.BTW...John...I too love that in what is probably their Final Act...They are playing to the accolades AND the numbers that "America's Band"...(and Brian) so richly deserve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batman Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 Mike Love is a clown and is all about the money. He was a crucial part in the BBs sound no doubt. If Brian tolerates him, I will. Mike Love has always come off as being very shallow whenever he is interviewed. He's still a kid at heart. I don't think he's a bad guy, just shallow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ira Posted June 19, 2012 Author Share Posted June 19, 2012 Batman...John..Marvin...Steve...You'll probably kill me for this BUT I too believe that Mike is one of the most cynical...and often shallowest people on earth..BUT...He ALWAYS understood...as does Eric...that it's the music BUSINESS......and not always the prettiest business. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marvin Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 Love has toured with D Marks, B Johnston and A Jardine in the past, playing to much smaller crowds. So why is this current tour doing well? Brian is involved in the tour. That's the main reason. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batman Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 It does seem logical...also the fact that it's as many of the original members that we will ever get to see perform together.When I said Love was shallow, it was an observation, not a criticism. At least he isn't arrogant or condescending when he is interviewed, as are some other celebrities. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sid Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 Eh... Brian's the organ grinder...Mike's the monkey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batman Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 Great analogy!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Cartmill Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 Brian and Mike, side by side. "Billo" sets them straight!But Mike still yearns for equal billing.http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/oreilly/in...aylist_id=86923 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LatetotheParty Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 Tony,This was a great interview! I don't pretend to know alot of details about the politics of the BBs, but I was amazed at how humble and funny Brian Wilson was in this clip. Esp the kudos to Carl's memory. The parallel between he and Eric are evident when they talk about how songs would come to him esp. when he was younger. (Not to mention harmonies and overall quality... )I so agree to one of the reasons for their staying power...BB music are strong parts of our memories; esp those of us growing up on the West Coast. But, IMO, that is the magic of alot of our "favorite" music; it brings us back to happier times. Some music, however is set apart by consistent quality. To me, that includes, Beatles, Raspberries and Eric..also Springsteen, Chicago (notably early), Elton Jones and the Eagles(as examples).The BBs quality make them legends.Jean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnO Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 Marv - The whole is a lot greater than the sum of the parts here. I think it's the attraction of all remaining Beach Boys (and yes, without Brian, it wouldn't have happened), it's their 50th anniversary, they have a new CD, etc., that's brought out a lot more people this time. Neither the Love/Johnston/Jardine/Marks version nor Brian by himself could draw these huge crowds.And the difference between the 19,000 crowd I saw last Friday at Merriweather Post and the 2,000 crowds for Brian at the Warner Theater is, IMO, mostly casual BB fans. I had people all around me bellowing their lungs out, singing along to "409", "Surfin Safari", "Be True To Your School", and "Kokomo", who didn't have a clue about "It's Okay", "This Whole World", "Don't Back Down", "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times", or "All This Is That" (well...actually, I question the inclusion of THAT one myself, but I digress.......Mike Love had to get in a plug for TM, I guess....). There were people there who wondered aloud as to why the videos for Dennis and Carl....couldn't they make it in person? People who questioned why Jeffrey was singing the falsetto parts. Unbelievable....but more money and greater exposure for the boys, and everyone's having a good time, so ultimately, who cares?P.S. Regarding Mr. Foskett.....I had the great fortune to see him in Annapolis at the Rams Head Tavern several years ago doing a very rare solo show. His band was Scotty Bennett, Probyn G., whoever Brian's bassist was at the time, and Dennis Dikken of The Smithereens on drums. Sadly, his set was pretty much restricted to BB/BW material, with some interesting covers tossed in (including a killer "Whiter Shade of Pale"!). None of his solo material. Anyhow, the place was about 1/3 full, and it's a small club to start with (maybe 250 seats). Midway thru his set, Jeffrey asks - "Aside from you guys up front here (we had been requesting JF solo tunes, to no avail), does anyone know who we are?" Dikken replies "Hell, I don't know who you are, and I'm playing the drums!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marvin Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 P.S. Regarding Mr. Foskett.....I had the great fortune to see him in Annapolis at the Rams Head Tavern several years ago doing a very rare solo show. His band was Scotty Bennett, Probyn G., whoever Brian's bassist was at the time, and Dennis Dikken of The Smithereens on drums. Sadly, his set was pretty much restricted to BB/BW material, with some interesting covers tossed in (including a killer "Whiter Shade of Pale"!). None of his solo material. Anyhow, the place was about 1/3 full, and it's a small club to start with (maybe 250 seats). Midway thru his set, Jeffrey asks - "Aside from you guys up front here (we had been requesting JF solo tunes, to no avail), does anyone know who we are?" Dikken replies "Hell, I don't know who you are, and I'm playing the drums!" No need to convince me about JF's value. He is the anchor in Brian's band, and even without having seen any of the new BB's tour, I've seen enough video clips to know that JF is playing a huge part in that band as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hollies65 Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 If I was picking the songs for this tour, these would get played somewhere along the line..."Hawaii"..."Farmer's Daughter"..."Wild Honey"..."Let Him Run Wild"..."In The Back of My Mind"..."Guess i'm Dumb". Anyone know if any of those made an appearance this tour????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marvin Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 If I was picking the songs for this tour, these would get played somewhere along the line..."Hawaii"..."Farmer's Daughter"..."Wild Honey"..."Let Him Run Wild"..."In The Back of My Mind"..."Guess i'm Dumb". Anyone know if any of those made an appearance this tour????? Steve, go to the link below to see recent set lists:Beach Boys set list Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnO Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 I know they've been playing "Hawaii", with David Marks doing Mike's old lead part. "Wild Honey" would be a natural for Darian, but I don't think they've done that or any of the others on your list....yet. Would love to hear them do "Let Him Run Wild"....Brian may have done that in his set when he was plugging "Imagination", but I didn't hear him do it.Just looked at Marvin's link. 2 song difference between 6/19 and 6/15 (last Friday).....Friday's set list included This Whole World, Ballad of Ole Betsy (sung by Love's guitarist), but left out Marcella and Getcha Back. I think about 40 of the 48 song set list have been pretty much the same from night to night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Cartmill Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 "Disney Girls"...Ahh... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ira Posted June 20, 2012 Author Share Posted June 20, 2012 Tony,This was a great interview! I don't pretend to know alot of details about the politics of the BBs, but I was amazed at how humble and funny Brian Wilson was in this clip. Esp the kudos to Carl's memory. The parallel between he and Eric are evident when they talk about how songs would come to him esp. when he was younger. (Not to mention harmonies and overall quality... )I so agree to one of the reasons for their staying power...BB music are strong parts of our memories; esp those of us growing up on the West Coast. But, IMO, that is the magic of alot of our "favorite" music; it brings us back to happier times. Some music, however is set apart by consistent quality. To me, that includes, Beatles, Raspberries and Eric..also Springsteen, Chicago (notably early), Elton Jones and the Eagles(as examples).The BBs quality make them legends.Jean..Even here on the east coast...Brian's fantasy world of California...made millions like me believe that a chubby 12 year old kid...wearing a Yarmulke no less...would be swarmed by blonde babes in bikinis...if ONLY I could make it to the beach at Malibu.Brian INVENTED summer in America! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LatetotheParty Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 Jean..Even here on the east coast...Brian's fantasy world of California...made millions like me believe that a chubby 12 year old kid...wearing a Yarmulke no less...would be swarmed by blonde babes in bikinis...if ONLY I could make it to the beach at Malibu.Brian INVENTED summer in America! Point well taken Ira...that is what dreaming is all about!!! Jean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 That was no fantasy, Ira...I lived it! It's one of the reasons I love SoCal Now, where's my frisbee! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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