Jones Beach conversation with Brian

[Alan Smith]

Cool stuff, Ray, thanks heaps!

Speaking for myself only, it's a super rare treat to get real "news" about the great man and how he's goin' as things develop - even better that it's shootin' the breeze stuff,  like Jon Stebbins' awesome David Marks insights; and as opposed to a press release rehash.

Cheers - A

[Rocker]

"Angels In Love" and "Night Came Gently" sound like great titles.

The next album can't come soon enough!  

Well, I'm not too sure. Certainly I'd like the guys to record but only if the results are at least as good as TWGMTR. Every record they make now could be their last and I don't want another M.I.U. or SIP to be theri last album

[startBBtoday]

"4/- I had dinner with him in Beverly Hills in February; his back was so bad he was shuffling , and it scared the hell out of me,  as this is a guy who was walking 5 miles a day at a pretty steady clip.....he and I are the same height, 6 ft 2 , and I always had trouble keeping up with him. He is walking with much more ease now as the back is healing and the pain has subsided; he is almost ready to start his walking agenda again as he is "rebuilding  the strength in my legs, getting my legs under me". He says he feels great , and has a weight loss target in mind once he starts seriously walking again".

I would really like to believe this. I really would. I don't mean to be a pessimist here. BUT.  When I saw Brian earlier this month in Berkeley, he was obviously in pain. He was shifting back and forth on the stool, needed help getting off the piano bench, and at the end of the second set, I saw him get up (with assistance) and gingerly walk off the stage and sit down quickly in a chair positioned just behind the curtain. I was really concerned for him. He looks very overweight and is hurting. You just talked to Brian in the last couple of days. I understand that he's been having this back issue for quite awhile and is seeing a doctor for it and who knows if he's taking some meds to relieve the pain. The other day, he didn't bother to strap on the bass, which he routinely does near the end of shows. So you're saying the back is healing and the pain is subsided? Just within this past month? Based on what I personally saw and on recent video clips, I'm a little pessimistic, Ray. Again, I'd love to be dead wrong!

Also, Ray, you indicated that Brian loves this touring and being on stage. I'm not saying you're wrong or that Brian is wrong or leading you in the wrong direction, and by the way he looks on stage, he does look engaged and focused at times, but very bored. I may be wrong. Many times viewing these YouTube videos, it seems like he can't wait to get off the stage at the end of many of the shows. Most of the time, he's the first one off the stage, almost running. Information on a recent thread indicated that he won't make it to South America this year for a concert(s). It still makes me wonder if he really does want to continue the 50th Tour after they've completed the 50 + gigs already scheduled for this year.

Thanks for your post, Ray!  

I know what you were getting at Mikie, but I just thought it was funny that when it worked for your argument that Brian was in rough shape he was walking gingerly off stage, and then when it worked for your argument that he wasn't engaged he was suddenly running off stage.

I think Ray knows a whole lot more than what we can gather from youtube clips, if his friends say he enjoys the tour and that he's feeling better, I'll trust that.

As Tommy Callahan once said, "You can get a good look at a butcher's ass by sticking your head up there. But, wouldn't you rather to take his word for it?"

[Mikie]

I know what you were getting at Mikie, but I just thought it was funny that when it worked for your argument that Brian was in rough shape he was walking gingerly off stage, and then when it worked for your argument that he wasn't engaged he was suddenly running off stage. I think Ray knows a whole lot more than what we can gather from youtube clips, if his friends say he enjoys the tour and that he's feeling better, I'll trust that.

First off, I wasn't trying to argue with the man, or even be Devil's advocate. I was countering with my observations, that's all. And my observations weren't just based on YouTube clips, but first hand. Like I say, Brian's had this severe back ailment for quite awhile (two or three years?) and to hear that he has "recuperated" within a month's time seems miraculous to me. Hope it's permanent and the reduction in weight will dramatically improve/eliminate his back problems.

As Tommy Callahan once said, "You can get a good look at a butcher's ass by sticking your head up there. But, wouldn't you rather to take his word for it?"

Tommy who?  Well, in this particular case, I'll definitely take his word for it!  

[southbay]

I know what you were getting at Mikie, but I just thought it was funny that when it worked for your argument that Brian was in rough shape he was walking gingerly off stage, and then when it worked for your argument that he wasn't engaged he was suddenly running off stage. I think Ray knows a whole lot more than what we can gather from youtube clips, if his friends say he enjoys the tour and that he's feeling better, I'll trust that.

First off, I wasn't trying to argue with the man, or even be Devil's advocate. I was countering with my observations, that's all. And my observations weren't just based on YouTube clips, but first hand. Like I say, Brian's had this severe back ailment for quite awhile (two or three years?) and to hear that he has "recuperated" within a month's time seems miraculous to me. Hope it's permanent and the reduction in weight will dramatically improve/eliminate his back problems.

As Tommy Callahan once said, "You can get a good look at a butcher's ass by sticking your head up there. But, wouldn't you rather to take his word for it?"

Tommy who?  Well, in this particular case, I'll definitely take his word for it!  

Mikie, do you have anything to compare your Berkeley observations against? If not, I could see why you have these particular thoughts.  Keep in mind that Brian's friends, such as Lawlor, see him more than once a year, they watch him over a period of time and compare him now to how he was 6 months ago. They know him. As I posted in another thread, I was at Dodger Stadium on Opening Day, sat very close to the field and was very taken aback by the way Brian moved.  He DID NOT WALK, HE SHUFFLED.  He required assistance getting everywhere. At that time I was very concerned about his health moving forward. However, seeing him just a few weeks ago again, although still moving slowly and requiring assistance to get up and down, he is moving much, much better, there is no comparison to how he was moving in April.  My comments were in fact confirmed by Jon Stebbins. And now now by Ray Lawlor. Are we all just making this up to convince Smiley Smilers so they can have a good day?

[Ray Lawlor]

"4/- I had dinner with him in Beverly Hills in February; his back was so bad he was shuffling , and it scared the hell out of me,  as this is a guy who was walking 5 miles a day at a pretty steady clip.....he and I are the same height, 6 ft 2 , and I always had trouble keeping up with him. He is walking with much more ease now as the back is healing and the pain has subsided; he is almost ready to start his walking agenda again as he is "rebuilding  the strength in my legs, getting my legs under me". He says he feels great , and has a weight loss target in mind once he starts seriously walking again".

I would really like to believe this. I really would. I don't mean to be a pessimist here. BUT.  When I saw Brian earlier this month in Berkeley, he was obviously in pain. He was shifting back and forth on the stool, needed help getting off the piano bench, and at the end of the second set, I saw him get up (with assistance) and gingerly walk off the stage and sit down quickly in a chair positioned just behind the curtain. I was really concerned for him. He looks very overweight and is hurting. You just talked to Brian in the last couple of days. I understand that he's been having this back issue for quite awhile and is seeing a doctor for it and who knows if he's taking some meds to relieve the pain. The other day, he didn't bother to strap on the bass, which he routinely does near the end of shows. So you're saying the back is healing and the pain is subsided? Just within this past month? Based on what I personally saw and on recent video clips, I'm a little pessimistic, Ray. Again, I'd love to be dead wrong!

Also, Ray, you indicated that Brian loves this touring and being on stage. I'm not saying you're wrong or that Brian is wrong or leading you in the wrong direction, and by the way he looks on stage, he does look engaged and focused at times, but very bored. I may be wrong. Many times viewing these YouTube videos, it seems like he can't wait to get off the stage at the end of many of the shows. Most of the time, he's the first one off the stage, almost running. Information on a recent thread indicated that he won't make it to South America this year for a concert(s). It still makes me wonder if he really does want to continue the 50th Tour after they've completed the 50 + gigs already scheduled for this year.

Thanks for your post, Ray!  

Well , it is your perrogative to be pessimistic if you please.

With regard to Brian's back issue and treatment ; I hope nobody thinks that the Wilson's just went to Dr. Vinnie Boombotz and got some pain killers !   They deal with the best doctors in the LA area and rest assured that Brian has the best quality care. The treatment is a Wilson family matter and I won't discuss it anywhere, but can only say it is working. My personal observation is as follows:

1/- In LA in January 9-13 ( I thought it was February but checked my American Express) Brian was shuffling along ; as I said it scared the hell out of me;
2/- In Arizona in April 23/24 Brian was moving gingerly but better; he still required assistance;
3/- At the Beacon in NY in May 7/8/9 Brian was moving better; more ease of motion;
4/- At Westchester NY on May 15  Brian still improving; said he was not in any pain at all;
5/-At Bethlehem , Pa on May 17th Brian was clearly walking with ease;
6/- At  Hollywood Bowl on June 2Brian was walking fine ; was tallking about getting his walking routine started again;
7/- At Woodlands Tx June 8, Brian walking fine; still no back pain;
8/- At Jones Beach on the June 24 Brian having no issues at all.

So according to my math this has been a five month healing process and progression from initial diagnosis and treatments through today. Not overnight or a month. 

As far as the chair positioned stage right ; it has been there since 2000 !!!  Brian sits stageside through every intermission; that is his procedure , it has zero to do with his back.  At Jones Beach during intermission I was sitting with him; he was rehearsing his part (the Carl part) on "Our Prayer"....the whole thing.

With regard to the show in Latin America where it stated Brian wouldn't make it to South America; as I answered in an earlier question....he was not asked to go ; this is a booking of The Mike/Bruce Beach Boys and their band; not the reunion tour.  He and the guys are going to Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore for goodness sakes; alot further away than Peru !!!   If there is a booking for The Beach Boys 50th in Latin America ; he will go.

 

[Mikie]

Mikie, do you have anythuing to compare your Berkeley observations against?

Yes. YouTube videos. Many of them. In addition to fan's/concert goer's comments.

If not, I could see why you have these particular thoughts.  Keep in mind that Brian's friends, such as lawlor, see him more than once a year, they watch him over a period of time and compare him now to how he awas 6 months ago.

Oh yeah, well that's PLENTY of time to assess one's physical condition, Southbay!  

They know him. As I posted in another thread, I was at Dodger Stadium on Opening Day, sat very close to the field and was very taken aback by the way Brian moved.  He DID NOT WALK, HE SHUFFLED.  He required assistance getting everywhere. At that time I was very concerned about his health moving forward.

This is also what stuck out in my mind and I almost posted this example here. That was April 10. And he was still shuffling around on June 1.

However, seeing him just a few weeks ago again, although still moving slowly and requiring assistance to get up and down, he is moving much, much better, there is no comparison to how he was moving in April.  My comments were in fact confirmed by Jon Stebbins. And now now by Ray Lawlor. Are we all just making this up to convince Smiley Smilers so they can have a good day?

That's great to know. Maybe he's taking cortizone shots or something. It's just great to know he's getting better fast!  

[Mikie]

So according to my math this has been a five month healing process and progression from initial diagnosis and treatments through today. Not overnight or a month. 

And according to my math, the most dramatic improvement he's made with this back ailment has been just this past month. Correcto mundo? 

[Ray Lawlor]

So according to my math this has been a five month healing process and progression from initial diagnosis and treatments through today. Not overnight or a month. 

And according to my math, the most dramatic improvement he's made with this back ailment has been just this past month. Correcto mundo? 

Most dramatic improvement; yes in the last month.  The healing process started happening in mid to late January. It is still ongoing.

[Heysaboda]

At Jones Beach during intermission I was sitting with him; he was rehearsing his part (the Carl part) on "Our Prayer"....the whole thing.

"Our Prayer"!!!!!  AWESOME!

Has this made it into the concert setlist?

[Justin]

At Jones Beach during intermission I was sitting with him; he was rehearsing his part (the Carl part) on "Our Prayer"....the whole thing.

"Our Prayer"!!!!!  AWESOME!

Has this made it into the concert setlist?

Yeah man! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HRvc8r2uh8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMv6AxuL72A&feature=related

[southbay]

Mikie, do you have anythuing to compare your Berkeley observations against?

Yes. YouTube videos. Many of them. In addition to fan's/concert goer's comments.

If not, I could see why you have these particular thoughts.  Keep in mind that Brian's friends, such as lawlor, see him more than once a year, they watch him over a period of time and compare him now to how he awas 6 months ago.

Oh yeah, well that's PLENTY of time to assess one's physical condition, Southbay!  

They know him. As I posted in another thread, I was at Dodger Stadium on Opening Day, sat very close to the field and was very taken aback by the way Brian moved.  He DID NOT WALK, HE SHUFFLED.  He required assistance getting everywhere. At that time I was very concerned about his health moving forward.

This is also what stuck out in my mind and I almost posted this example here. That was April 10. And he was still shuffling around on June 1.

However, seeing him just a few weeks ago again, although still moving slowly and requiring assistance to get up and down, he is moving much, much better, there is no comparison to how he was moving in April.  My comments were in fact confirmed by Jon Stebbins. And now now by Ray Lawlor. Are we all just making this up to convince Smiley Smilers so they can have a good day?

That's great to know. Maybe he's taking cortizone shots or something. It's just great to know he's getting better fast!  

So according to my math this has been a five month healing process and progression from initial diagnosis and treatments through today. Not overnight or a month.  

And according to my math, the most dramatic improvement he's made with this back ailment has been just this past month. Correcto mundo?  

Yeah, see, it's posts like this that tend to chase away people with actual insight and knowledge.  People like Ray Lawlor who actually know Brian Wilson.

[Aegir]

why are people arguing about Brian's back? he seems to be doing fine and his GOOD FRIEND says he's doing fine. there's nothing else worth discussing.

[southbay]

Agreed.  Ray says he's fine.  End of story

[elagpa]

With regard to the show in Latin America where it stated Brian wouldn't make it to South America; as I answered in an earlier question....he was not asked to go ; this is a booking of The Mike/Bruce Beach Boys and their band; not the reunion tour.  He and the guys are going to Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore for goodness sakes; alot further away than Peru !!!   If there is a booking for The Beach Boys 50th in Latin America ; he will go.

 

That's my greatest desire!! I hope Brian and the boys come soon to south america 

Ray, thanx for your answers!

[Mikie]

Just addressing your posts and answering one of your questions, Southbay. No need to exaggerate and suggest that I'm driving anyone away. Look back at my posts and read what I conclude with.  

"It's great to know Brian is getting better!"  See?  We all agree here!  

[southbay]

Just addressing your posts and answering one of your questions, Southbay. No need to exaggerate and suggest that I'm driving anyone away. Look back at my posts and read what I conclude with. 

"It's great to know Brian is getting better!"  See?  We all agree here! 

Fair enough.  Agreeing is good

[Heysaboda]

At Jones Beach during intermission I was sitting with him; he was rehearsing his part (the Carl part) on "Our Prayer"....the whole thing.

"Our Prayer"!!!!!  AWESOME!

Has this made it into the concert setlist?

Yeah man! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HRvc8r2uh8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMv6AxuL72A&feature=related

THANKS Justin!  How did I miss THIS!   

[Justin]

You gotta put a pause on spinning TWGMTR and check in here and there, David! 

[Heysaboda]

You gotta put a pause on spinning TWGMTR and check in here and there, David! 

Indeed!  I used to call myself a Neil Young fan and I've played his new CD only once thanks to TWGMTR!   

[Justin]

You gotta put a pause on spinning TWGMTR and check in here and there, David! 

Indeed!  I used to call myself a Neil Young fan and I've played his new CD only once thanks to TWGMTR!   

haha that's better than me dude...I've still yet to pick up that new Neil CD.   It's mostly covers right?  So I'll probably hold off a bit.  Like you, I'm still in a Beach Boys frame of mind as well!

[Bud Shaver]

I love the new Neil album, too. 

[Jonathan Blum]

Ray -- thanks again for giving us a glimpse inside, and such a positive one.  If you do make it down to Sydney, let us know -- we'll invite you to our get-together and drinks will be on us!

(And yeah, that's a hell of a walk around Circular Quay in Sydney -- I'd be exhausted too...)

Cheers,
Jon

[Heysaboda]

At Jones Beach during intermission I was sitting with him; he was rehearsing his part (the Carl part) on "Our Prayer"....the whole thing.

"Our Prayer"!!!!!  AWESOME!

Has this made it into the concert setlist?

Yeah man! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HRvc8r2uh8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMv6AxuL72A&feature=related

Listening to this just gave me chills, chills I tell ya!

The word is: awe-inspiring!

Hope this (or a version) gets to the live DVD.

[musicismylife101]

Very nice! I'm glad Brian's having a great time!