Show 9: Beacon Theatre - New York, NY - 5/8/12 (SETLIST/PICS/REVIEWS)

[Lowbacca]

1) Brian sounded good, real good, at the Beacon show.  
2) Stamos is 'oh-kay', let him be.

[Rocker]

Foskett's shirt reminds me of some of Carl's suits from the 70s

[Rocker]

Source:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/10/arts/music/beach-boys-beacon-theater-music-review.html?ref=music

[The Heartical Don]

Source:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/10/arts/music/beach-boys-beacon-theater-music-review.html?ref=music

Thanks for the reference - great stuff!

[EgoHanger1966]

Question:

For those of you who went to this show (or any other....)

If you're sitting reasonably close to the stage (within 10 rows), but you're ALL the way to the right (like, where Bruce is), how hard is it to see Brian?

[Lowbacca]

In the concert’s most touching moment Mr. Wilson sang “I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times,” a song from “Pet Sounds” about being an innovator who’s universally misunderstood: “Every time I get the inspiration to go change things around,” he sang, “No one wants to help me look for places where new things might be found.”

The chords and melody climbed, lingered, fell back; Mr. Wilson stayed with them, fighting his limitations, as the Beach Boys sang harmony. It was an aching memory and a heartbreaking vindication.

Wow......

[The Heartical Don]

There should appear a book, dedicated to the reunion. It's more than worth it, folks.

[Lowbacca]

There should appear a book, dedicated to the reunion. It's more than worth it, folks.

Great idea. Book (concert reviews, interviews, photos, etc.) + DVD of concert footage (also available separately) + bonus CD of selected concert performances (or the reunion LP).

[Howie Edelson]

The "Forever" glitch last night was a travesty. It should be noted that some people on the stage weren't even aware of the problem until it was too late. It should have been wrapped up immediately and returned to later in the show. As far as Stamos, who's been at both shows I've caught thus far, it wouldn't be so grating if he wasn't such a distraction -- and it is EVERY TIME. There are two fantastic drummers trading off onstage and -- bar none -- every time Stamos gets behind the kit he's the worst of them. It makes the music worse. Playing standing up, the superfluous cymbal crashes, not listening, playing ahead of the beat, the endless hogging and hamming -- it's all SCHTICK. Any other musician would do their best, Stamos doesn't. It's a big goof. It wouldn't be so bad if his appearance was relegated to "Be True To Your School" and "Kokomo" -- if at all. But a whole mini-set on drums, then the faux guitar playing and the need to share a mic with EVERYONE -- it's tedious and frankly, poor showmanship 101. I can't begrudge him taking over the "Forever" vocal because the band was carrying on with NO ONE singing, but as my wife asked, "So, does he just come onstage and do whatever he wants???" I told her, "Yes."

[SG7]

Ugh, I hope he doesn't show up at my show. He adds nothing to them. John Trolololo can go elsewhere.

[Rocker]

There should appear a book, dedicated to the reunion. It's more than worth it, folks.

Great idea. Book (concert reviews, interviews, photos, etc.) + DVD of concert footage (also available separately) + bonus CD of selected concert performances (or the reunion LP).

A friend of mine and I are making a fan-DVD collecting all the various videos and audio interviews, etc. 

[Emdeeh]

Am I the only one who misses the "gotta keep those lovin' good vibrations happening with YOU" part in GV? I loved that bit so much, as a part of the band connecting directly with the audience back in the Carl Wilson era.

[drbeachboy]

That is a Brian thing; staying too close to the original versions in concert. I've only been to one Mike & Bruce show and I don't remember if they do that or not?

[Wirestone]

That is a Brian thing; staying too close to the original versions in concert. I've only been to one Mike & Bruce show and I don't remember if they do that or not?

Too close? It's one if the best records of all time.

The last thing it needs is a lame audience participation segment. There's a difference between connecting with fans and condescending to them.

[drbeachboy]

That is a Brian thing; staying too close to the original versions in concert. I've only been to one Mike & Bruce show and I don't remember if they do that or not?

Too close? It's one if the best records of all time.

The last thing it needs is a lame audience participation segment. There's a difference between connecting with fans and condescending to them.

What a snob! Emdeeh, there is your answer. We are longer allowed to have fun or participate in the celebration.

[Jon Stebbins]

To those who cite the long history John Stamos has with the Beach Boys, he has NO connection to the recorded history of their music that's being celebrated and lovingly presented on this reunion tour. He's less talented musically than any back-line musician on this tour. When he's playing drums he makes the music worse...thanks Howie. He's honoring Dennis? Please. Dennis would have no patience for him. He is a distraction to the soul and depth of the Beach Boys greatness. Now if he dialed it back a bit, became the guy who comes out and gives them a big warm announcement as they take the stage, and maybe sat in on Kokomo because he was in that video...then yeah, that would be tasteful. The rest is just dreadful. Please John, if you love the Beach Boys, do the right thing. Show up, announce them with the enthusiasm of the fan you are...play congas on Kokomo to make a few of the girls happy. Stay out of the music.

[The infamous Baldwin Organ]

I noticed that when they were projecting the album covers behind the band, including live albums and compilations, they left out Summer In Paradise.

[pixletwin]

The only problem I have with Stamos is he comes off as irritatingly narcissistic.

[craig29]

Stamos is a good guy. I didn't mind him out there. Overall, great show - some setlist.  From the lower balcony, I had trouble hearing the vocals. Did they have Mike and Brian down low?  They really got to turn those guys up. 
See you in White Plains!

[Lowbacca]

To those who cite the long history John Stamos has with the Beach Boys, he has NO connection to the recorded history of their music that's being celebrated and lovingly presented on this reunion tour.

Unfortunately, that's not entirely true...

[Aegir]

I didn't mind John Stamos until last night. The last time I saw Mike & Bruce and he sat in with them, there were two kits, Cowsill on one and Stamos on the other. The only time Stamos was the only drummer when was Cowsill would go up to the front to sing a lead vocal. and that was at an outdoor show on the beach where the sound wasn't that good.

but watching the fine-tuned machine that is the Beach Boys 50th band in a good theater and then having to hear Stamos on drums, you can tell he's significantly less talented. there's a reason he's not a professional drummer.

and I really wish Brian or David had picked up the lead on Forever when the video went down.

[The Heartical Don]

There should appear a book, dedicated to the reunion. It's more than worth it, folks.

Great idea. Book (concert reviews, interviews, photos, etc.) + DVD of concert footage (also available separately) + bonus CD of selected concert performances (or the reunion LP).

A friend of mine and I are making a fan-DVD collecting all the various videos and audio interviews, etc. 

Can I be your new best friend?

[Rocker]

That is a Brian thing; staying too close to the original versions in concert. I've only been to one Mike & Bruce show and I don't remember if they do that or not?

Yes, Mike and Bruce are doing the record-version too nowadays. No "...happenin' with you". I like that they trying to replicate the studio version as good as they can

There should appear a book, dedicated to the reunion. It's more than worth it, folks.

Great idea. Book (concert reviews, interviews, photos, etc.) + DVD of concert footage (also available separately) + bonus CD of selected concert performances (or the reunion LP).

A friend of mine and I are making a fan-DVD collecting all the various videos and audio interviews, etc. 

Can I be your new best friend?

I haven't said it'll be any good    But I'll let you know when we're done (sometime after the reunion and celebration is over) or you just remind me.

[Jon Stebbins]

To those who cite the long history John Stamos has with the Beach Boys, he has NO connection to the recorded history of their music that's being celebrated and lovingly presented on this reunion tour.

Unfortunately, that's not entirely true...

What I wrote is entirely true.

[Paul J B]

It's because it cheapens the whole thing like the cheerleaders did. Full House was a make believe show. There is no Uncle Jessie and serious fans don't need any pretend Beach Boys. We have David Marks (a true Beach Boy) there for real this time around, and a huge fantastic backing band. That should be more than enough to please any crowd.

It cheapens it in your own mind. Many fans who attend (paying most of the money) these shows have no isuues whatsoever with Stamos on stage. Also, as much as I agree with Andrew on most things here, I do not understand his stand on Stamos. As an historian of the band, you of all people should understand the marketing & advertising reasons for including Stamos these past 25 years or so. For people who don't like him, that's fine, don't like him. As their history shows, The Beach Boys do what they want, when they want, and very rarely stray from what works in their concert setting. For most fans who attend these shows, John Stamos is an added attraction that helps keep future fannies in the seats. I know one thing hanging around this place; hardcore fans are never happy. There always has to be something to bitch about; Stamos. Autotune, holograms (stuff that never happened), Brian too far side stage, etc.. I love coming here and learning, sharing the love of the music, reading these concert reviews, but the constant bemoaning of the same topics in thread after thread, after thread really wears thin. I'm done ranting, sorry I steered off-track. I'm glad those of you who attended the show had a great time. Awaiting my turn in another week and a half.

Stamos is an added attraction for most people who attend these shows? Really MOST people.

FYI, Stamos came along during the dark ages of the touring Beach Boys(IMO), when they were phoning it in and putting out crap like SIP. A time when many lifelong fans like myself became disillusioned, Denny was gone and it appeared Brian would never really be back. They had cheerleaders spoiling the songs and then Stamos. He added nothing then and he adds even less now. He is no "added attraction" of any sort and has never been a marketing help. How did his appearance in the Summer of Love video help that monstrosity? If you actually think a lot of women are going to attend a 50th year celebration of one of the greatest bands ever because a third rate actor who was cute on a show 20 years ago might show up and pound on the drums then.........................