Dave and Bruce - Opinions on the band getting back together?

[Eric Aniversario]

We all know what Mike and then later Brian and Al said in their public statements on the end of the C50 tour.  Dave and Bruce have been pretty silent about it.  Has anyone heard what they think about the end of the tour, and the band possibly getting back together?

[Cam Mott]

I don't know anything but I bet they gladly do whatever the Boys agree to do. I bet they would have liked to continue on past the overtime but understand why it didn't happen.

[Jim V.]

Well let's look at it though, Bruce was reported as being "giddy" about the fact that him and Mike were continuing on after the C50 tour ended. So I wouldn't doubt that he prefers the M&B show.

[Shady]

I'd love if Even Carrie Marks chimed in about the future..

[SMiLE Brian]

Well let's look at it though, Bruce was reported as being "giddy" about the fact that him and Mike were continuing on after the C50 tour ended. So I wouldn't doubt that he prefers the M&B show.

Bruce is pathetic these days being Mike Love's lackey.

[The Shift]

Dave's actions maybe speak louder - new album almost upon us (if not already) and a career retrospective set incoming. Very positive, whatever happens with regard to Clan McBeach.

[Sheriff John Stone]

Bruce is pathetic these days being Mike Love's lackey.

I'm not the biggest Bruce Johnston fan, but what's wrong with seeing the world, meeting different people and fans, performing some of the greatest songs in the history of popular music, and basically doing something that you love? I'd trade places with him...

[SBonilla]

"bruce johnstone is a pug"...fred flinstone...

[Jim V.]

Bruce is pathetic these days being Mike Love's lackey.

I'm not the biggest Bruce Johnston fan, but what's wrong with seeing the world, meeting different people and fans, performing some of the greatest songs in the history of popular music, and basically doing something that you love? I'd trade places with him...

Probably the fact that he seemed super excited about the fact that he and Mike would be going on tour without the other guys. And the fact that he never made a comment in favor of continuing, unlike Brian, Al and Dave. Bruce is cool, and I'm glad he's part of The Beach Boys, but he definitely is Mike's lackey, which I never really felt about him til very recently. Before then he really was the only Beach Boys that was in the group but also had a good view as an outsider.

[Eric Aniversario]

Well let's look at it though, Bruce was reported as being "giddy" about the fact that him and Mike were continuing on after the C50 tour ended. So I wouldn't doubt that he prefers the M&B show.

Interesting...what is the source of this info though?

[Sheriff John Stone]

Bruce is pathetic these days being Mike Love's lackey.

I'm not the biggest Bruce Johnston fan, but what's wrong with seeing the world, meeting different people and fans, performing some of the greatest songs in the history of popular music, and basically doing something that you love? I'd trade places with him...

Probably the fact that he seemed super excited about the fact that he and Mike would be going on tour without the other guys. And the fact that he never made a comment in favor of continuing, unlike Brian, Al and Dave.

I'm sure Bruce was excited about going back on tour with Mike. He's been doing it for 47 years. He loves his work. He's a lucky guy. How many guys are lucky enough to do something for a living that they truly love. Do you? And we know Bruce doesn't need the money; he never did.

How does Bruce feel about touring "without the other guys"? You think he's "super excited" but you don't really know. He might actually prefer to be touring along side of Brian, Al, and Dave, but prefers not to go there; he might want to leave things as they are, not change an arrangement that has been in place for years. I guess in some ways Bruce is like Brian and Al. Most people (maybe you?) think that Brian wants to continue touring as The Beach Boys, but, as far as I know, he's not doing anything about it either, just sitting at home collecting a check for those Mike & Bruce shows that he opposes(?). So, who is worse, Bruce or Brian?

I don't think the fact that Bruce hasn't (or has he?) commented on the Beach Boys' situation makes him a lackey. Maybe he's smart enough to see that those public comments did nothing but bring negative feelings to the situation. Don't you agree that this "situation" would be better handled privately, behind closed doors, instead of causing a war through the media? I was very disappointed to see the comments flying back and forth after such a positive experience.

[SMiLE Brian]

Bruce is pathetic these days being Mike Love's lackey.

I'm not the biggest Bruce Johnston fan, but what's wrong with seeing the world, meeting different people and fans, performing some of the greatest songs in the history of popular music, and basically doing something that you love? I'd trade places with him...

I don't have a problem with that part, Bruce annoys me in interviews sucking up to Mike and always talking about how Mike is the genius in the group.

[The Shift]

Bruce is pathetic these days being Mike Love's lackey.

I'm not the biggest Bruce Johnston fan, but what's wrong with seeing the world, meeting different people and fans, performing some of the greatest songs in the history of popular music, and basically doing something that you love? I'd trade places with him...

I don't have a problem with that part, Bruce annoys me in interviews sucking up to Mike and always talking about how Mike is the genius in the group.

I think Bruce is a smart cookie who recognises the need for band members to be singing from a specific hymn sheet, whenever appropriate.

He'll recognise the need to be respectful towards Mike's songwriting skills (esp his knack for a cool lyric) as 50 years ago those lyrics were helping set the band up for the regard in which it's held today; they're still the reason why casual music goers buy tickets for M&B shows; most of the interviews in which he comes out with that kind of comment are the banal pre-M&B show fodder where the band's image & reputation need to be maintained and reinforced.  Don't imagine for a minute that the Beach Boys are held in the same regard by the general public as they are on this board.

Whenever I chat to folk about going to a show, their usual reaction is "Oh yeah, saw that Brian Wilson on telly a couple of years  back – man he was wasted/out of it/in a trance/brain-dead…"

They're referring to the Queen's golden jubilee gig of more than a decade ago… but train wrecks like that are what have formed the current image of the Beach Boys in the public's eye, that's the kind of thing that Mike & Bruce are fighting against when they head out on another tour, so don't blame either of them for buffing up the positive side as they best-perceive it.

I mean, what do you expect him to say before such a show? "Yeah, well, Mike's not the greatest wordsmith I've ever worked with; his lyrics are second rate and frankly he can be a real ass at times but I string along cos of the money"?

How many tickets is that going to sell? "Well," you argue, "at least he's being honest and that gains kudos…" Yeah, kudos, empty seats and the dole queue.

It's marketing and while he might flatter Mike's skills I haven't heard him telling porkies either; he's always reverential towards Brian's talents and, more than any other member of the band, behaves at times more like a fan than some of the fans themselves.

I don't know the guy personally but from what I see, esp on the BBB board, he's shrewd, generous and on our side.

Meh… it's Humpday.

[Sheriff John Stone]

Bruce is pathetic these days being Mike Love's lackey.

I'm not the biggest Bruce Johnston fan, but what's wrong with seeing the world, meeting different people and fans, performing some of the greatest songs in the history of popular music, and basically doing something that you love? I'd trade places with him...

I don't have a problem with that part, Bruce annoys me in interviews sucking up to Mike and always talking about how Mike is the genius in the group.

I always viewed it as Bruce being a long-time friend, a supportive bandmate, and an advocate who wanted to give credit to someone who hadn't always received it. After 47 years, Bruce doesn't have to suck up to Mike.

That being said, I can understand how you would feel the way you do. I felt that way a lot of times during the 50th Anniversary tour, specifically where Brian was concerned. Brian would mutter something like, "It's Wednesday today, isn't it..." And, then the guys (except for Mike) would break out into this belly laughing. Hahaha. And Al would say something like, "You're so great, Brian. Did you hear Brian, he said 'It's Wednesday, isn't it'. He's so great" And then Bruce would add something like, "That's so Brian. Genius."  And Brian would be sitting there with this look on his face, like "What was so great about that"?

[Matt H]

I always viewed it as Bruce being a long-time friend, a supportive bandmate, and an advocate who wanted to give credit to someone who hadn't always received it. After 47 years, Bruce doesn't have to suck up to Mike.

Are you sure?  Is the license to tour for both Mike and Bruce, or is it just Mike?  Could Mike tell Bruce he is out and still tour as The Beach Boys?

[Sheriff John Stone]

I always viewed it as Bruce being a long-time friend, a supportive bandmate, and an advocate who wanted to give credit to someone who hadn't always received it. After 47 years, Bruce doesn't have to suck up to Mike.

Are you sure?  Is the license to tour for both Mike and Bruce, or is it just Mike?  Could Mike tell Bruce he is out and still tour as The Beach Boys?

For the first question, yes, I'm pretty sure. For the second question, I don't know. For the third question, I don't know about that either, but....I think Mike could dismiss Bruce and still tour as The Beach Boys.

To clarify my opinion, I don't think Bruce feels the need to suck up to Mike. I think Bruce is sincere with his praise of Mike; I think Bruce wants to say those things, again to give some credit to a friend and bandmate. While I did say and do feel that Bruce loves his "work", Mike could give Bruce the pink slip tomorrow and Bruce could go with his life just fine. Would he miss performing as a Beach Boy? Sure. But, Bruce also has a life and family outside the band, and as a 70-something multi-millionaire who underwent bypass surgery, there's more to life...

[SMiLE Brian]

Bruce is pathetic these days being Mike Love's lackey.

I'm not the biggest Bruce Johnston fan, but what's wrong with seeing the world, meeting different people and fans, performing some of the greatest songs in the history of popular music, and basically doing something that you love? I'd trade places with him...

I don't have a problem with that part, Bruce annoys me in interviews sucking up to Mike and always talking about how Mike is the genius in the group.

I always viewed it as Bruce being a long-time friend, a supportive bandmate, and an advocate who wanted to give credit to someone who hadn't always received it. After 47 years, Bruce doesn't have to suck up to Mike.

That being said, I can understand how you would feel the way you do. I felt that way a lot of times during the 50th Anniversary tour, specifically where Brian was concerned. Brian would mutter something like, "It's Wednesday today, isn't it..." And, then the guys (except for Mike) would break out into this belly laughing. Hahaha. And Al would say something like, "You're so great, Brian. Did you hear Brian, he said 'It's Wednesday, isn't it'. He's so great" And then Bruce would add something like, "That's so Brian. Genius."  And Brian would be sitting there with this look on his face, like "What was so great about that"?

I agree about him being Mike's friend, it's just the degree of his praise of Mike that I don't like, Bruce seems to put himself and talents down at this point. I mean rerecording a song from BB85, man lacks courage for new song writing. Those interviews with fake laughing at Brian were the worst in the 1970s.

[Dave in KC]

OK. I've told this story before, but it was on the Male Ego board. Time for a re-tell.
Back in the 90's, the Beach Boys did Sonic commercials. They were recorded here in Kansas City. In the Summer after Carl's death I was watching a newscast. The anchor said, "The Beach Boys were back in town today to do a new Sonic commercial". The video cut to Mike and Bruce walking into a mid-town recording studio. I knew at that extremely early date that big changes had been made. The rest is history, but I was following along right out of the starting gate. None of what's gone down since is a surpise to me at all. Even Bruce changing his mind about watching the reunion show from the 5th row center. Bruce is nobody's lackey. Far from it. He loves his job. In fact it's not even a job to him. He gets paid for his hobby. It is far, far easier(no hassles or awkward interviews) the Mike and Bruce way for him compared to what took place last summer.
By the way, Patti Page died today.

[gfac22]

That being said, I can understand how you would feel the way you do. I felt that way a lot of times during the 50th Anniversary tour, specifically where Brian was concerned. Brian would mutter something like, "It's Wednesday today, isn't it..." And, then the guys (except for Mike) would break out into this belly laughing. Hahaha. And Al would say something like, "You're so great, Brian. Did you hear Brian, he said 'It's Wednesday, isn't it'. He's so great" And then Bruce would add something like, "That's so Brian. Genius."  And Brian would be sitting there with this look on his face, like "What was so great about that"?

You just summed up every interview the group did for the tour.

[NHC]

By the way, what did happen to the re-launched Ego Board?  i went onto it once when it came back up in 2007 (?), immediately got into a hassle with some low-life foul mouthed name caller, and never went back.

[KittyKat]

By the way, what did happen to the re-launched Ego Board?  i went onto it once when it came back up in 2007 (?), immediately got into a hassle with some low-life foul mouthed name caller, and never went back.

I lurked on that board over the years and it was pretty out there, yet is sometimes contained good information and had legit people posting on it. Bruce Johnston even dropped in a couple of times, or someone saying they were Bruce. It had absolutely no registration process and anyone could post anything under any posting handle. I'm sure either the people running it just got bored with it, didn't want to spend the money, or if it was one of the free message board services, the company went out of business and the people who started it didn't bother looking for a new location.

[Eric Aniversario]

I remember that I posted there as "Friendly", and one day someone posted as "Eric A.", letting the board know that the setlist archive had just been updated.  I let them know that I was Eric Aniversario and that I thought it was weird they were posting as me, and they played it like I was lying.  That's why I decided to post here under my real name...

[bgas]

I remember that I posted there as "Friendly", and one day someone posted as "Eric A.", letting the board know that the setlist archive had just been updated.  I let them know that I was Eric Aniversario and that I thought it was weird they were posting as me, and they played it like I was lying.  That's why I decided to post here under my real name...

Yeah, but how do we know you're really you and not some "Friendly "guy posing as you who has borrowed your picture?

[Jaco]

I believe Bruce role as musician is very limited on stage. He's more like a chearleader/crowd pleaser/keep the party going entertainer, and okay, he does a good job with that.

He really is a well trained keyboard player, he knows great styles from the american songbook like Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Gershwin etc, and probably many serious jazz or classical music as well. Very little of this is shown on stage.

I believe he really likes the deep cuts  from Pet Sounds , SMiLE and Sunflower. But he's not in a band that focusses on that type of music, although he's part of the F#%ckn Beach Boys. It's  the curse of succes of songs like Barbara Ann and Kokomo, you have to play them night after night. So he's pretending party while doing business. [In an interview once he said he would eagerly swap some of the songs with songs by the Beatles.]

If the band would just play things they like themselves as good pieces of music, they would become real musicians again.

[KittyKat]

Why do I get the feeling Bruce may have been bullied as a child? Between his sometimes-fussy attitude, the fact that he's so short/small, and his cutesy features (he was almost pretty-ish as a young guy), and add in the possibility he was rockin' short pants all the time as a youngster ala Little Lord Fauntleroy, and you can see why he might have a wee chip on his shoulder as an adult.