Retiring ?

[Andrew G. Doe]

From the Evening Standard:

Brian Wilson has revealed that he plans to retire from touring after his London concerts this year.

The singer also said he still suffers from the hallucinations and stage fright that led to him become a recluse in the late Sixties and early Seventies at the height of the Beach Boys fame.

Wilson, 68, admitted that life on the road was "very hard work" for him and that his dates at the Royal Festival Hall in September were likely to be his last in London. "I'm always afraid just before I go on stage because I'm not sure how the concert's going to work.

"As I get older it gets harder for me. But when I'm sitting down at the keyboard and my band's behind me, I can do it." When asked if he had contemplated retirement, he replied: "Oh God yes. Another year, maybe. This could be the last time I play here. I'm going to miss it but I'm getting a little bit old for touring."

Wilson has suffered from hearing voices in his head since the Sixties when he also fought drug addiction and depression. He said: "What the voices say is still pretty much the same, negative things, 'You're going to die', or, 'You better watch out', life-threatening kinds of things. Performing helps, but I'll still have the voices there when I'm on stage. They're always with me."

Wilson will perform tracks from Smile, Pet Sounds and his recent album Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin at the Royal Festival Hall for three nights starting on September 16. He added: "London is my favourite city in the whole world. I love the people here. I think the people appreciate the music a lot better than Americans do, they're a lot more sensitive to the music than Americans are."

[desmondo]

From the Evening Standard:

Brian Wilson has revealed that he plans to retire from touring after his London concerts this year.

The singer also said he still suffers from the hallucinations and stage fright that led to him become a recluse in the late Sixties and early Seventies at the height of the Beach Boys fame.

Wilson, 68, admitted that life on the road was "very hard work" for him and that his dates at the Royal Festival Hall in September were likely to be his last in London. "I'm always afraid just before I go on stage because I'm not sure how the concert's going to work.

"As I get older it gets harder for me. But when I'm sitting down at the keyboard and my band's behind me, I can do it." When asked if he had contemplated retirement, he replied: "Oh God yes. Another year, maybe. This could be the last time I play here. I'm going to miss it but I'm getting a little bit old for touring."

Wilson has suffered from hearing voices in his head since the Sixties when he also fought drug addiction and depression. He said: "What the voices say is still pretty much the same, negative things, 'You're going to die', or, 'You better watch out', life-threatening kinds of things. Performing helps, but I'll still have the voices there when I'm on stage. They're always with me."

Wilson will perform tracks from Smile, Pet Sounds and his recent album Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin at the Royal Festival Hall for three nights starting on September 16. He added: "London is my favourite city in the whole world. I love the people here. I think the people appreciate the music a lot better than Americans do, they're a lot more sensitive to the music than Americans are."

I think that's a good thing - as much I love him, his music and what he has achieved, he deserves a break - Smile will be fitting tribute

[Wrightfan]

Had a feeling this was coming after so many dates were announced.

Well deserved. I bet if you have asked someone if Brian would tour so much 20 years ago, they would've laughed in your face.

[oldsurferdude]

Good for him-he owes nothing to anyone except himself and that would be peace.

[Andrew G. Doe]

Eh... we'll see - he said pretty much the same in December 2005. But, I think this time he could be meaning it.

[Jason]

Yeah, he was talking a lot about retiring in 2003, 2005, and I believe 2007. I'm not gonna fuss if the man wants a retirement since he's definitely earned it but he should take the initiative and retire if he wants it!

[Bicyclerider]

While it's interesting to hear Brian's thoughts on retiring, as we know the decision on when to retire is up to Melinda!

[The Shift]

Attended Knebworth Festival to see the Beach Boys in 1980, and was sure Brian would retire after that.

Flew from the UK to LA in 2000 to see Brian solo (well, with the band and an orchestra) at the Hollywood Bowl cos I didn't think he'd tour again after that.

Then saw all his 2002 Pet Sounds dates in the UK cos I was sure he wouldn't tour again after that.

Saw ten UK SMiLE gigs in 2004 cos I was sure he wouldn't tour again after that.

Have seen him several times on several other tours over the last decade and each time I've been sure he wouldn't tour again after that.

If he doesn't tour again after this I'll be surprised – but also grateful for the wonderful gigs I've seen, easily some of the greatest gigs it's been my extreme pleasure to attend, for all sorts of reasons as well as the terrific music.

Let's wait and see!     

[bgas]

From the Evening Standard:

Brian Wilson has revealed that he plans to retire from touring after his London concerts this year.

The singer also said he still suffers from the hallucinations and stage fright that led to him become a recluse in the late Sixties and early Seventies at the height of the Beach Boys fame.

Wilson, 68, admitted that life on the road was "very hard work" for him and that his dates at the Royal Festival Hall in September were likely to be his last in London. "I'm always afraid just before I go on stage because I'm not sure how the concert's going to work.

"As I get older it gets harder for me. But when I'm sitting down at the keyboard and my band's behind me, I can do it." When asked if he had contemplated retirement, he replied: "Oh God yes. Another year, maybe. This could be the last time I play here. I'm going to miss it but I'm getting a little bit old for touring."

Wilson has suffered from hearing voices in his head since the Sixties when he also fought drug addiction and depression. He said: "What the voices say is still pretty much the same, negative things, 'You're going to die', or, 'You better watch out', life-threatening kinds of things. Performing helps, but I'll still have the voices there when I'm on stage. They're always with me."

Wilson will perform tracks from Smile, Pet Sounds and his recent album Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin at the Royal Festival Hall for three nights starting on September 16. He added: "London is my favourite city in the whole world. I love the people here. I think the people appreciate the music a lot better than Americans do, they're a lot more sensitive to the music than Americans are."

Poll:  how many on this board are "Brian music appreciators from London" versus  how many are "insensitive Americans"?

Myself, being one of those typical "insensitive American"types, suggest  Brian retire now, before he embarrasses himself any further.

[The Heartical Don]

Hmmm... I'll patiently wait for the 'Disney' and the 'Pleasure Island' tours.

[Mikie]

It was inevitable. I'm really amazed he's lasted this long - both on the road and in the studio. He could have retired years ago and still maintained his legacy. He doesn't owe anybody anything. 50 years as a Beach Boy and solo artist is one helluva career in the music business. I'm sure he'll still be writing and recording songs and maybe even perform at a few gigs and make special appearances. Brian will never retire from the music.

Have a great, much-deserved retirement with the wife and kids and dogs, Brian!  Say hello to the people over at the deli and try not to eat too much cake!

[Andrew G. Doe]

Given that, by most precepts of modern medicine, Brian should have died in 1982, tops 1983, I think we've no valid argument.

[Rocker]

Well, if this is true then I think a last Beach Boys-concert would be a very nice way to end his stage carreer. Of course he'll might keep on recording and releasing records but even if this is the last thing we heard from Brian, he deserves it. Even not talking about what he gave the world and what he went through, he's getting old. That's life.

[The Shift]

Myself, being one of those typical "insensitive American"types, suggest  Brian retire now, before he embarrasses himself any further.

With respect, that not exactly what he said, anymore than he said Brits are "even more sensitive to the music than Americans."  Rock & pop stars have always traditionally said nice things about the crowd in the town they're playing.

He might even say Amerians are over-sensitive compared to Brits!

[Chris Brown]

It was inevitable. I'm really amazed he's lasted this long - both on the road and in the studio. He could have retired years ago and still maintained his legacy. He doesn't owe anybody anything. 50 years as a Beach Boy and solo artist is one helluva career in the music business. I'm sure he'll still be writing and recording songs and maybe even perform at a few gigs and make special appearances. Brian will never retire from the music.

Have a great, much-deserved retirement with the wife and kids and dogs, Brian!  Say hello to the people over at the deli and try not to eat too much cake!

Agreed completely - the guy deserves to just chill and enjoy life.  It's been a great ride and he's given us more than we ever could have expected.

[Myk Luhv]

Oh god I wish I could go see him this summer even more now. Thanks a lot for that "cross-country Canadian tour" that ends in Montreal, neglecting the east coast as usual, jerks!

[The Shift]

Oh god I wish I could go see him this summer even more now. Thanks a lot for that "cross-country Canadian tour" that ends in Montreal, neglecting the east coast as usual, jerks!

'Ang on, you saying you want to go an' see the "jerks"? So when they're drawing up their tour schedule, I wonder what criteria they use to choose their venues?   

[The Heartical Don]

Given that, by most precepts of modern medicine, Brian should have died in 1982, tops 1983, I think we've no valid argument.

Jokes aside, this is so true. We're blessed to have him still around... and if anyone back in around 1983 would have told me that I'd see the man three times live, possibly a fourth time too, in the next century, I'd have declared that person stark raving bonkers madly insane.

Perhaps the finest live moment of all shows that I witnessed was the SMiLE 2004 RFH concert, Feb 24, when Brian and the band unleashed 'Ms. O'Leary's Cow' upon us. I had completely refused getting told on the web what was to be expected, and avoided all soundbites too. So when 'Fire' materialised soundwise, with the 'Fall Breaks' chant making the song sound even more grave than it did already, my jaw dropped, and I was absolutely lost for words, or even rational thought. 'Brilliant' doesn't do half justice to that performance.

If he really calls it a day, show-wise, I won't regret it. He scaled peaks that only a select few can, and this at an age when even these exceptions seem only to be coasting along in the concert hall. I will raise a fine single malt in his honour, after the official announcement will have been made.

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

For my own selfish reasons, I wish Brian would come back to Houston for just one more show. That being said, if he is retiring from live performances, more power to him.  Who'd have thought back in 1999 he would come this far?

[WaxOn]

So, I may be seeing his last show in the U.S. ever?

It seems odd that he'd have almost a 3 week rest and then do one more show on the West Coast before heading off to the Jolly Olde UK.
Perhaps some more dates will be added?
After all, the gig I'm seeing isn't listed on BW.com.
http://www.mountainwinery.com/wsdconcertdining/concertdiningview/action/view/frmArticleID/426

I don't blame him for retiring - heck, many of the bands I'm seeing this summer might call it quits - some of their mates already have!
Brian doesn't really need the $, and there's sure no need to do it if it's stressful for him - as opposed to being too old to do it.

I think if this is the end of the road for being on the road - he's going out on a high note! (pun intended).

[Andrew G. Doe]

Oh god I wish I could go see him this summer even more now. Thanks a lot for that "cross-country Canadian tour" that ends in Montreal, neglecting the east coast as usual, jerks!

Dates for BW North American summer tour (east coast dates highlighted):

6/6   Filene Center, Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA [Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin tour]
6/8   Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, CT
6/9   Wellmont Theater, Montclair, NJ
6/11   Highline Ballroom, New York, NY
6/12   Highline Ballroom, New York, NY
6/13   Highline Ballroom, New York, NY
6/15   The Centre in the Square, Kitchener, ON, Canada
6/17   Place des Arts, Montreal, QC, Canada
6/18   Massey Hall, Toronto, ON, Canada
6/20   National Arts Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
6/22   Pantages Playhouse Theatre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
6/23   Conexus Arts Centre, Regina, SK, Canada
6/25   Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, Calgary, AB, Canada
6/26   Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, Edmonton, AB, Canada
6/28   Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
7/29   Frederik Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids, MI [not BWRG]
7/30   The Arcade Theater, Saint Charles, IL [not BWRG]
7/31   Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake, IA [not BWRG]
8/3   Chastian Park, Atlanta, GA [not BWRG]
8/5   Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, FL [not BWRG]
8/24   Mountain Winery, Saratoga, CA [not BWRG]
8/25   Uptown Theatre, Napa, CA [not BWRG]

[Shady]

 

Thank god I'm flying over to see him in Manchester. Make it good Brian

[Mikie]

Wonder why they don't do the Gershwin stuff at all of the venues. Too much trouble, I guess(?) The rest of us are left with the same ol' greatest hits stuff.

I'll go see him anyway because it'll probably be the last time I'll see him play live.

[Emdeeh]

Nope, not taking that one seriously. He just answered the question he was given, doesn't mean he's serious about retiring in the near future.

[Myk Luhv]

Oh god I wish I could go see him this summer even more now. Thanks a lot for that "cross-country Canadian tour" that ends in Montreal, neglecting the east coast as usual, jerks!

Dates for BW North American summer tour (east coast dates highlighted):

6/6   Filene Center, Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA [Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin tour]
6/8   Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, CT
6/9   Wellmont Theater, Montclair, NJ
6/11   Highline Ballroom, New York, NY
6/12   Highline Ballroom, New York, NY
6/13   Highline Ballroom, New York, NY
6/15   The Centre in the Square, Kitchener, ON, Canada
6/17   Place des Arts, Montreal, QC, Canada
6/18   Massey Hall, Toronto, ON, Canada
6/20   National Arts Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
6/22   Pantages Playhouse Theatre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
6/23   Conexus Arts Centre, Regina, SK, Canada
6/25   Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, Calgary, AB, Canada
6/26   Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, Edmonton, AB, Canada
6/28   Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
7/29   Frederik Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids, MI [not BWRG]
7/30   The Arcade Theater, Saint Charles, IL [not BWRG]
7/31   Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake, IA [not BWRG]
8/3   Chastian Park, Atlanta, GA [not BWRG]
8/5   Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, FL [not BWRG]
8/24   Mountain Winery, Saratoga, CA [not BWRG]
8/25   Uptown Theatre, Napa, CA [not BWRG]

Sorry, I meant the east coast of Canada. The Maritime provinces, which they've completely ignored in their "cross-country" trek, surely love Brian Wilson too. Everyone always forgets about the third of the country for some reason. I cannot afford to go to Ottawa (or elsewhere in Canada) to see him again (although I am, of course, glad I got to see him at least once) unfortunately. So it goes, I guess.