Bruce interviewed at examiner.com

[rn57]

http://www.examiner.com/article/a-chat-with-bruce-johnston-the-beach-boys-find-their-kokomojo

In which the birthday boy announces that At My Window is going into the soundcheck tomorrow. (Just kidding RangeRover1.)  

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

The Beach Boys find their Kokomojo

[HeyJude]

This quote is hilarious:

“We used some of the guys in Brian Wilson’s band and some of the guys from ours. And I think they’re surprised at the pace that we run at, you know? They’re great players, those guys, but they’re used to days off. I get nervous when there’s a day off.”

I'm not trying to stir it up, I don't think this is a big dig at anybody or anything. But I just think it's funny that the guy who arguably does the least heavy lifting in the entire band (even Brian takes more leads than Bruce does) has this "hey guys, catch up to me" attitude.

I'd also be curious to know if the current tour schedule is particularly more grueling than some of Brian's heaviest touring schedules. It just seems to me that Brian's band is enthusiastic and ready to whip out some rarities. I don't see any indication of them lagging. A few comments from "unnamed" backing band members early in the tour seemed to suggest that they felt the "Beach Boys" format of touring was almost more constraining than Brian's tours in some way.

[Autotune]

This quote is hilarious:

“We used some of the guys in Brian Wilson’s band and some of the guys from ours. And I think they’re surprised at the pace that we run at, you know? They’re great players, those guys, but they’re used to days off. I get nervous when there’s a day off.”

I'm not trying to stir it up, I don't think this is a big dig at anybody or anything. But I just think it's funny that the guy who arguably does the least heavy lifting in the entire band (even Brian takes more leads than Bruce does) has this "hey guys, catch up to me" attitude.

I'd also be curious to know if the current tour schedule is particularly more grueling than some of Brian's heaviest touring schedules. It just seems to me that Brian's band is enthusiastic and ready to whip out some rarities. I don't see any indication of them lagging. A few comments from "unnamed" backing band members early in the tour seemed to suggest that they felt the "Beach Boys" format of touring was almost more constraining than Brian's tours in some way.

I think Brian's "Totten is a slave driver" quote has to do with this. Totten, who is great and has a hell of a -difficult- job, seems to be pushing these guys into a pace they maybe aren't used to?

[ontor pertawst]

I really, really doubt musicians of that caliber who have been playing this music for many years are being pushed or challenged too much by the sets or pace. However, I can see how Brian Wilson would feel annoyed enough with sound checks and rehearsals to mock-complain about it!

[Cabinessenceking]

This quote is hilarious:

“We used some of the guys in Brian Wilson’s band and some of the guys from ours. And I think they’re surprised at the pace that we run at, you know? They’re great players, those guys, but they’re used to days off. I get nervous when there’s a day off.”

I'm not trying to stir it up, I don't think this is a big dig at anybody or anything. But I just think it's funny that the guy who arguably does the least heavy lifting in the entire band (even Brian takes more leads than Bruce does) has this "hey guys, catch up to me" attitude.

I'd also be curious to know if the current tour schedule is particularly more grueling than some of Brian's heaviest touring schedules. It just seems to me that Brian's band is enthusiastic and ready to whip out some rarities. I don't see any indication of them lagging. A few comments from "unnamed" backing band members early in the tour seemed to suggest that they felt the "Beach Boys" format of touring was almost more constraining than Brian's tours in some way.

I think the BW band really want to get to the beatuiful deep cuts. They probably love the second set much more than the first. Ofc decisions aren't up to them, but I fully support their endeavor to highlight the 1965-77 period! I really think they want more PS and Smile in particular.

[mabewa]

'And for the first time in more than two decades Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and David Marks are touring together.'

I always love it when you get this statement from the media.  It's the first time EVER that Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and David Marks have toured together. 

As for Bruce's quote:  yeah, it does seem that Bruce has the easiest job on stage.  One of the biggest surprises of this tour for me is how many lead vocals Brian is getting--he is second only to Mike, while Bruce only gets a few a night.  David gets even fewer, but his lead playing is a big part of the show.