The Whole Is Greater Than The Sum Of Its Parts

[Wirestone]

I meant to reply to this yesterday when it was more active.

I just think it would be a real shame, after all of the 50th anniversary celebrations, to have things go back to the way they were in 2011. This group of musicians really works together.

People shouldn't downplay Brian's solo career, either. It's only because of his solo touring that he's able to do this -- he has the confidence of touring with most of his band, and he's spent 12 years interacting with audiences and securing his legacy. In the studio, he's gained a tremendous amount of confidence, and that's carried over into the far-better-than-expected TWGMTR.

All of that being said, though, the whole is indeed greater than the component parts. Brian's songwriting comes alive with other lead voices. And it's not like the other guys are tearing up studios. Brian adds a tremendous amount to the live shows -- first by simply being there, second with strong, compelling leads, and third by insisting on a band that can actually re-create the symphonic pop backing tracks of his greatest work.

Brian probably couldn't keep up with a Mike-style touring schedule. So I don't think he'll go out with them permanently. But I would love to see Al and Dave stick around, as well as several of Brian's backing musicians. The ideal situation to me would be to have Brian do a string of summer shows with them each year, and amuse himself the rest of the year by making new Beach Boys records in the studio.

[GhostyTMRS]

Oops! My fault too. Didn't mean to hijack the thread yesterday.

Speaking of some fans' issues with Brian's voice nowadays (for the record I'm fine with it) I always harbored this fantasy that the guys would one day cut an album of covers of Brian's solo stuff...sort of like a "Beach Boys sing Brian Wilson" album.   

[Sheriff John Stone]

I wonder if Brian (and Melinda!) would be interested in joining the guys for their short Christmas/holiday tour. It would get Brian out of the house and up and moving around. Melinda could join the other BB wives and spend all of the guys' money with some Christmas shopping. I'd love to hear a set which includes:

Mike's Santa Medley: "Little Saint Nick", "The Man With All The Toys", "Santa's Beard"

Al's Spotlight: "Christmas Day", "Christmastime Is Here Again"

Bruce's Christmas Wish: "The Lord's Prayer"

Brian's Favorites: "We Three Kings", "All I Really Want For Christmas", "Winter Symphony"

Dennis and Carl Tribute on the large screen: "Auld Lang Syne" with Dennis's spoken part piped in

Encore:

"Santa's Goin' To Kokomo"
"Child Of Winter"
"We Wish You A Merry Christmas", the WIRWFC version with a solo from David

I can dream....