The BB Experience Thread

[Aegir]

meeting Al

I saw "The Surf City Allstars featuring Al Jardine" around 2008 at Manalapan Day, which is some random central NJ town's local "let's sell popcorn on a field and then light off fireworks" thing. Definitely the lowest of the low. They were playing on this tiny tiny stage and there were like 30 people watching. at one point it started to rain. they went into Surfin' USA and the sound guy turned off the lead vocal mic and for about 30 seconds it was going without the lead, just "inside outside USA, inside outside USA, inside outside USA". then they realized the powers that be, some MANALAPAN DAY official decided to cut them off because of the rain. so they stopped playing and immediately started packing up as fast as they could and started running equipment into their trailer which was parked about 100 feet away also on the field. by this time the rain was falling really fast and everyone on the field was just trying to run to their cars, which were parked up to a mile down the road (everyone in Manalapan, it seems, came out for Manalapan Day. I was probably the only person who drove more than 15 minutes to get there).

in the midst of this chaos, I decided to run up to Al and talk to him. I mean, he was right there! so I run over and yell "AL!" and he stops, and turns around and looks at me. he's like, "Yeah?" and then it hits me that I don't actually have anything to say to him. so I just stick out my hand to shake his and say, "I love you, man!" and he says "Thanks!" and then we both run our separate ways because it's pouring, pouring, pouring.

Do you have a setlist from this show?  I also saw Al at a show that had about 30-40 people in Gilroy, CA, around 2007 I think.  It's on the Setlist Archive.  Great but short show, no security, we could do whatever we wanted to do.

Sorry, I don't. they didn't play anything that wouldn't be in a typical Beach Boys sideband show (including Kokomo), other than Wipeout (not the rap version) where Al played keyboard and they called up three people from the audience (including me) to play the drum fill on a snare drum.

[Awesoman]

Late-90's:

Saw Al Jardine's "Beach Boys: Family & Friends" when they performed at Stone Mountain, GA.  The whole band was mingling with the fans after the show.  I did not talk to Al (he was busy getting hit on by the middle-aged women), but did chat briefly with Carnie, Wendy, Matt, and Adam.  They were all pretty cool.  I used to have my own website and I put up photos I took from their show.  I had randomly received a message from Matt Jardine that they all had seen my website and dug the the page I had made for them.

2004: I have told this story before on these boards, but I spent the summer working backstage at Chastain Park as a runner (pretty much just picking up talent from their hotels and whatever else was needed).  When the Mike & Bruce show came to town, I worked that gig decked out in my ridiculous Beach Boys album covers Hawaiian shirt.  Mike commented "Cool shirt" when he saw me.  Got my photo with him before he left.  Chris Farmer was especially nice.  I spent most of the day driving their tour manager around; he did provide me with some funny stories about the band.  That was a very surreal day for me.

2011: I checked out David Marks' band when they played at Eddie's Attic.  Chatted with Carrie some and Marks' bandmate, Jez (whom happens to lurk on this forum...sup, Jez!).  Marks himself was a cool guy; didn't mind when I told him I took some video of his show.  He was cool with me posting it:

http://youtu.be/JU8z3IuBuPM?hd=1

[Mooger Fooger]

1987: Murphy's Law Part 1. While staying in LA to hopefully meet the guys via Alice (from BBFUN) while my parents flew on to Hawaii, I get a phone call from them after they arrived that the band is staying in their hotel! Damn. Still got to go to Gary Usher's place and interview him and hear "Spirit of Rock and Roll", "Let's Go to Hevean in My Car" and "Just Say No". Also Bruce was kind enough to forward his phone number so I called him a few days later. Very cool.
1988: Had my first meeting with the band backstage at San Diego Padre stadium. I posted a few pics here taken by fellow fans Phil and Rick who used to run ESQ. Met Al (not my fondest memory moment), and Carl (juxtaposed attitude to Al). Had all the time in the world for me despite them being late). Were seated in front of Shawn Love and the kids.
1989: Got to explore the entire property at Bellagio and got a tour of Ocean Way Studios.
2004: Met Brian at the meet and greet in Antwerp, Belgium. Had a few exchange of words and saw Brian's eyes light up when I gave my heartfelt compliments to him and his music.
2012: Murphy's Law Part 2. Decided to drive to Stuttgart rather than go by train to see the C50 show. While heading back to see the Mönchen Gladbach gig, our friends call us to say that the very train we would have booked, is also transporting the whole band. Damn. Still got to see the band live and be treated like worthless sh*t by security.
2013: Will see what Murphy has in store for my never-ending quest to get my Sunflower gatefold finally signed by Bruce and Mike.

[Letsgoawayforawhile]

1987: Murphy's Law Part 1. While staying in LA to hopefully meet the guys via Alice (from BBFUN) while my parents flew on to Hawaii, I get a phone call from them after they arrived that the band is staying in their hotel! Damn. Still got to go to Gary Usher's place and interview him and hear "Spirit of Rock and Roll", "Let's Go to Hevean in My Car" and "Just Say No". Also Bruce was kind enough to forward his phone number so I called him a few days later. Very cool.
1988: Had my first meeting with the band backstage at San Diego Padre stadium. I posted a few pics here taken by fellow fans Phil and Rick who used to run ESQ. Met Al (not my fondest memory moment), and Carl (juxtaposed attitude to Al). Had all the time in the world for me despite them being late). Were seated in front of Shawn Love and the kids.
1989: Got to explore the entire property at Bellagio and got a tour of Ocean Way Studios.
2004: Met Brian at the meet and greet in Antwerp, Belgium. Had a few exchange of words and saw Brian's eyes light up when I gave my heartfelt compliments to him and his music.
2012: Murphy's Law Part 2. Decided to drive to Stuttgart rather than go by train to see the C50 show. While heading back to see the Mönchen Gladbach gig, our friends call us to say that the very train we would have booked, is also transporting the whole band. Damn. Still got to see the band live and be treated like worthless sh*t by security.
2013: Will see what Murphy has in store for my never-ending quest to get my Sunflower gatefold finally signed by Bruce and Mike.

Really cool stuff!
Thanks for sharing!

[rn57]

Back in November '91, Brian went around the country to promote his "autobiography" WIBN.  Somehow or other I heard that he'd be in Chicago. Since I was going to Champaign, Illinois, for a wedding the day before (or maybe it was after) the signing, I got the book and took my copy of the "solo" Caroline No 45 off the shelf.  I think the notice I had seen spelled out that only the book would be signed but I figured one little 45 that didn't have Beach Boys on the label might be OK.

(Had I known what I know now about the circumstances involved in the release of the 45, I'm pretty sure I would not have brought it.)

So I went to the signing - don't remember if it was a book or record store. Brian was at a table, signing. Next to him was a guy who wasn't exactly introducing himself but who sure looked like Kevin Leslie from the pic in the book's photo section, so it must have been him.

I stepped up to the table.

"Elizabeth," Brian said, looking at the post-it note on the first page.

"Yep, she's my sister," I said. (I figured she deserved a copy because it was her buying Greatest Hits Vol 1 in 1974 that really got me into the BBs. Later, I gave her the book. She wasn't into the BBs that much anymore and by 1991, she thought of Brian primarily as the dad of 2/3 of Wilson Phillips. So I wound up with the book and it's still on the shelf downstairs.)

He wrote "To Elizabeth, Brian Wilson," and as he did so, remarked, "You know, Elizabeth is a Jewish name."

"Yes it is - thank you," I replied, holding out the CN 45.

At which point Leslie sternly said: "Not that. Just the book."

"But it's-"

"No," continued Leslie. "Just the book."

"Sorry man, can't do it, but thanks for coming," said Brian.

"Thank you," I said, and moved on.

[Lowbacca]

He wrote "To Elizabeth, Brian Wilson," and as he did so, remarked, "You know, Elizabeth is a Jewish name."

That was probably just Brian sharing his Fun Fact Of The Day #27. 

[metal flake paint]

From my earliest days of fandom I had been keen to meet the band. I finally had the chance in 1992.  On the day prior to their concert I drove into Melbourne armed with a $5 phone card and called all of the major city hotels, asking if a Mr. Jardine was booked in to stay. Towards the end of my card's credit I had a positive response so I promptly made my way to the hotel hoping that I'd be able to meet the guys there. When I arrived the receptionist told me that they had been delayed by several hours. By this stage it was early evening so I decided to return home.

The next day following the concert, myself and three of my friends headed to the hotel only to be told that we'd missed the band by ten minutes as they'd gone to see Jesus Christ Superstar. Undaunted we decided to wait, in the meantime chatting with fellow fans.

After some time Carl returned to the lobby. I shook his hand and introduced myself. He was very gracious and friendly, wanting to know everyone in our group, adding that he really liked Melbourne. He signed all of our items, including my copy of Sunflower, and then he bid us farewell.

Both Al and Mike appeared next and were also gracious with their time, posing for photos and signing autographs.

Their attention to their fans left a remarkable impression on me. I'm very grateful to have met them in a relaxed atmosphere, unconstrained by schedule or stopwatch.

[Pretty Funky]

Same subject on a previous thread.

http://smileysmile.net/board/index.php/topic,5776.0.html

[Alan Smith]

From my earliest days of fandom I had been keen to meet the band. I finally had the chance in 1992.  On the day prior to their concert I drove into Melbourne armed with a $5 phone card and called all of the major city hotels, asking if a Mr. Jardine was booked in to stay. Towards the end of my card's credit I had a positive response so I promptly made my way to the hotel hoping that I'd be able to meet the guys there. When I arrived the receptionist told me that they had been delayed by several hours. By this stage it was early evening so I decided to return home.

The next day following the concert, myself and three of my friends headed to the hotel only to be told that we'd missed the band by ten minutes as they'd gone to see Jesus Christ Superstar. Undaunted we decided to wait, in the meantime chatting with fellow fans.

After some time Carl returned to the lobby. I shook his hand and introduced myself. He was very gracious and friendly, wanting to know everyone in our group, adding that he really liked Melbourne. He signed all of our items, including my copy of Sunflower, and then he bid us farewell.

Both Al and Mike appeared next and were also gracious with their time, posing for photos and signing autographs.

Their attention to their fans left a remarkable impression on me. I'm very grateful to have met them in a relaxed atmosphere, unconstrained by schedule or stopwatch.

That's such a cool story, MFP!

You nailed it - to get to "hang out", rather than than be ticked off a list is a fantastic and really memorable moment - thanks for sharing - A (phone cards  )

[metal flake paint]

From my earliest days of fandom I had been keen to meet the band. I finally had the chance in 1992.  On the day prior to their concert I drove into Melbourne armed with a $5 phone card and called all of the major city hotels, asking if a Mr. Jardine was booked in to stay. Towards the end of my card's credit I had a positive response so I promptly made my way to the hotel hoping that I'd be able to meet the guys there. When I arrived the receptionist told me that they had been delayed by several hours. By this stage it was early evening so I decided to return home.

The next day following the concert, myself and three of my friends headed to the hotel only to be told that we'd missed the band by ten minutes as they'd gone to see Jesus Christ Superstar. Undaunted we decided to wait, in the meantime chatting with fellow fans.

After some time Carl returned to the lobby. I shook his hand and introduced myself. He was very gracious and friendly, wanting to know everyone in our group, adding that he really liked Melbourne. He signed all of our items, including my copy of Sunflower, and then he bid us farewell.

Both Al and Mike appeared next and were also gracious with their time, posing for photos and signing autographs.

Their attention to their fans left a remarkable impression on me. I'm very grateful to have met them in a relaxed atmosphere, unconstrained by schedule or stopwatch.

That's such a cool story, MFP!

You nailed it - to get to "hang out", rather than than be ticked off a list is a fantastic and really memorable moment - thanks for sharing - A (phone cards  )

Thanks, Alholio71. Simpler times, in retrospect. I sure gave that Telecom phone booth in Elizabeth Street a workout that day!

[Andrew G. Doe]

1989: Got to explore the entire property at Bellagio and got a tour of Ocean Way Studios.

Ah... so you're the guy I had to set the dogs on when he wouldn't leave.  

General point - if you're lucky enough to find yourself in such a situation, the best strategy is to avoid turning into a raving fanboy* and just be cool. Treat them as human beings.

[* unlike me backstage at the London Gershwin gigs when Chris White of the Zombies was pointed out to me, at which juncture I turned into a gibbering banshee and accosted the poor sod, blabbering about what an amazing album Odessey & Oracle is. Sorry, Chris, but at least it gave Darian a huge giggle.]

[Bill M]

Met Bruce in 1989.  I was working as the stage manager for VH-1.  We were taping segments of Peter Noone's "My Generation" when Bruce showed up to surprise Peter.  Side note:  Peter was a super nice guy to work & hang out with.  Anyway, between takes I'd mentioned to Bruce that I saw the band the night before in East Rutherford, NJ.  It was a Beachago show.  I also mentioned that I'd seen the 1975 version of Beachago.  Bruce asked me which one I liked better & I told a white lie - the '89 version.  Bruce responded he thought the '75 version was much better.  I found that pretty interesting since Bruce was out of the picture in '75.  Bruce also mentioned that there's a huge trove of Beach Boys video in the vaults that will never see the light of day due to rights issues.