Can a Reunion Tour Have Two Band Leaders?

[harrisonjon]

I don't see how Brian or Mike would relinquish Head Honcho status so will BB 2012 have two leaders on stage, in effect? And how does that work - they sing lead alternately? They do song introductions alternately? Brian gets to do the lighter joke and Mike gets to do his schtick?

Secondly, will we get Darian et al as part of the package or just Jeff and one of Mike's co-singers? Who plays bass and drums? Keyboards?

[D409]

I think the setlist will be decided upon, then a more neutral musical director (i.e. someone like Scott Totten as he is the current M.D. of the touring Beach Boys) will be the actual bandleader.

[The Shift]

I Think HJ means frontmen.

THat would be a toughie as BW tends to read from a TelePrompTer and genuine interaction with the audience is rare, so we rarely get a glimpse of his terrific sense of humour. Mike, however, goes for genuine interaction with the audience when he might be better off relying on a TelePrompTer, so that the glimpses we get of his sense of humour are more rare, which would be terrific. Not sure how their two styles would complement one another. If it was left to Al, he'd spend so long talking about how he suggested Sloop John B to Brian that we'd never get to hear any music. I think Dave should be pointman for this tour.

[SMiLE Brian]

I Think HJ means frontmen.

THat would be a toughie as BW tends to read from a TelePrompTer and genuine interaction with the audience is rare, so we rarely get a glimpse of his terrific sense of humour. Mike, however, goes for genuine interaction with the audience when he might be better off relying on a TelePrompTer, so that the glimpses we get of his sense of humour are more rare, which would be terrific. Not sure how their two styles would complement one another. If it was left to Al, he'd spend so long talking about how he suggested Sloop John B to Brian that we'd never get to hear any music. I think Dave should be pointman for this tour.

I'm hoping being around Mike again on stage makes Brian crack jokes again like its 1964.

[AndrewHickey]

Secondly, will we get Darian et al as part of the package or just Jeff and one of Mike's co-singers? Who plays bass and drums? Keyboards?

Mike's said that the band will be most of Brian's band plus Scott Totten (guitar/falsetto vocals/band leader) and John Cowsill (drums/vocals) from Mike & Bruce's band.
That would line up with the band in the Do It Again video, which is
Scott Bennett (keys)
Gary Griffin (keys) - has toured with both Brian and Mike at different times
Probyn Gregory and Paul Mertens - horns (I suspect if Probyn's in the touring band he won't play much guitar given the number of other guitarists on stage)
Brett Simons (bass)
Scott Totten (guitar)
Nick Walusko (guitar)
John Cowsill (drums)
David Marks (guitar)

Plus Brian, Al, Mike, Bruce and Jeff on vocals.

I'd assume unless and until we hear otherwise that that will be the band we get - and it's pretty close to my ideal choice, so I'm not complaining (I'd swap Darian for Gary Griffin and Randell Kirsch for Brett Simons).

[Mr. Wilson]

I suspect they will have a meeting among all of the band members + then rehearse..Including a dozen extra songs besides the regular set list..The other songs will be moved in + out at will..I also suggest Mike Love release his solo lp at this time..No label then print them up + sell em at the shows.. I think all the BB should have their cd"s sold at shows plus the new LP + DVD..The tshirts should be only about the reunion..I suspect 2 1hr sets.Total 40 songs without encore so a total of 45 songs..Mike will be the front man but defer to BW..SOMETIMES..Out of respect..They should have  60 songs well rehearsed..
Go out in  a Blaze of glory,,,Have people talkin about the BB reunion for years..! Include video tributes to DW + CW..Then play a song they wrote..IMHO

[drbeachboy]

Secondly, will we get Darian et al as part of the package or just Jeff and one of Mike's co-singers? Who plays bass and drums? Keyboards?

Mike's said that the band will be most of Brian's band plus Scott Totten (guitar/falsetto vocals/band leader) and John Cowsill (drums/vocals) from Mike & Bruce's band.
That would line up with the band in the Do It Again video, which is
Scott Bennett (keys)
Gary Griffin (keys) - has toured with both Brian and Mike at different times
Probyn Gregory and Paul Mertens - horns (I suspect if Probyn's in the touring band he won't play much guitar given the number of other guitarists on stage)
Brett Simons (bass)
Scott Totten (guitar)
Nick Walusko (guitar)
John Cowsill (drums)
David Marks (guitar)

Plus Brian, Al, Mike, Bruce and Jeff on vocals.

I'd assume unless and until we hear otherwise that that will be the band we get - and it's pretty close to my ideal choice, so I'm not complaining (I'd swap Darian for Gary Griffin and Randell Kirsch for Brett Simons).

Deleted my post. I misread the post.

[Eric Aniversario]

 

Kind of off-topic with this thread, but I really wish Billy Hinsche and Ed Carter had been invited.

[Andrew G. Doe]

"Can a Reunion Tour Have Two Band Leaders ?"

No, which is why I suspect there will be just the one calling the overall shots (after consultation with the other principals).

[SurfRiderHawaii]

Secondly, will we get Darian et al as part of the package or just Jeff and one of Mike's co-singers? Who plays bass and drums? Keyboards?

Mike's said that the band will be most of Brian's band plus Scott Totten (guitar/falsetto vocals/band leader) and John Cowsill (drums/vocals) from Mike & Bruce's band.
That would line up with the band in the Do It Again video, which is
Scott Bennett (keys)
Gary Griffin (keys) - has toured with both Brian and Mike at different times
Probyn Gregory and Paul Mertens - horns (I suspect if Probyn's in the touring band he won't play much guitar given the number of other guitarists on stage)
Brett Simons (bass)
Scott Totten (guitar)
Nick Walusko (guitar)
John Cowsill (drums)
David Marks (guitar)

Plus Brian, Al, Mike, Bruce and Jeff on vocals.

I'd assume unless and until we hear otherwise that that will be the band we get - and it's pretty close to my ideal choice, so I'm not complaining (I'd swap Darian for Gary Griffin and Randell Kirsch for Brett Simons).

David can sing - very expressive voice!

[AndrewHickey]

Secondly, will we get Darian et al as part of the package or just Jeff and one of Mike's co-singers? Who plays bass and drums? Keyboards?

Mike's said that the band will be most of Brian's band plus Scott Totten (guitar/falsetto vocals/band leader) and John Cowsill (drums/vocals) from Mike & Bruce's band.
That would line up with the band in the Do It Again video, which is
Scott Bennett (keys)
Gary Griffin (keys) - has toured with both Brian and Mike at different times
Probyn Gregory and Paul Mertens - horns (I suspect if Probyn's in the touring band he won't play much guitar given the number of other guitarists on stage)
Brett Simons (bass)
Scott Totten (guitar)
Nick Walusko (guitar)
John Cowsill (drums)
David Marks (guitar)

Plus Brian, Al, Mike, Bruce and Jeff on vocals.

I'd assume unless and until we hear otherwise that that will be the band we get - and it's pretty close to my ideal choice, so I'm not complaining (I'd swap Darian for Gary Griffin and Randell Kirsch for Brett Simons).

David can sing - very expressive voice!

True, and obviously he will sing on stage. I was just listing who did what on the Do It Again video, and it looks like David only added guitar, not vocals.

[hypehat]

Secondly, will we get Darian et al as part of the package or just Jeff and one of Mike's co-singers? Who plays bass and drums? Keyboards?

Mike's said that the band will be most of Brian's band plus Scott Totten (guitar/falsetto vocals/band leader) and John Cowsill (drums/vocals) from Mike & Bruce's band.
That would line up with the band in the Do It Again video, which is
Scott Bennett (keys)
Gary Griffin (keys) - has toured with both Brian and Mike at different times
Probyn Gregory and Paul Mertens - horns (I suspect if Probyn's in the touring band he won't play much guitar given the number of other guitarists on stage)
Brett Simons (bass)
Scott Totten (guitar)
Nick Walusko (guitar)
John Cowsill (drums)
David Marks (guitar)

Plus Brian, Al, Mike, Bruce and Jeff on vocals.

I'd assume unless and until we hear otherwise that that will be the band we get - and it's pretty close to my ideal choice, so I'm not complaining (I'd swap Darian for Gary Griffin and Randell Kirsch for Brett Simons).

I'm glad they've gone for this approach, at least - Mike and Bruce's band are still great musicians, but they are really vocally subpar - listening to boots, youtube vids, tonnes of details get lost. Brian, or his people, at least had the good sense to chuck more extremely talented vocalists into the blend, despite the lack of a decent bass singer besides Brian.

[harrisonjon]

I would have thought that Darian would have some involvement, either on stage or in the preparation, simply because he played such a major role in the presentation of Brian's live set. Brian surely values him.

[The Shift]

Kind of off-topic with this thread, but I really wish Billy Hinsche and Ed Carter had been invited.

Seconded…  I'd like to see Carli Munòz up there too…

[LostArt]

http://www.beachboysband.net/TOURSCH/BB_TOUR_SCH.htm

THE BEACH BOYS

featuring Original Members:
Mike Love
Brian Wilson
Al Jardine
David Marks
& Bruce Johnston

with *
John Cowsill
Jeffrey Foskett
Scott Totten
Darian Sahanaja
Paul Von Mertens
Scott Bennett
Probyn Gregory

*Backing band subject to changes.

[absinthe_boy]

I have to say, Mike has been very magnanimous with what he's said about Brian's band being great and most of them joining the BB for the tour.

Logic dictates it is the best choice musically and personally for Brian's comfort zone, but it is really good of Mike to agree and publically praise them so highly.

The assembled band, being the surviving 'original' Beach Boys plus the best musicians from Mike and Brian's bands (and David of course) should be a formidable musical force.

As for two band leaders, I'm not sure that can work. On stage I expect Mike to call the shots with Bruce, Al and Brian all having the opportunity to speak to the crowd and introduce songs too. Behind the scenes there's no doubt that there is one coherent force behind all this.

[AndrewHickey]

http://www.beachboysband.net/TOURSCH/BB_TOUR_SCH.htm

THE BEACH BOYS

featuring Original Members:
Mike Love
Brian Wilson
Al Jardine
David Marks
& Bruce Johnston

with *
John Cowsill
Jeffrey Foskett
Scott Totten
Darian Sahanaja
Paul Von Mertens
Scott Bennett
Probyn Gregory

*Backing band subject to changes.

Great to see Darian listed. Odd that Nick and Brett aren't on the list though. Who's going to play bass?

[AndrewHickey]

I'm glad they've gone for this approach, at least - Mike and Bruce's band are still great musicians, but they are really vocally subpar - listening to boots, youtube vids, tonnes of details get lost. Brian, or his people, at least had the good sense to chuck more extremely talented vocalists into the blend, despite the lack of a decent bass singer besides Brian.

I disagree - Mike and Bruce have two singers, Scott and John, who are at least the equal vocally of anyone in Brian's band. Randell Kirsch is also very good. I think the problem with their vocals, to the extent it exists, comes with Bruce and Christian both having quite weak voices.

Luckily, the two best vocalists from Mike & Bruce's band are involved in this tour, so we have the best of both.

[LostArt]

Great to see Darian listed. Odd that Nick and Brett aren't on the list though. Who's going to play bass?

As the listing says, the backing band is subject to changes.  If it were me, I'd have Randell Kirsch play bass, simply because he's used to playing with Cowsill.  It'd make for a tighter rhythm section.  Nothing against Brett Simons, mind.  He's a good player, too, and I've no doubt he would do a great job.  Nick Walusko did play on the Do It Again remake, but I don't know if his presence is necessary on stage.  He's a good player, but there are already four guitarists on stage (Marks, Jardine, Totten and Foskett).  I guess we'll find out soon enough.  

As for front man, is there really any question?  Really?  It's what Mike Love does best.  Sure, we'll likely hear from Brian, Al, David and Bruce, but Mike will be front and center.  As it should be.

[Cliff1000uk]

Re: setlist-I would imagine the setlist to be 50 songs, with a number more rehearsed.

I'm glad Darian, Scott and Probyn are involved in this-maybe it means rather than soften up, Mike has said, "Let's get the best guys for the job"?

I also wonder whether Ed Carter and Billy Hinsche would want to do a 50 date world tour, although it would be nice to see them there as well

[AndrewHickey]

Great to see Darian listed. Odd that Nick and Brett aren't on the list though. Who's going to play bass?

As the listing says, the backing band is subject to changes.  If it were me, I'd have Randell Kirsch play bass, simply because he's used to playing with Cowsill.  It'd make for a tighter rhythm section.  Nothing against Brett Simons, mind.  He's a good player, too, and I've no doubt he would do a great job.  Nick Walusko did play on the Do It Again remake, but I don't know if his presence is necessary on stage.  He's a good player, too, though.  I guess we'll find out soon enough. 

I hope you're right about Randell being the bass player. Brett is obviously very good at his job, but Randell's been playing Beach Boys music for thirty years or more, has a good working relationship with Foskett, and as well as having experience playing with Cowsill is also an extremely good vocalist (though whether they'd need him on vocals when they have so many people capable of taking the falsetto parts is another question).

Either way, no matter what Stamos-shaped annoyances turn up, and whoever plays bass, I can't see the shows being anything other than wonderful with that band. It'd be a shame if Nick doesn't play, and it'd be nice to see either Mike D'Amico or Nelson adding percussion, but given the practicalities of having so many people on stage it's about as good a line-up as I could imagine. Having Billy and Ed there would be nice for nostalgia reasons, but I can't see anyone doing a better job of actually playing the music than this band.

[LostArt]

it'd be nice to see either Mike D'Amico or Nelson adding percussion

That's probably what Stamos will be doing, although I really like Nelson Bragg back there. 

[The Shift]

it'd be nice to see either Mike D'Amico or Nelson adding percussion

That's probably what Stamos will be doing, although I really like Nelson Bragg back there. 

Nelson's great value, a really nice guy as well as being a great talent. If I had a band, I'd want him along for the good company! 

[donald]

I'm having trouble believing that this is actually happening.  If the lineup is as we think it might be, I DO NOT want to  miss this tour.  I've gone to see both bands as often as possible over the past few years and prospect of seeing these people on the stage together  just blows my mind.  Yep.  Blows My Mind.  And I haven't used that  phrase for decades. 

[Rocky Raccoon]

Who's going to play bass?

Very wishful thinking but Brian perhaps?