Brian Piano Playing during the 2012 Tour.

[Justin]

I don't need reminding of what has gone on during the years 1980-2012 thanks. Thats not what this thread is about.

What is this thread about then?  You posted some clips from 1980 in your first post and said that "if he can sound pretty damn good in his poor state of 1980 lets have him featured in his reasonably healthy state of 2012 please."  You seem to fail to realize that even if Brian was highlighted in the mix on the new tour there is a possibility that he won't be playing "better" than he did in those 1980 videos simply because he is much, much older now.  He may not be attacking the piano as energetically as a 38 year old would.  I would love to hear more piano from Brian but I foresee him picking and choosing what songs to play on...whichever ones that strikes his mood at the moment and not necessarily playing on every song.

[Pretty Funky]

Thats fine by me!

I expect he will be singing quite a few leads this time around and I doubt he will touch the keys during those. However during other songs I would love to hear him playing.

The only time I have seen him live with the Beach Boys was during the infamous NZ/ Aust 1978 tour. He was not unlike as he appears in those 1980 clips. Today with instant personal media we can see an artist on youtube within minutes and nit-pick every last note. That was not  the case in 1980 and to hear a fan recording warts and all from that period is rare. The instrument that stands out on those clips to me is the piano of Brian and Mike Meros. It is beside the camera.

Brian had  issues 78-80 as well yet at least in that 1980 show his playing was strong. Sure he is not the 38 year old in those clips yet he is stronger in other ways IMO plus he has support onstage with Jeff and co and I would hope the other Beach Boys. He should also realise by now he has the support of the audience. (as was obvious during the grammies) 

In countless interviews he shows he can still play pretty well and I am hoping some of that is evident this year. Lead keyboards...not at all!

[Jay]

It would be awsome if Brian played the piano and sang The Night Was Still Young during the shows, like he did in the Endless Harmony documentary.

[stack-o-tracks]

It would be awsome if Brian played the piano and sang The Night Was Still Young during the shows, like he did in the Endless Harmony documentary.

Why not up the ante and just play the whole Love You album? Jah. knee. car. son. CAN YOU PICTURE 71 YEAR OLD MIKE LOVE SINGING THAT SONG IN 2012?! Seeing that song live would make me so happy.

[Iron Horse-Apples]

It would be awsome if Brian played the piano and sang The Night Was Still Young during the shows, like he did in the Endless Harmony documentary.

Why not up the ante and just play the whole Love You album? Jah. knee. car. son. CAN YOU PICTURE 71 YEAR OLD MIKE LOVE SINGING THAT SONG IN 2012?! Seeing that song live would make me so happy.

This.

[Andrew G. Doe]

What the hell did I just watch?

Copyright Infringement Central. 

[Jaspy]

Brian playing the keys would be nice, but as a tribute to Dennis, what about if he would climb the piano and sing "You're So Beautiful". That would be unexpected and bring the house down.

[absinthe_boy]

Brian can still play piano/keys but the damage has left him such that sometimes his timing is off. Its like his brain is telling his fingers what to do but sometimes they're a fraction too early or late. It reminds me of an experience I had once while high on pot...trying to sing. There are several interview type videos out there where he plays piano, clearly he can still do it. The extras on the SMiLE DVD for example, where he bashes out some Gerhswin and Heroes & Villains.

When I saw him at the RFH last September I guessed he played keys on at least 7 songs, possibly more. I wasn't counting. Generally when he wasn't singing much, so instead of being static when someone else took the lead (for example Sail On Sailor) he'd play some keys. Also during instrumental/chorus sections. And he was geniunely playing, it was audible. I didn't shoot any video but I posted lots of photos a while back, some of which show him playing keys.

So it wouldn't surprise me if he plays some piano or keyboards during the BB tour. He seemed to enjoy it. Maybe some of those neural pathways are slightly less blocked than 10 years ago.

However, he is still far from a great or even 'really good' piano player. So generally on his albums Darian handles the keyboards because Darian is better. But really, Brian can play some nice fill-in on tour.