My experience in the crowd and backstage in Toronto

[Mark Dillon]

I just wanted to share some of my experiences Tuesday night. We've already heard what great concerts the Boys have been putting on, and this was no exception. The seated area of the Molson Amphitheater was sold out and they opened up the lawn area at the back, and there were a fair number of people there as well. It was a very receptive crowd. Lots of Beach Boys fans here in Toronto. I think an outdoor venue is ideal for this tour. When it started at 7:30 pm, it was nice and sunny, perfect for the upbeat car and surf songs. Then we had the intermission, and then after that, it was suddenly dark out and we dug in and got to the heart of the matter. The stamina these guys are showing is pretty incredible. Guys 70 years old have no right sounding so good and performing 45+ songs. It became pretty overwhelming: the Dennis tribute, the Carl tribute, "Good Vibrations," "California Girls," and on and on. I thought the video accompaniment was terrific. The video for TWGMTR is probably the first cool Beach Boys video I've seen. And the studio footage of the recording of "Good Vibrations" reminds us all  how vibrant Brian was in his youth. I haven't talked to anybody who left the theater thinking they had not seen a phenomenal performance.

It was a particularly special night for me as I got to go backstage and present my book to each of the guys. I found a moment with Brian, who was sitting with Paul von Mertens a few tables away from where Mike was sitting. I let him know that I wrote my book out of love for his music and I truly hoped he would enjoy it. I asked him to sign my own copy, to which he replied "Sure. What's your name?" So much for making an impression! Alan seems to me to be the guy enjoying all this the most. He was upbeat, chatty, and was the only one who came outside to talk to the fans after the show. When his wife Mary Ann saw that Alan Boyd was one of the people interviewed for my book, they asked me how he was doing. They seemed genuinely concerned. Bruce has been a champion of my book for a long time, so it was great finally meeting him face to face. Randy Bachman was also there. He has a bunch of unreleased songs he recorded with Carl for KTSA. I told him he should talk to the guys about getting some of that stuff on any forthcoming boxed set. I handed Mike a copy of the book and said "I hope you like it," to which he said with mock ominousness (at least, I hope that was the case) "I hope so, too." I also spoke to David, who seemed to be very much in the zone. And I have to say that all those supporting players, down the line, are truly great guys. I asked one of them how it was all going and he said, "Great. Surprisingly smooth, given this group."

This 50th anniversary is a true blessing and the guys are enjoying it for all it's worth. Certainly it will be a night I will never forget.

[Zach95]

Mr. Dillon, that's a wonderful experience you shared, I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it so much and that the group seemed at ease.  You mentioned Al speaking to some fans after the show, I'm wondering what you mean by that.  I'm going to a show tomorrow, and would love to speak with Alan, if I stick around the venue may I catch him? Or was he speaking to people backstage after the show, only.

[Mark Dillon]

Mr. Dillon, that's a wonderful experience you shared, I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it so much and that the group seemed at ease.  You mentioned Al speaking to some fans after the show, I'm wondering what you mean by that.  I'm going to a show tomorrow, and would love to speak with Alan, if I stick around the venue may I catch him? Or was he speaking to people backstage after the show, only.

At the after-show party, Al was sitting outside on a patio with those who had guest passes, whereas the others had taken off or were behind closed doors.